🛡️ COPYRIGHT & RIGHTS GUIDE
Clear rules for music, AI, uploads, and protecting your work.
✅ What You Own Automatically
- Copyright applies the moment you create original work — no registration, fees, or symbols needed in the UK
- Covers: Lyrics, melody, composition, recordings, artwork, videos, and AI‑generated work you direct
- Protection lasts: Your lifetime + 70 years after you pass
- You control who can copy, share, adapt, or sell your work
🤖 AI Music & Visual Work
- You hold rights to work you create using tools like Suno, Udio, or image generators — provided you follow the tool’s terms
- Keep proof: Save prompts, drafts, and dated files to show you directed the creation
- Do not copy or mimic existing copyrighted work directly — your work must be original
- Check each tool’s licence — most allow you to use your output commercially
📺 YouTube vs YouTube Music
- YouTube (Main Site/App): Open platform — anyone can upload their own work directly. Copyright rules still apply.
- YouTube Music: Licensed streaming service — content is added only via official distribution partners or labels. You cannot upload directly.
- Example: Your tracks can appear on your own YouTube channel, but will not show up in YouTube Music until sent through a proper distributor.
- Both platforms enforce copyright — uploads must be your own or fully licensed.
🎤 Samples, Covers & Permissions
- Covers: You need permission from the copyright holder to release or distribute someone else’s song
- Samples: Any snippet of existing music, sound, or voice — even 1 second — needs written clearance
- Credit alone is not enough: Naming the creator does not replace permission or ownership
- Royalty‑free: Only use samples you created yourself or have full rights to use
📤 Upload & Distribution Rights
- Only upload or share work you created or have full written permission to use
- Distribution to streaming services requires rights confirmation — platforms will remove unauthorised content
- Always keep records of licences, permissions, and agreements
💡 Protect Your Creations
- 📁 Save dated copies: Email files to yourself, keep version history
- 📝 Note collaborators: Agree ownership shares clearly before release
- 🔒 Use low‑resolution previews for sharing — keep masters secure
- 📜 For partnerships: Put agreements in writing to avoid disputes
⚠️ Common Copyright Myths
- ❌ “If I don’t make money, it’s okay to copy” — no, copyright applies regardless of profit
- ❌ “If it’s online it’s free to use” — no, you still need permission
- ❌ “Changing it a little makes it mine” — no, it remains derivative work
- ❌ “No copyright mark means it’s unprotected” — no, rights exist automatically