Definition[]
In connection with music, mechanical rights[1] (also called mechanical reproduction) are the rights to make and distribute a physical recording of the music,[2] such as on a CD. This is a right that originally resides with the songwriter composer at the moment of creation but, it is typically assigned to a music publisher.
Overview[]
This right is subject to a statutory compulsory license that permits anyone else to record the work provided the statutory royalty is paid.[3] The Harry Fox Agency represents more than 20,000 American music publishers in the licensing of mechanical rights.
References[]
- ↑ The term "mechanical" derives from the original means for reproduction which were mechanical rather than the electrical or electronic means prevalent today.
- ↑ These rights are provided in 17 U.S.C. §§106(1) and (3).
- ↑ 17 U.S.C. §115.