All you need to know about Copyright for Synchronization License

A synchronization license is granted by the owner of a copyrighted composition of the song to the music user that allows the music user to release the song in a format of a video. Such a license permitted is called synchronization rights and is also termed as sync right or synch. When music that is written by someone else, is released as a song recorded by a music user in a video format, even if it is a small portion of the song, at that time a person or an entity needs a synchronization license. This article will provide you with the information regarding all that you need to know about copyright for synchronization license.

Videos for which Copyright for Synchronization License is used

Copyright for Synchronization License is commonly used for the videos such as: –

• Cover song videos
• Corporate and commercial videos
• YouTube videos
• Wedding videos.

A music user if releases a YouTube video of a band playing a song, even if used only a small portion of the song, a synchronization license is required. If a DVD is released even then a synchronization license is required.

Copyright for synchronization license is mandatory no matter how a small portion of the song is even used and each song part required a separate synchronization license.

Note- A person does not need a synchronization license for songs that he/she wrote himself/herself or songs that are in the public domain.

A copyright for synchronization license is required if a person is using an original recording that belongs to someone else. The composer shall be paid by the licensee for the right to use the composition.

Why is it necessary to get the copyright for synchronization license?

A copyright for synchronization license is necessary because: –

• When an attempt is made to release a recording of a song, even though it is already published and established by someone else in a format of a video, a person or an entity needs a synchronization license for it, even though if just a small portion of the song is used. Such a license is commonly used for the people who upload videos based on any other origin of the song.
• A copyright for synchronization license is needed if a music user releases a compact disk of someone singing a song or playing something.
• A copyright for synchronization license is required no matter how small portion of the composition is used. For a medley, the each section of a song requires a separate synchronization license.
• Copyright for synchronization license can also be obtained for YouTube, which is useful for the many upcoming artists.

Features of Copyright for Synchronization License

• A copyright for synchronization license is granted by the folder of the copyright of a particular song, allowing the music user to synchronize the music with some kind of video media output.
• The copyright for synchronization is issued to protect the composition.
• The license can be custom negotiated with the holder of the copyright composition directly.
• A copyright for synchronization license provides the paying of royalty to the holder of the copyright composition.

Documents required for Copyright for Synchronization License

The documents that are required for the copyright for synchronization license are mentioned below: –

• Particulars of the business.
• Details regarding the music holder and music users such as name, nationality and address.
• Particulars of the type of music and mode of performing the music.
• Fee payment particulars.
• An acknowledgement slips copy.
• If the author is deceased, No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the legal heirs of the deceased author in favour of the applicant.
• A Power of Attorney duly signed by the applicant, if the application is filed by a Lawyer on behalf of the applicant.

Benefits of Copyright for Synchronization License

Copyright for synchronization license is a legal declaration which conveys the rights that the owner of the copyright composition possesses. Once the license is obtained, the owner will be able to acknowledge the ownership of his work and can allow the music user the composition in the form of a video. We Swarit Advisors helps our clients in Copyright Registration. Therefore, it is important for the music owner to protect his work by registering for copyright for synchronization license. The benefits of Copyright for Synchronization License are as follows: –

• The copyright for synchronization license protects different components of synchronization such as the composition of music, lyrics and other work etc.
• Once the copyright for synchronization license is done the rights existing in a synchronize license can be assigned, reassigned and licensed.
• The holder of the synchronization license can allow the music user to synchronize music with some sort of visual media output.
• The holder of the copyright music can perform the work in the public and can also make some changes in the work etc.
• Once the copyright for synchronization license is done, the music owner has a right to sue a person who has unlawfully used or breached the copyrighted work.
• With the copyright for synchronization license, it would help the work to be noticed by the public that have been performed and would further help in generating high revenue and profits.
• The synchronization license restricts any changes and dissembling of the original work of the owner.

How can one obtain the copyright for Synchronization License?

To obtain the this license, the first step that is involved is to get in touch or contact with the owner of the composition. The person has to contact the maker of the song and ask for the synchronization license. The owner of the music shall issue the license to sync the portion of their music to the video of the applicant by adding some restrictions along with it, that is, for example how to use the song. A hefty sum of money can be charged by the owner for using the song.

Conclusion

The entire process of the copyright for a synchronization license can be done easily. It is an agreement between a user and the owner of the copyrighted composition that allows with permission to release a song in a video format. The cost of the synchronization license depends upon the publisher or the songwriter.

Also, Read: Is it possible to Copyright Artwork in India?