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You are a composer or songwriter and want to earn money with your music? This is what AKM and austro mechana are here for.
Good to know: facts about online usage
The use of creative works in digital networks (e.g. internet) is subject to copyright. Below you find answers to frequently asked questions. Don’t hesitate to contact us for personal consultation.
Digital networks (e.g. internet, mobile) are a great way to consume music. Music is either offered for exclusive listening (streaming) or for download and storage on a PC or other device (download), it can either be an interactive or non-interactive offer, the offer to the consumer can be against payment (e.g. per download, per stream, based on subscription, etc.) or for free.
Examples for the numerous options of online usage of music are music download shops, ringtones for mobile phones, audio/video on demand, webradio, podcasts, websites with background music and many more.
Transfer of a data file via a network (e.g. internet, mobile phone network) from another PC, a server, a website on another PC, etc to a local PC or other device (e.g. mobile phone) and storage of this file on the local PC or device. Typically the file can only be consumed once the transfer of the file is completed. A combination with streaming is possible.
Transfer of a data file in a continuous data stream via a network (e.g. internet, mobile phone network) from another PC, a server, a website on another PC, etc. to a local PC or other device (e.g. mobile phone), while consuming the file during transmission in real time. Typically, the data file is not stored on the local PC or device. A combination with downloading is possible.
Music does not simply exist. It was created – by composers and songwriters. The result of this work is the intellectual property of the authors. They are entitled to fair remuneration for the use of their music in digital networks, for example on a website, as per copyright law. AKM and austro mechana collect these royalties and distribute them to the creators.
Every piece of music and every music recording is protected by copyright law until the term of copyright ends. Musical works are protected 70 years after the death of all participating authors. Music recordings (CD, MP3, etc) are protected up to 70 years after their release in Austria. Practice has shown that virtually only protected musical works and recordings are used online.
Yes. The purchase of music entitles you to private use only. The author is entitled to royalties if his music is used on the internet, these royalties are not included in the purchase of a sound storage medium or music file.
Yes. Even if music is provided for listening purposes “only” it is considered online usage and requires you to obtain a licence from AKM and austro mechana.
Even if you provide music for free you will need to obtain a licence from AKM and austro mechana.
Even if you offer only snippets of songs on a website it is necessary to obtain a licence from AKM and austro mechana.
Yes. You only paid for the recording studio to produce the recording. However, the authors are entitled to royalties for the use of their music on your website, these are not covered with your payment. It is necessary to register with AKM.
As a member of AKM and austro mechana you are entitled to present your own works in full length on your own website without paying a licence fee, as long as the rights of third parties (e.g. music publisher) are not affected. If your works have been released you need the approval of your record label. In order to obtain such a royalty-free license for non-commercial uses, please contact the AKM New Media department.
Assuming that the titles are from the label’s own repertoire, free sound clips lasting up to 45 seconds can be presented on the label’s website for streaming purposes without the need to obtain a licence from AKM and austro mechana. Please contact us if you intend to offer longer sound clips.
No. The licence agreement covers only the performing rights for which the contract has been concluded. Websites with music are not included in the licence agreement for outlets, it is necessary to obtain a separate licence for online usage with AKM.