Music licensing guides
Plain-English guides to sample clearance, sync, cover and remix licenses, mechanicals, collecting societies, Content ID and sampling law in Germany and the EU.
Collecting Societies Explained: What PROs and CMOs License and What They Don't
What collecting societies like GEMA, PRS, ASCAP and SoundExchange do, which licenses they issue, and what you still need to clear with rights holders.
Cover Song vs Remix vs Sample: What You Need to License
Covers, remixes, samples and interpolations need different licenses. See which rights each uses, why video adds sync, and how US and German law differ.
Exclusive vs Non-Exclusive Music Licenses: What They Mean and When to Use Each
The difference between exclusive and non-exclusive music licenses, how scope works, when exclusivity makes sense, and why co-owned songs need extra care.
How to Clear a Sample, Step by Step
Learn how to clear a sample: identify the master and composition owners, send a clear request, understand common deal structures, and avoid takedowns.
Master Rights vs. Publishing Rights Explained
Master rights cover a sound recording; publishing rights cover the song. Learn who owns each, which licenses apply, and how ISRC and ISWC codes differ.
Mechanical License Explained
A mechanical license lets you reproduce a song in audio form. Learn how it works in the US under Section 115 and the MLC, the 2026 rate, and GEMA and MCPS.
Sampling Law in Germany and the EU: Pelham, Pastiche and What Producers Need to Know
How sampling law works in Germany and the EU after Pelham: when a sample needs consent, what the pastiche exception covers, and how the US differs.
What Is a Master Use License?
A master use license lets you use an existing sound recording in a sample, film, ad or compilation. See who grants it and which terms to expect.
What Is a Sync License?
A sync license lets you pair a song with video. Learn who grants it, why you also need a master use license, what gets negotiated and what drives cost.
YouTube Content ID and Licensed Music: Why Claims Happen and How to Clear Them
Why licensed music still gets Content ID claims on YouTube, how to dispute with a license, how allowlisting works, and how claims differ from strikes.
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How a Music Rights Marketplace Works
Clearhly is a music rights marketplace: verified rights holders list masters and publishing, licensees request, negotiate, e-sign and pay in one place.
Sample Clearance
Get your sample cleared before release: request a license from master and publishing owners, negotiate, e-sign and pay on Clearhly, now in private beta.
Sync Licensing
How sync licensing works for film, TV, ads and games: the two licenses you need, who grants them and what drives the fee. Request one on Clearhly.
Cover Song License
How to get a cover song license: mechanical licenses for audio, sync for video, permission for new lyrics or arrangements. Request licenses on Clearhly.
Remix License
How to get a remix license: why you need the master and composition owners, official vs unofficial remixes, and what drives the deal. Ask on Clearhly.
Cover Mashup License
Two cover licenses don't let you release a mashup of covers. Combining songs creates a derivative work, so you need permission from the publishers of every song, and the labels too if you use original recordings.