What are synchronization rights?
Synchronization rights are the rights to use a An original musical composition with or without lyrics. in an audiovisual work, for example, a movie, TV program, video game, or website. This could be by recording the musical work specifically for that use or by using a pre-existing Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law. of a musical work.
If a pre-existing sound recording is being used, then The rights to the ownership of, and all other rights in, a sound recording. will also be applicable when it is used with A form of communication incorporating moving images and sound, such as films, TV, and video games.. See our page on Master Rights to learn more.
Synchronization rights include the right of Any form of modification or alteration of a musical work or sound recording to create a new musical work or sound recording of a musical work into an audiovisual work. They may involve other rights typically transferred to the producer of the audiovisual work, which are part of 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..
You can delve further into this on our pages on Rights in Musical Works and Rights in Performances and Sound Recordings.
Who has the synchronization rights?
Synchronization rights are owned and Also sometimes referred to as shares, the portion of ownership a rights holder has or the portion of income they are entitled to. between the A person who makes an original contribution to the creation of a musical composition or lyrics. of the musical work. Songwriters may also share their synchronization right split with their A company that represents songwriters, supporting their career development, monetizing musical works, and protecting copyrights. .
When a pre-existing sound recording is incorporated into an audiovisual work, performers and owners of sound recordings, such as A company that invests in, manufactures, distributes, promotes, and monetizes sound recordings on behalf of the artist., Artists that release their music without the support of a record label. and independent Sometimes called a studio producer or record producer, a person who typically helps a recording artist record a musical work. They are usually responsible for the entire recording process., also have rights.
Visit our pages on Songwriter Splits, Sound Recording Splits, Music Publishers, and Getting Credited and Paid to learn more.
Image credit: Martin Fabricius Rasmussen