Synchronization licenses, or “synch licenses,” grant authority for the reproduction of musical compositions in relation to synchronizing with visual images, such as motion pictures or videos. A synchronization license assures that royalties are paid to the right people or appropriate organizations.

Commercial use of audio recordings requires synchronization licenses. Synchronization licenses don’t grant authority to reproduce master recording, however. Re-mastering recordings requires obtaining licenses from owners of master recordings.

Synchronization licenses do not often come free. Proposals for synchronization licenses often require negotiation of fees to publishers. Using songs to accompany visuals will require getting a master recording license from the copyright owner of the sound recording as well as a synchronization license from the publisher, and each is negotiated separately. Master recording license rights always require synchronization license rights.

Other than synchronization licenses and master recording licenses, import licenses are required from the country of origin for recordings made outside national boundaries and digital download (DPD) licenses are required for digital downloads and online on-demand streaming materials. Licensing under Section 115 of the U.S. Copyright Act allows the making and distribution of limited numbers of DPDs.

Synchronization licenses are required before making audio visual recordings. Keep in mind that synchronization licenses do not include rights to use master recordings in association with audio-video production.

A number of companies exist for helping with understanding of and providing synchronization licenses. Several can be found by searching the Internet.

This article provides an overview of synchronization licenses. If you would like to submit an article about synchronization licenses or any other music-related subject, please feel free to do so here at Media Positive Radio.