Protecting Music Creators and Ensuring Fair Play
- The South African government along with the various copyright owners, Collective Management Organizations (CMO’s) and/or representatives, actively enforce copyright laws to combat music piracy. Compliance with international conventions protects intellectual property (Music).
- Public music playback requires a legal copyright license.
- Licensing ensures fair compensation for creators and supports the music industry’s sustainability.
The South African Copyright Act 98 of 1978, as amended, governs all aspects of copyright in South Africa. It lays out the rules for what is protected, what it is protected from and how long it is protected for. Acts that infringe on a copyright holders right may lead to raids organized under the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977) for such contraventions. Those in breach may face fines of up to R 5000 and/ or imprisonment of up to 3 years or both, for each act of infringement, over and above civil penalties.
To ensure full compliance with copyright laws as a music user, here are five key actions to consider:
- Obtain Licences: Secure all necessary licences from appropriate copyright holders or their representatives before using any music publicly.
- Understand the Law: Familiarize yourself with local and international copyright laws to
understand your obligations and the rights of creators. - Use Authorized Sources: Always use music from legitimate sources and avoid
unauthorized downloads or streams. - Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of music usage and licence agreements
to prove compliance if questioned. - Regular Updates: Stay updated on changes in copyright laws and renew
licences accordingly to avoid accidental infringement - Introducing copyright compliance policies within your organization
Protecting Music Creators and Ensuring Fair Play
- The South African government along with the various copyright owners, Collective Management
Organizations (CMO’s) and/or representatives, actively enforce copyright laws to combat music
piracy. Compliance with international conventions protects intellectual property (Music). - Public music playback requires a legal copyright license.
- Licensing ensures fair compensation for creators and supports the music industry’s sustainability.
The South African Copyright Act 98 of 1978, as amended, governs all aspects of copyright in South Africa. It lays out the rules for what is protected, what it is protected from and how long it is protected for. Acts that infringe on a copyright holders right may lead to raids organized under the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977) for such contraventions. Those in breach may face fines of up to R 5000 and/ or imprisonment of up to 3 years or both, for each act of infringement, over and above civil penalties.
To ensure full compliance with copyright laws as a music user, here are five key actions to consider:
- Obtain Licences: Secure all necessary licences from appropriate copyright holders or their
representatives before using any music publicly. - Understand the Law: Familiarize yourself with local and international copyright laws to
understand your obligations and the rights of creators. - Use Authorized Sources: Always use music from legitimate sources and avoid
unauthorized downloads or streams. - Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of music usage and licence agreements
to prove compliance if questioned. - Regular Updates: Stay updated on changes in copyright laws and renew
licences accordingly to avoid accidental infringement - Introducing copyright compliance policies within your organization