What is digital licensing? Relevant to full permanent music downloads; digital licensing is mechanical licensing or synchronization licensing that is obtained through the HFA (Harry Fox Agency). Digital licensing, relevant to mechanical licensing, basically covers permanent downloads (DPD’s) or mechanical reproduction of a recording in multiple copies. Digital licensing of recording rights for many music publishers can be obtained through HFA.

Whether intended for commercial purposes or not, digital licensing is required through the Harry Fox Agency or through direct contact of the copyright owner. Digital licensing (mechanical licensing or synchronization licensing) is required by U.S. Copyright Law when you are creating copies of a song in which you are not the original author. This also applies in the case of simply making copies regardless if you plan to sell copies or not.

Additionally, digital licensing is required to authorize manufacturing and distribution of cassette tapes, compact discs and records for copyrighted music.

In order to obtain digital licensing, one must have relevant information prior to contacting digital licensing organization for a mechanical license:

• Composition Title of which you’d like to record
• Licensee name, address, phone and fax number (E.g., record label, independent recording artist, etc.)
• Performing artist(s) name
• Recorded Play Time (in minutes and seconds)
• Type of album to be released (E.g., cassettes, compact discs, etc.)
• Number of albums to be manufactured

Furthermore, digital licensing may include synchronization licenses whereby authorization is granted for the use of a specific copyrighted musical composition in combination with visual imagery (E.g., computer programs, films, television, and videos).

If you would like to submit your story or article about digital licensing to Media Positive Radio, feel free to do so today.