Copyright & Licensing

By federal law, we cannot replicate or duplicate copyrighted material without proper clearances — no exceptions. That’s why every order includes an IPR Form (Intellectual Property Rights) where you’ll confirm the rights to your project. If your project includes cover songs, samples, or multiple artists, here’s what you’ll need.

Cover Songs

A cover song is any song written by someone other than yourself. To manufacture copies of a cover song, you must obtain a mechanical license — the legal permission to reproduce a copyrighted composition — and provide proof of licensing with your order.

The easiest way to get one is through Easy Song Licensing, which handles the entire process for most titles in 1–2 business days. If you can’t find your title there, contact the song’s publisher or performing rights society directly.

Important: License for at least 10% more than your order quantity. Manufacturing runs routinely produce overruns, and every disc must be licensed — ordering 500? License 550.

Samples

If your master includes sampling of any length — music, movies, TV shows, commercials, or video clips — you must purchase a master use license from the copyright owner and include proof of that purchase when you submit your project. The copyright owner will likely ask how many discs you’re producing and where they’ll be distributed.

Compilations

A compilation is a collection of tracks performed by different artists, which means multiple rights holders on one recording. Each artist must complete and sign an Audio Replication Agreement granting permission to manufacture. If any of the tracks are cover songs, mechanical licensing is also required for those.

“But I’m giving them away for free”

Doesn’t matter — under U.S. copyright law, a mechanical license is required whenever you manufacture and distribute copies of a song you didn’t write, whether or not you’re selling them.

Public Domain

Works in the public domain are free for anyone to use — no license required. As of 2026, musical works published before 1931 are in the public domain, and a new year of works enters every January 1st. Be careful, though: a public domain composition (like a traditional hymn) can still have copyrighted arrangements and recordings. When in doubt, verify before you submit.

What if there’s a licensing issue with my order?

Your project won’t necessarily be canceled — but it will be delayed. We’ll explain the issue and what’s needed to bring your project into compliance. If the required materials can’t be provided, your master will be returned and your order canceled, with charges applying for any work completed up to that point.

Questions? Give us a call at 1-888-GROOVE-8 — we’re happy to point you in the right direction.
(Please note: we’re manufacturers, not lawyers — for legal advice about your specific situation, consult an attorney.)