A mechanical license gives the holder permission to create copies of a recorded song which they did not write and/or do not have copyright over. It is an agreement with the copyright holder, the publisher, or the songwriter allowing the holder to reproduce the sound recording. Copyright law also allows for a "compulsory mechanical license" where permission from the original author is not required, however accounting to the original copyright holder and payment of a fixed fee is required. Most mechanical licenses are negotiated through the Harry Fox Agency. A mechanical license can only be used after the original copyright holder has exercised their exclusive right of first publishing, or permission is negotiated.

This license is often used for the purpose of self-promotion; for instance a cellist who played on a recorded song may obtain a mechanical license in order to distribute copies of the song to others as an example of his cello playing. This is also used by recording artists performing cover versions of songs and artists who do not typically write their own songs, as is typical in Country and Pop music. In the United States, this is required by copyright law regardless whether or not the copies are for commercial sale.

A mechanical license is not required for an artist who is recording and distributing their own work, or if the song is in the public domain.

See also

• Copyright
• Compulsory license

Notes