The Copyright Issue

All commercially recorded music is controlled by Copyright Law and the use of this music without permission infringes copyright and is a criminal offence.

To seek clearance on this music can be expensive and time consuming. The media producer will need to approach the owner of the composition and the sound recording.

We own the copyright to all the compositions and sound recordings found in our library.
Therefore we are in a position to grant you a licence to use the music on your productions.

On each purchase you will also receive a lifetime licence allowing you to dub the music onto your productions. As part of the licence you will also be able to make as many copies of your production, without paying any further fees.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What exactly am I purchasing from AKM Music?
On buying a CD from our library you have purchased a licence granting you the right to use the music from that CD on your productions. You will have no MCPS fees to pay, or what is described as 'mechanicals'. This covers the sound recording and the placing of the recording directly onto your production.As part of the purchase price of the CD or track AKM are giving permission for you to use our music onto your production as many times as you like . You can modify the track by shortening or extending. After paying the purchase price there are no further fees to pay when placing our music onto your soundtrack.

This covers commercial use and broadcast.

Does the licence expire?
No, there are no renewal fees, the licence is for lifetime.

Can I make multiple copies of my production with your music?
Yes, there are no restrictions on the number of copies.

What territories does the licence cover?
Worldwide.

What's the situation regarding the broadcasting of your music on a production?
Some of our composers are PRS [ Performing Rights Society ] members which means when a programme using their music from our library is broadcast on TV/ Radio they should receive a payment from PRS after the transmission of the programme. PRS collect money on behalf of composers from broadcasters to cover the performance of music on their channels. As a producer of a programme it is important to understand that you will not be paying any further fees as it is the responsibility of the broadcaster to pay these fees to PRS. We have granted you the dubbing rights covered by the price of the CD and so the only thing we ask is that if your programme is broadcast please send the broadcaster the following details to ensure the right composers receive the correct royalty:

1. The track title of the music
2. The composer's name : this can be found on our cds
3. The duration of music used

This information forms part of a cue sheet, a example of which can be downloaded here. This information is passed onto the broadcaster with your programme.

IT IS IMPORTANT that a copy of these details be sent to us at info@akmmusic.co.uk

Music On Hold / Retailers
For music on hold applications we have a number of CDs that can be used in this capacity without having to pay any further fees. These CDs are PPL and PRS exempt. For details and listings of which CDs can be used in this way please contact us at info@akmmusic.co.uk

Can I lend or sell the CD to someone else?
No. Only the original purchaser of the licence can use the music. This right is non transferable.

Do I have to credit AKM on my production?
No, but it would be appreciated.