► What is a post-synchronization licence?
A post-synchronization licence covers the reproduction of a musical work contained in audiovisual content when copies of that audiovisual content are made. After a musical work is licensed and included in audiovisual content (such a film, television program, commercial, or user-generated content), then whenever copies of that audiovisual content are made it necessarily involves reproduction of contained musical work. That type of reproduction may require a post-synchronization licence, depending on the terms of the synchronization licence for the underlying musical work. For more information on post-synchronization licensing, please contact us.
► What is Synchronization licensing?
Synchronization licensing is a term derived from the “synchronization of music with visual or other elements.” The inclusion of a copyrighted musical work in a film, television program or commercial requires the publisher’s permission, and this is granted in the form of a synchronization license. Each synchronization license is individually negotiated between the user and the music publisher. Although mechanical and synchronization licensing differ in several ways, they are both instances of the exercise of the reproduction right by the music publisher. Such permission must be obtained in advance of the manufacture of sound carriers or the exhibition of a film or other program incorporating copyrighted music. For further information on synchronization licensing, please contact the publisher(s) of the song you are using.
► How do I obtain a synchronization licence?
CMRRA no longer provides synchronization licensing services (as of September 2012). To obtain a synchronization licence, you'll need to directly contact the music publisher or copyright owner of the song(s) you wish to use. For more information, please see CMRRA’s Affiliated Publishers list or search our Repertoire.
