Licence
Also known as: licencelicenselicence agreement
Permission to use a work or recording in a defined way, to a defined extent and for a defined period.
Through a licence, the author or recording owner does not transfer rights, they only permit use. A licence for distribution must cover all uses on the platforms (streaming, downloads and possibly content platforms). Distributing someone else's music without a licence infringes rights and is a reason for removal from the platforms.
Not to be confused with
- Exclusive licence – A licence under which the licensor may not grant the same use to anyone else (and usually may not use it that way themselves).
- Non-exclusive licence – A licence under which the licensor may grant the same use to others too. Typical of cheaper beat leases.
Laws and regulations
Related guides
The glossary explains terms in plain language for musicians; it is not legal or tax advice. Always check the current wording of the laws. Czech laws are linked in Czech.