Songwriters Copyright and Music Publishing 3

Question 1

A sync license is required when a song is used in what?

Accepted Answer

A film, TV show, ad, or video game

Answer

Synchronization licenses cover pairing a composition with visual media like film, TV, ads, or games.

Question 2

To use an existing master recording in a film, you also need which license besides a sync license?

Accepted Answer

A master use license

Answer

A master use license from the sound recording owner is required alongside the sync license for the composition.

Question 3

What is a 'work made for hire' in a music context?

Accepted Answer

A work where the commissioning party is the legal author and copyright owner

Answer

Under work-made-for-hire, the hiring party is considered the author and owns the copyright, not the creator.

Question 4

How long does copyright last for a work created by an individual after 1978 in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

The life of the author plus 70 years

Answer

For works created by individuals after 1977, copyright lasts the author's life plus 70 years.

Question 5

What does the termination right (35-year rule) let songwriters do?

Accepted Answer

Reclaim copyrights they transferred after a set period

Answer

U.S. law lets authors terminate a copyright grant and reclaim their rights roughly 35 years after the transfer.

Songwriters Practice Test