As a filmmaker who wants to use Led Zeppelin songs in your short film, there are certain steps you need to follow to ensure that you do not infringe on any copyrights. Here’s what you need to do:
- Determine who owns the copyright: Before you can use any Led Zeppelin songs, you need to find out who owns the copyright. Led Zeppelin’s music is owned by their record label, Warner Music Group. However, the publishing rights are owned by various companies, including Warner/Chappell Music.
Source: Warner Music Group
- Obtain a synchronization license: A synchronization license is required when you want to use a copyrighted song in a film. You need to obtain a synchronization license from the copyright owner, which in this case is Warner Music Group. This license will give you the right to synchronize the music with your film.
Source: Copyright Law of the United States
- Negotiate the terms of the license: Once you have obtained a synchronization license, you need to negotiate the terms of the license. This will include details such as the duration of the license, the territories in which the license is valid, and the amount of money that you will need to pay for the license.
Source: American Bar Association
- Pay the licensing fee: Once you have negotiated the terms of the license, you will need to pay the licensing fee. The fee will depend on a variety of factors, including the popularity of the song and the duration of the license.
Source: Intellectual Property Office
- Obtain clearance for any additional rights: If you plan to use the song in any other ways, such as on a soundtrack or in promotional materials, you will need to obtain clearance for these additional rights.
Source: Entertainment Law Initiative
In summary, if you want to use Led Zeppelin songs in your short film, you will need to obtain a synchronization license from Warner Music Group, negotiate the terms of the license, pay the licensing fee, and obtain clearance for any additional rights. Following these steps will ensure that you do not infringe on any copyrights and that you are able to use the songs legally in your film.
