Today we discuss background music licenses for stores. In recent years, the Italian music sector has witnessed significant changes regarding background music licenses. However, the introduction of new collecting societies has led to a delicate balance between the demands of these entities, the protection of authors’ rights, and economic sustainability for users.
Copyright and Related Rights: A Complex Topic
In Italy, when music is broadcast in public, three types of rights must be paid: copyright, related rights (of record producers), and related rights of performers and interpreters (AIE). Every piece of music involves all three types of rights, which are collected by the societies where rightsholders register for representation. Currently, there are nine officially recognized collecting societies in Italy. [Read more here]
The New Scenario of 2022: Challenges in Licensing Background Music for Stores
At the beginning of 2022, several collecting societies representing mainstream artists, authors, and performers sent certified emails to music providers and their clients, covering over 30,000 establishments in the GDO, retail, and horeca sectors. These communications required users to provide a list of tracks being played. If these lists included authors, producers, or musicians registered with the new collecting societies, users were obliged to sign and pay for one or more additional licenses for all their points of sale. [Read this article on DIGITAL DAY]
However, it is almost impossible to select licenses from specific collecting societies, as a single track may involve multiple rightsholders represented by various organizations.
Additionally, a rightsholder can switch between collecting societies without effectively notifying users, causing confusion.
The Complexity of Verifying and Regularizing Repertoires
Collecting societies’ databases are neither aligned nor interconnected, requiring users to conduct multiple checks for every work in their playlists. This process becomes particularly burdensome, as in-store radios often manage extensive repertoires.
Moreover, some collecting societies operate in ways that do not comply with current regulations. For instance, some demand usage data from businesses without contracts or evidence of the repertoire and rights they represent. This creates uncertainty and disruptions in the market, potentially leading to legal disputes.
Finding a Balanced Solution
Given the complexity and challenges of the current system, it is crucial to explore solutions that ensure the efficient management of background music licenses.
First, fostering greater collaboration between collecting societies and users is vital to developing a centralized, interconnected system for managing music rights. This centralized platform should allow users to access a comprehensive, updated database of repertoires from the collecting societies, simplifying the verification and regularization of used tracks. Additionally, an automated notification system should inform users of changes in representation by artists and producers.
In conclusion, the Italian music sector must address the challenges related to background music licenses and seek solutions for efficient, transparent, and sustainable rights management. Collaboration among collecting societies, users, and authorities is essential to establish a balanced system that protects all stakeholders’ interests while promoting a vibrant, thriving music industry in the commercial sector.
Meanwhile, what can end-users in retail outlets and commercial activities do to avoid fines or cumbersome bureaucratic commitments?
Is it truly essential for a retail business to use mainstream music and pay high licensing costs?
The Solution: Fully Licensed Music
In this complex scenario, an innovative solution to simplify and optimize background music license management is MoosBox.
MoosBox is a state-of-the-art digital platform exclusively partnered with one of the leading independent collecting societies, revolutionizing how businesses access and manage background music and in-store radio.
One of the key features of MoosBox is its extensive library of fully licensed music, offering a wide range of tracks spanning various genres and styles. This allows businesses to curate customized playlists that perfectly suit their environment and customer preferences. The music library is constantly updated and managed to ensure that only tracks with the appropriate licenses are included.
Beyond its vast music selection, MoosBox stands out for its user-friendly and intuitive interface. Businesses can access the platform via a web or mobile application and manage their background music easily and efficiently. This includes integration with Sonos, Raspberry decoders, or other technological solutions. Users can browse tracks, create playlists, schedule playback times, and adjust volume with just a few clicks.
Another significant advantage of MoosBox is its focus on legal compliance. The platform ensures that all tracks are authorized and covered by the correct licenses, eliminating legal issues and disputes. MoosBox collaborates closely with one of the leading independent collecting societies and consistently updates information on the licensing status of tracks, offering users peace of mind when using background music legally and ethically.
Additionally, MoosBox provides flexibility in terms of costs and subscription plans. Businesses can select the plan that best suits their needs, paying only for what they actually use. This means that small businesses are not burdened with excessive costs and can benefit from a tailored solution based on their size and usage.
Conclusion: Background Music Licenses for Stores
In conclusion, MoosBox presents itself as a perfect solution to streamline background music license management.
With MoosBox, businesses can create the perfect atmosphere for their commercial spaces while respecting artists’ rights and ensuring efficient license management.
You can read more detailed articles on this topic at RISTORAZIONE MODERNA and INSIDE MARKETING.
