What is Copyright?

Copyright protects creative works and enables composers, literary authors and other creators to be paid for their work. Copyright is the means by which those who create and own works (e.g. music and lyrics) can control who makes use of each work and the circumstances in which it is used, to ensure that the integrity and value of the work is respected. 

Copyright protects original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, sound recordings, films, broadcasts and the typographical arrangement of a published edition (ie how it looks on the page). The legal framework for copyright (one type of intellectual property) is the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 [CDPA] as amended

Every song comprises two copyright works:

- The music itself (a musical work)

- The lyrics/words (a literary work) 

In the UK, copyright in a musical or literary work generally lasts for a period of 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the composer or author dies. A sound recording is generally protected for 50 years from the end of the year in which the recording is made and a typographical edition is generally protected for 25 years from the end of the year of publication. 

Copyright legislation has evolved over the last 500 years to provide a balance between the interests of those who invest skills and intellectual effort, time and money in the creation of works on the one hand and those who want to use and enjoy those works on the other.

(Source: MPA Online)

What is Publishing?

The term derives from the days when sheet music was the main method of reproducing a musical work. From the moment a song is written and a record of that song is made either by a sound recording or in written form, copyright exists in that work and the work can be said to be published.  A writer can choose to self-publish, or assign their rights to a publisher. 

What is a Master Recording?

The master recording is the sound recording of a composition.

What is a Sync Licence?

A Synchronisation licence is the right to use a musical work in conjunction with visual media. E.g. TV advertising, feature films, and documentaries

A licence will need to be obtained in almost all cases where a piece of copyright music is used. We offer a variety of licences which can be found by clicking here.

How much will you charge me to licence a piece of music?

This depends on many factors. If you would like a quote on the use of one of our works, please send in the details via one of our many online licensing forms to our licensing department who will be happy to help discuss your requirements.

I am from a Production Company, does that mean I still need to seek your permission?

If you are a TV production company using music, PRS for Music have several blanket licence schemes, so either check with them or speak to us here, and we can let you know if you’re production is covered by a blanket licence

What is a Blanket Licence?

A Blanket Licence is a licence given to large scale TV channels which allow them to include any commercial music in their productions for a one off fee to PRS for Music. Royalties generated from a Blanket Licence are on a pro-rata basis. 

What is the IPC Scheme?

The IPC scheme is the Independent Production Company scheme and covers programmes that are broadcast  on Channel 4, Channel 5 and S4C.

I will only be speaking the words of the song, do I still need a licence?

Yes. A music copyright is comprised of the lyrics and the music. 

I am a songwriter and would like my songs to feature on the site. How do I go about this?

The songs on our site are all published by Bucks Music and we do not feature songs that we do not publish. If you would like to submit a demo please send links only to jsmith@bucksmusicgroup.co.uk

A song I like by an artist you publish is not featured on the site – does that mean you don’t have the rights?

No. Due to the amount of songs we publish we have not been able to feature all the titles on the site.

If you do have an inquiry about a specific song, please contact us.