Intellectual property rights and licensing
For every order we ask the client to fill out an Intellectual Property Rights form, which basically states that the customer owns the rights to reproduce all the materials on the CD or DVD. The materials includes music, video clips and software. Every customer is required to fill out this form for every job that we produce, without it the job will be on hold.
Sampling and other third party materials
If your content contains materials that you do not own, you need to obtain the appropriate license for legally be using it. If you are recording a cover of someone else’s song, then you are required to obtain the Mechanical license in order to legally reproduce it. If your content contains an existing recording, you need to purchase a Master Use Licensing from the record label or the rights owner.
If your content contains third-party software such as Quicktime, Window Media Player, check their website for special licensing agreement for distribution. Even though they are free software for download, a distribution license maybe required to put it on a disc.
Do I need a license if the products are not for sale?
Many clients wonder if can use other people’s material if they are not for sale or for private use only. The answer is no, you need permission to use licensed materials even if it’s not for sale.
