Please note that the following information is not legally binding. If you want legally binding information, please consult a collecting society or a law firm specializing in music copyrights, such as the law firm “music & law” (http://www.musicandlaw.com/home_eng.htm)

 

Cover vs. edited version

The difference between a cover and an edited version is crucial for mechanical royalties and exploitation of rights. For a cover version, the composition and lyrics remain almost the same. It can qualify as an edit, if the song has been transposed to a different pitch, or if different instruments are being used.

 

As soon as more than a few notes are changed, e.g. if you add or change lyrics and/or melody, it definitely qualifies as an edit. If you are not sure if your song is a cover or an edited version, please contact your collecting society (GEMA, AKM, etc.)

 

Do I need permission for a cover or an edited version?

For cover versions, please refer to 1.1 - Which songs am I allowed to upload according to copyright law?. If you want to publish a cover version of a song, whose originator died less than 70 years ago, you need permission of the collecting society (GEMA, AKM, …). The collecting society forwards license fees to the current rightsholder. This does not apply to revenues (downloads and streams) in the US and Mexico. For these markets it is mandatory to inform the rightsholders of the original version (either composer, songwriter or publisher).

 

For an edited version you ALWAYS need the permission of the rightsholders (composer and songwriter or publisher). We strongly recommend that you get the permission of the rightsholders for both, cover and edited version, in order to avoid possible difficulties and lawsuits.

 

Example:

John records a cover of “We will rock you” from Queen on the piano. His friend Tommy sings. Melody and lyrics remain unchanged.

 

Original rights „We will rock you”                      è                 Rights for cover version

-        Interpret: Queen                                             è                 -     Interpret: John feat. Tommy

-        Author: Freddy Mercury                                è                 -     Author: Freddy Mercury

-        Composer: Freddy Mercury                          è                 -     Composer: Freddy Mercury

-        Label: EMI                                                         è                 -     Label: John

-        Publisher: EMI                                                  è                 -     Publisher: EMI

 

 

Related Topics

General information about digital music distribution