Entertainment Law and Music Industry Regulations
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certification in Music Law course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Entertainment Law and Music Industry Regulations Glossary #
Entertainment Law and Music Industry Regulations Glossary
A&R (Artist and Repertoire) #
A&R (Artist and Repertoire)
- A&R is a crucial department within a record label responsible for talent scout… #
A&R executives work closely with artists to help them produce their best work and ensure it aligns with the label's creative vision.
Copyright Law #
Copyright Law
- Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including music, by grant… #
It grants the creator the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, or license their work.
Derivative Work #
Derivative Work
- A derivative work is a new work based on an existing work #
In the music industry, this can include remixes, cover versions, or sampling of a pre-existing song. Permission is typically required from the original copyright holder to create derivative works.
Exclusive Rights #
Exclusive Rights
- Exclusive rights refer to the rights granted to the creator of a work under co… #
These rights include the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, or license the work to others.
Fair Use #
Fair Use
- Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material w… #
Fair use is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Grand Rights #
Grand Rights
- Grand rights refer to the rights required to perform a musical work in a theat… #
These rights are separate from mechanical or public performance rights.
Intellectual Property (IP) #
Intellectual Property (IP)
- Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, lit… #
IP is protected by copyright, trademark, and patent laws.
Jurisdiction #
Jurisdiction
- Jurisdiction refers to the legal authority of a court to hear and decide a cas… #
In entertainment law, jurisdiction can determine where a lawsuit should be filed, based on factors such as where the parties are located or where the alleged infringement occurred.
Licensing #
Licensing
- Licensing refers to the process of granting permission to use a copyrighted wo… #
In the music industry, licenses are often required for uses such as synchronization in film or TV, sampling, or public performances.
Master Recording #
Master Recording
- The master recording is the original recording from which all copies are made #
The owner of the master recording typically holds the rights to reproduce, distribute, and license the recording.
Neighboring Rights #
Neighboring Rights
- Neighboring rights refer to the rights of performers and producers of sound re… #
These rights typically include the right to collect royalties from public performances of the recording.
Performance Rights Organization (PRO) #
Performance Rights Organization (PRO)
- PROs are organizations that collect and distribute performance royalties to so… #
PROs monitor performances in venues such as radio, TV, live concerts, and streaming services to ensure proper compensation.
Public Domain #
Public Domain
- Public domain refers to works that are not protected by copyright and are free… #
Works can enter the public domain when the copyright expires, is forfeited, or is not eligible for copyright protection.
Record Label #
Record Label
- A record label is a company that markets, promotes, and distributes music reco… #
Record labels typically sign artists to exclusive recording contracts and provide support for the production and release of their music.
Sampling #
Sampling
- Sampling is the practice of taking a portion of a pre-existing recording and i… #
Sampling often requires permission from the original copyright holder to avoid copyright infringement.
Sound Recording #
Sound Recording
- A sound recording is the fixed capture of a series of musical, spoken, or othe… #
Sound recordings are protected by copyright law, separate from the underlying musical composition.
Synchronization Rights #
Synchronization Rights
- Synchronization rights refer to the rights to synchronize music with visual me… #
These rights are typically licensed by the copyright owner of the musical work.
Talent Agency #
Talent Agency
- A talent agency is a company that represents artists, including musicians, act… #
Talent agencies typically earn a commission on the deals they negotiate.
Trademark #
Trademark
- A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that distinguishes the source… #
Trademarks are protected under intellectual property law and can be registered to provide exclusive rights to the owner.
Work for Hire #
Work for Hire
- Work for hire is a legal term that refers to a work created by an employee or… #
In the music industry, work for hire agreements are common for session musicians or producers hired to create music.