Songwriters Songwriters Copyright and Music Publishing Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What is a mechanical license in the context of music publishing?

Accepted Answer

A license to reproduce and distribute a copyrighted musical composition

Answer

A license to perform a song live on stage

Answer

A license to use a song in a television commercial

Answer

A license to sample another artist's recording

Question 2

Under U.S. copyright law, what is the statutory mechanical royalty rate per song for physical and digital downloads as of recent rates?

Accepted Answer

9.1 cents per copy

Answer

5 cents per copy

Answer

12 cents per copy

Answer

15 cents per copy

Question 3

What does the term 'split sheet' refer to in songwriting?

Accepted Answer

A document that outlines each songwriter's percentage of ownership in a song

Answer

A contract between a publisher and a record label

Answer

A royalty payment schedule issued quarterly

Answer

A form filed with the Copyright Office to register a song

Question 4

Which organization is NOT a performing rights organization (PRO) in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Harry Fox Agency

Answer

ASCAP

Answer

BMI

Answer

SESAC

Question 5

What happens to a songwriter's copyright after they pass away under current U.S. law?

Accepted Answer

It transfers to their heirs or estate for 70 years after death

Answer

It immediately enters the public domain

Answer

It reverts to the music publisher permanently

Answer

It is held by the Library of Congress for 50 years

Question 6

What is a co-publishing deal in the music industry?

Accepted Answer

An agreement where the songwriter and publisher each own a share of the publisher's portion of royalties

Answer

A deal where two record labels jointly release an album

Answer

An arrangement where two songwriters split all income equally

Answer

A contract allowing a song to be published in multiple countries simultaneously