Definition
Copyright infringement happens when someone uses a copyrighted work, such as a recording, melody, or set of lyrics, without the owner's permission and without a valid legal exception. In music this most often means:
- Uploading a song you do not own or control
- Using an uncleared sample of another recording
- Re-recording or interpolating another writer's melody or lyrics without a licence
- Distributing a cover version without the required mechanical licence
Why It Matters for Distribution
Digital stores use content-recognition systems (audio fingerprinting) to detect recordings that match existing copyrighted material. If your release contains infringing content it can be rejected before delivery, taken down after going live, or paused during our Quality Control checks.
How to Avoid Infringement
- Only release music you own or have cleared. If you did not create every element, make sure you have written permission or a licence.
- Clear your samples. Sampling another recording requires permission from both the master owner and the publisher.
- Licence your covers. A cover of someone else's song needs a mechanical licence. See Cover Songs: What Licenses Are Needed?
- Keep your paperwork. If you use a leased or purchased beat, keep the agreement in case rights are ever questioned.
What If Someone Infringes Your Work?
If another person distributes or uses your music without permission, you can report it. See Someone Else Distributed My Music: What Can I Do? and How to File a DMCA Takedown if Someone Steals Your Music.