What are master rights?
Master rights are all rights attached to a Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law. giving control over how that sound recording is used, including the right to To make copies., To deliver sound recordings to DSPs and physical retailers., When a music work or sound recording is communicated to the public in such a way that members of the public may access the work or sound recording from a place and at a time individually chosen by them, such as streaming or downloading, and The presentation of something, usually an artistic work or act, that is accessible to or observable by the public it.
This applies, for example, when sound recordings are streamed, downloaded, or purchased as vinyl records or CDs. It also gives its owner the right to collect Money paid for the right to use a musical work, performance, or sound recording, typically, but not always, in the form of recurring payments. from An organization that acts collectively on behalf of the rights holders it represents and collects and pays remuneration to rights holders. when the sound recording is played on radio, television, webcasting, or in public places such as bars, restaurants, clubs, or shops.
These rights are all part of the The rights to control or receive payment for the commercial exploitation of works, performances, sound recordings, and broadcasts. protected by National laws that protect creators' and other rights holders' moral and economic rights in musical works, performances, and sound recordings..
Explore more on our page on Rights in Performances and Sound Recordings.
Who owns the master rights?
Master rights belong to the person or company that made the sound recording – the owner of the sound recording, sometimes called The person or company taking the responsibility for making a sound recording., who often is the A company that invests in, manufactures, distributes, promotes, and monetizes sound recordings on behalf of the artist. that financed the entire creation process. However, Without a contractual agreement with a record label and or music publisher In the context of music, a solo performer or group of performers who perform a musical work live or recorded. who create their own sound recordings also own their master rights. The legal term for the sound recording owner is the The term under copyright law to describe the owner of a sound recording..
To learn more, visit our pages on Sound Recording Owners.
Image credit: Martin Fabricius Rasmussen