FAQs & usage terms
How licensing a Universal recording works, and what the words in a quote mean. Anything not covered here, write to umgsync@umusic.com.
Frequently asked questions
How does the licensing process work?
Add the tracks you want to your cart and send it to us with a few details about your project. Your request will be processed by our team and directed to the applicable team member to further assist. You may then be contacted about rights and fees for your specific use.
Once we’ve obtained all necessary consents and the recording use has been approved, we will issue a license and invoice for signature and payment. Please note, payment may be required before a license can be issued.
What is the difference between sound recording and publishing?
A sound recording (or master) is the original recorded performance of a song, while publishing refers to the underlying musical composition, including the music and lyrics.
If you use an existing recording in your project, you will need permission for both the sound recording (what we control) and the publishing rights from the applicable rights holders.
When do I need permission from a music publisher?
Permission from the publisher is required when you are using the composition of a song comprising of the lyrics and/or melody. This includes making your own recording of a song, using lyrics in a project, or utilizing sheet music.
Additionally, if you are using any sound recording in a project, you will need a publishing license as well. These rights are typically controlled by the songwriter or music publisher.
How can I find information about rights holders of a sound recording?
You may conduct preliminary rights research using the song credits on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Locate the ℗ symbol which notes the owner of the sound recording copyright. You may also search for label information on Discogs. You can confirm this information with us when you seek a license.
When would I need a license?
Most all rebroadcasts or reproductions of any kind require a master use and/or synchronization license. There are exceptions, for example: classroom uses for educational purposes, private unlisted YouTube links, non-branded user generated content on social media using a recording selected from the platform music library, and more.
If you are unsure whether your project requires a license, write to us and we will tell you.
What does Most Favored Nations (MFN) mean?
Each recording has two sides: the sound recording and the publishing (the composition). We represent the sound recording and often approve all terms and fees on a most favored nations (MFN) basis with publishing.
This means that whichever side (sound recording or publishing) quotes a higher amount determines the fee for both sides. So if we (the recording) quote $1,000, but publishing quotes you $3,000, then you will have to pay the recording side $3,000 and the publishing $3,000, for a total of $6,000.
Is it possible to request rights for gratis (free) depending on the use?
Licensing rights cannot be granted for gratis (free) use. Each request will minimally incur a nominal administrative fee.
The only circumstance where the music is gratis (free) is when a license is not required.
How do I request a sample clearance?
Write to us with the recording you want to sample and how it will be used.
If the sample includes both the sound recording and the underlying composition, approvals must be obtained from both the master recording owner and the music publisher(s).
What’s the difference between a sample and an interpolation?
A sample uses a portion of an existing sound recording in a new recording. An interpolation recreates or re-records a portion of an existing composition without using the original sound recording.
A sample clearance requires a license for the use of the recording (generally obtained from the label) and the composition (obtained from the publisher or songwriter). An interpolation only requires a license for the use of the composition (obtained from the publisher/songwriter).
Explanation of terms
- All In vs. Per Side
- “All In” means the budget for the sound recording AND publishing (composition) combined, while “Per Side” refers to your budget for each side of the recording (sound recording and publishing).
- Clearance
- The process of obtaining all required permissions to license the use of copyrighted music and/or recordings.
- Master Use License
- The formal agreement issued by the copyright holder of the recording granting the necessary rights to use a recording.
- Media Rights
- Medium in which a project will be exploited (e.g. TV, Film, Internet, Live Stage, etc.).
- Nominal Fee
- A minimal administrative licensing fee charged for our team to generate a licensing agreement.
- Remix
- A new version of an existing recording created by altering, rearranging, or adding to the original audio.
- Sample
- A portion of an existing sound recording incorporated into a new recording.
- Synchronization License
- The formal agreement issued by the copyright holder of the composition granting the necessary rights to use the composition in an audio-visual production.
- Term
- Length of time you intend to distribute your project (e.g. 1 year, 5 years, perpetuity). The term requested will have a direct impact on the license fee quoted. Arrangements can be made for a short initial term with additional terms negotiated as options, thus saving up-front costs.
- Territory
- The territory within which you intend to distribute your project (e.g. a specific city or state, India, India + SAARC, Worldwide). For all internet uses, the territory is Worldwide. The territory requested will have a direct impact on the license fee quoted. Arrangements can be made for limited media up front with additional media negotiated as options, thus saving up-front costs (e.g. an initial license covering only film festivals, with separate options for television and home video).
Ready to license? Send your cart or write to umgsync@umusic.com.