What is an adaptation?
An adaptation is any modification or alteration of a or to create a new musical work or sound recording. In other words, an adaptation is when you create a new based on an existing song.
Remixes, samples, DJ mixes, mash-ups, and translations are all adaptations. Adaptations are , which you can read more about on our Derivative Works page.
But there are other adaptations beyond those described in this topic, for example, a symphonic orchestration of a musical work.
What rights are involved in creating an adaptation?
An adaptation modifies a pre-existing musical work and thus qualifies as a derivative work. Sometimes, an adaptation also involves modifying a pre-existing sound recording. Therefore, the and of the original and and sometimes are applicable. You must get permission from all these to create and release an adaptation.
If the request to create an adaptation is approved, a fee will typically be paid to the original music publisher, and sometimes the , to remunerate their rights holders.
Learn more about the different types of rights in the Rights topic.
Who owns rights in adaptations?
If you adapt a musical work or sound recording, you own the rights in your contributions to the adaptation, while the rights holders of the original musical work or sound recording will continue to own their rights in the original work or recording. Therefore, both the owners of the original musical work or recording and you will own a share of the adaptation. Rights holders of the original musical work or sound recording have to be and will receive a share of any income when the adaptation is used.
If a new sound recording is created with an adapted musical work, you will own a share of the song and receive income based on what you negotiated and agreed with the rights holders of the original musical work.
Image credit: Nils Emil Nylander