FAQ
AVLA Frequently Asked Questions
General Licensing Questions
Q: I'm looking to put songs on my website, is
there an AVLA licence for that?
A: If you are already an AVLA licensee then you
may use up to 30 seconds of sound recordings on your website to
promote your service. To stream full songs on your website requires
the AVLA Non-interactive Webcasting
Licence
Q: What type of licence is required if I want
to do podcasts?
A: Currently, AVLA only has the Non-interactive Webcasting
Licence to cover the use of sound recordings streamed from a
website (i.e. Internet radio) To obtain a podcasting licence, you
will need to contact the record labels directly to obtain the
permission and licensing for your use
Q: I want to put together a DVD with songs by major
artists playing in the background, is there an AVLA licence for
that?
A: No, you must contact the record labels
directly to obtain a Synchronization Licence, as AVLA does not have
the mandate to licence for the use of Synchronization
Q: Can I pay my advance fee by a line of credit
or by a payment plan?
A: Advance fees must be paid with a cheque, just like
regular licensing fees. You may pay your security deposit via a
secured lined of credit in AVLA's favour.
Q: Do I need to have a subscriber agreement for
every subscriber, even if it's only a one-time deal?
A: Yes. Anyone who leases music is obligated to sign a
lease agreement that incorporates the provisions of Schedule "B".
This ensures that the copyrights in the sound recordings are
protected.
Q: I want to show a movie in my store or at a
public function, how do I get permission?
A: You may obtain a permit to show movies by contacting
Criterion Pictures at 416-252-4151 or visit www.criterionpic.com
Q: I want to use a sound recording in my film,
how do I get licensing?
A: AVLA does not have the mandate to license this type of
use. If you wish to use music to accompany a scene from a film,
this is called "synchronization". You must contact the record
labels directly for permission to use a sound recording in this
way.
Q: I want to re-record someone else's song to
release and sell to the public, do I need a licence for that?
A: Yes, you will need to contact the CMRRA to
obtain permission from the publisher to record and sell the
music
Q: I want to make 500 copies of my demo CD to
sell at my shows, is there an AVLA licence for that?
A: No, you will need to contact someone in the
'Pay-As-You-Press' department at the CMRRA to obtain a licence for
that. Please contact www.cmrra.ca for more
information
Q: Do I need a licence to perform someone
else's song at a large venue?
A: The venue would require a licence from SOCAN
for that use. You can check with the venue first to see if they
already have a SOCAN licence in place to cover any performance of
sound recordings in their venue. SOCAN also offers a single event
licence for such use; please contact www.socan.ca for more
information
Q: What is the difference between AVLA and SOCAN and
Re:Sound?
A: AVLA collects on behalf of the master rights owners of
sound recordings and collects reproduction royalties.
SOCAN collects on behalf of the composers and authors of sound
recordings and collects performance royalties.
Re:Sound collects on behalf of the master rights owners of sound
recordings and collects performance royalties.
By way of example, if you are playing COPIED sound recordings from
your hard drive, you require an AVLA licence. The performance
royalties collected by SOCAN and Re:Sound are the responsibility of
the venues.
*Click here to see
the DJ Licensing FAQ