What is a mechanical license? A mechanical license grants permission to individuals who do not hold copyright over original works to make copies of recorded songs.

In instances of mechanical license, the copyright owner or songwriter permits other persons to reproduce a sound recording(s). A good example of why an individual may wish to obtain a mechanical license is if he or she participated as a musician in the sound recording itself, and wished to demonstrate his or her skills for promotional purposes. In this case, and regardless of cases where persons wish to sell or simply possess a copy (or copies), a mechanical license is required by US Copyright Law.

If you are recording and/or distributing a song which you wrote yourself, a mechanical license if not necessary. Mechanical licensing, basically covers permanent downloads (DPD’s) or mechanical reproduction of a recording in multiple copies. Mechanical licensing of recording rights for many music publishers can be obtained through HFA.

Additionally, a mechanical license is required to authorize manufacturing and distribution of cassette tapes, compact discs and records for copyrighted music.

In order to obtain a mechanical license, one must have relevant information prior to contacting HFA or copyright office:

• 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

We hope that this explanation provides sufficient information about mechanical licensing, however, if you would like to contribute your own article or story about this particular topic, feel free to do so at Media Positive Radio today.