What is the difference between usage rights and performance rights for music?

What is the difference between usage rights and performance rights for music?

• A. Usage rights govern how music may be used across contexts and platforms; performance rights cover live or broadcast performances.
• B. Usage rights apply to licensing fees; performance rights apply to distribution only.
• C. Usage rights control recording quality; performance rights control duration.
• D. Usage rights and performance rights are the same.

Answer: (A)

The difference rests in what licensees are allowed to do with the music. Usage rights govern how music may be used across contexts and platforms—such as in a film, TV show, advertisement, online video, video game, or print materials. They specify the kinds of uses, media, duration, and territories you’re permitted to license. Performance rights cover live or public performances of the music, including performances in venues, on radio or TV broadcasts, or on streaming services that count as public performances. These rights are typically managed by performance rights organizations and handle royalties when the song is publicly performed. So, using music in a film or ad falls under usage rights (often a synchronization or licensing deal), while performing or broadcasting the song publicly falls under performance rights.

The difference rests in what licensees are allowed to do with the music. Usage rights govern how music may be used across contexts and platforms—such as in a film, TV show, advertisement, online video, video game, or print materials. They specify the kinds of uses, media, duration, and territories you’re permitted to license.

Performance rights cover live or public performances of the music, including performances in venues, on radio or TV broadcasts, or on streaming services that count as public performances. These rights are typically managed by performance rights organizations and handle royalties when the song is publicly performed.

So, using music in a film or ad falls under usage rights (often a synchronization or licensing deal), while performing or broadcasting the song publicly falls under performance rights.