Songwriters Copyright and Music Publishing 2

Question 1

A song has two distinct copyrights. What are they?

Accepted Answer

The musical composition and the sound recording

Answer

Every song has a composition copyright (notes/lyrics) and a separate sound recording copyright (the master).

Question 2

Which PRO is a nonprofit owned by its songwriter and publisher members?

Accepted Answer

ASCAP

Answer

ASCAP is a member-owned nonprofit performing rights organization.

Question 3

A mechanical royalty is paid for which use of a song?

Accepted Answer

Reproduction in physical or digital copies

Answer

Mechanical royalties are owed when a composition is reproduced, such as on streams, downloads, CDs, or vinyl.

Question 4

What does a compulsory mechanical license allow someone to do?

Accepted Answer

Record a cover of a previously released song without the writer's permission

Answer

U.S. law lets anyone record and release a cover of a non-dramatic song once it has been released, by paying the statutory rate.

Question 5

Who administers blanket mechanical licenses for streaming in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

The MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective)

Answer

The MLC, created by the Music Modernization Act, issues blanket mechanical licenses and pays writers for digital uses.

Songwriters Practice Test