Thank you for signing the petition to modernize copyright law and support a compulsory licensing system for transformative sampling. Your voice matters, and we’re grateful for your commitment to fostering creativity and fairness in music.
How Could the Licensing System Work?
Transformative sampling can follow a model similar to cover song licensing. Here’s a quick summary:
1. Define Transformative Sampling: Set clear criteria for originality, like changes in structure.
2. Submit Notice of Intent: Artists notify a centralized licensing body with details of their intended use.
3. Pay a Statutory Fee: Standardized royalty rates ensure fair compensation, scaled by sample length and prominence.
4. Track and Report Usage: Artists report sales and streams, ensuring accurate royalty distribution.
5. Centralized Management: A licensing body collects and distributes royalties to rights holders.
6. Resolve Disputes: A mechanism addresses conflicts over sample qualifications and usage.
This system simplifies sampling, protects copyright holders, and encourages creativity.
Who Could Manage It?
We envision organizations like the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) and/or SoundExchange taking the lead:
• MLC: Already manages digital mechanical licenses with a centralized tracking system, making it well-suited for sampling.
• SoundExchange: Expert in distributing digital performance royalties, with the flexibility to oversee sampling licenses.
Collaborative Approach
A partnership between the MLC and SoundExchange could handle both mechanical and performance royalties for transformative works. This collaboration would streamline the process, foster innovation, and ensure fair compensation for all.
Help Us Spread the Word!
Please share the petition with your network and encourage others to join the movement.
Best regards,
Kaire ‘KaiChopSki’ Neal
Samurai Sound Entertainment, LLC