Do All Copyright Owners Have to Sign a License?

For Cover Song Licensing

Short Answer: No.

With our Cover Song Licensing service, we file compulsory mechanical licenses in accordance with United States Copyright Law on your behalf. We file with the composers or publishers, and don't require any return paperwork from the copyright holders as long as we follow all the steps laid out in the law. If you get your license through our Cover Song Licensing service, you can rest easy knowing you have all the legal permission needed to release your audio-only recording.

(If you have questions about whether you qualify for a compulsory mechanical license, review the limitations here)

For Custom Licensing

Short Answer: Yes.

For any use outside of a compulsory mechanical license, direct permission is needed. In any event, you can hire our expert team to contact, negotiate, and execute a licensing agreement with the rights holders through our Custom Licensing service. If an agreement is reached with the rights holders, all parties must give sufficient written permission and sign the license.