Blanket license

Definition

A blanket license is a type of music license that allows the licensee to use an entire catalog of music from a specific publisher or performing rights organization without needing to negotiate individual licenses for each song. This type of license is often used by venues, radio stations, and streaming services to simplify the process of obtaining the rights to perform or distribute multiple songs at once. It provides a straightforward way for organizations to ensure they are legally covered when playing music in public or distributing it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A blanket license typically covers all songs from a particular music publisher or performing rights organization, making it easier for users to comply with copyright laws.
2. Venues like bars and restaurants commonly obtain blanket licenses to play music without having to worry about individual song permissions.
3. Blanket licenses are often offered on an annual basis, requiring licensees to pay a flat fee that allows for unlimited use of the music during that time.
4. Performing rights organizations like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC are key providers of blanket licenses, helping to facilitate the licensing process for both creators and users.
5. While blanket licenses simplify music usage, they do not cover synchronization rights; thus, separate agreements must be made for using music in visual media.

Review Questions

• How does a blanket license benefit venues and businesses that use music in their operations?
  • A blanket license benefits venues and businesses by allowing them to play an entire catalog of music without needing to negotiate individual licenses for each song. This greatly simplifies the process of obtaining legal rights to use music, reducing administrative burdens and potential legal issues. It ensures that they can provide a lively atmosphere with various music options while being compliant with copyright laws.
• Compare and contrast a blanket license with other types of music licenses like mechanical and synchronization licenses.
  • A blanket license differs from mechanical and synchronization licenses in terms of scope and usage. While a blanket license allows for the performance or distribution of an entire catalog of songs from a publisher or performing rights organization, a mechanical license is specifically for reproducing a single song in physical or digital formats. A synchronization license, on the other hand, is needed when integrating music with visual media. Each type serves distinct purposes based on how the music is utilized.
• Evaluate the implications of blanket licensing on both songwriters and users of music. How does this affect the overall music industry?
  • Blanket licensing has significant implications for both songwriters and users. For songwriters, it provides a steady stream of royalties as their music is played across various platforms and venues. For users, it simplifies the process of accessing a wide range of music without the hassle of individual negotiations. This system promotes wider exposure and usage of songs, which can enhance a songwriter's reach and marketability. However, it may also dilute the income per performance for artists since payments are often distributed based on usage metrics rather than direct agreements for specific songs.

Related terms

Performance Rights Organization: Organizations that manage the rights of songwriters and music publishers, collecting royalties on their behalf when their music is publicly performed or broadcast.

Mechanical License: A license that allows someone to reproduce and distribute a specific song in physical formats like CDs or vinyl, or digital formats like downloads.

Synchronization License: A license that grants permission to use a piece of music in combination with visual media, such as films, TV shows, or advertisements.