Can I use music from well-known artists on my website?
August 12, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Christiane Melzer
Dear lawyer,
My name is Hildegard Fritsche and I operate a website where I report on various topics in the field of music and culture. Since I would like to accompany my contributions with music, I am wondering if I am allowed to use music from well-known artists on my website.
I am unsure whether I can simply integrate music pieces from artists such as Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, or Taylor Swift on my website without running into legal problems. I want to avoid infringing on copyrights or potentially exposing myself to claims for damages.
Currently, I have already used some music pieces on my website without considering whether I have the necessary rights. Now I am worried that I may have violated copyright and may face legal consequences.
Could you please explain to me what legal regulations apply to the use of music on websites? Are there ways in which I can legally use music from well-known artists on my website? I am willing to acquire licenses if necessary, but want to make sure that I handle everything correctly and legally.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Fritsche
Dear Mrs. Fritsche,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of music on your website. It is understandable that you are concerned about possible copyright infringements and want to protect yourself from legal consequences.
In general, music pieces are protected by copyright, and using them without the appropriate permission from the rights holders can constitute a violation of this protection. This means that you cannot simply use music from well-known artists such as Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, or Taylor Swift on your website without owning the necessary rights to do so.
There are various ways to legally use music on your website. One option is to license music pieces. You can contact the rights holders or collecting societies directly to acquire a license to use the desired music. This way, you will obtain permission to use the music on your website without infringing on copyright.
Another option is to use so-called GEMA-free music. These music pieces are already cleared by GEMA and can therefore be used without additional licensing. There are numerous providers of GEMA-free music where you can find suitable music pieces for your website.
It is important to ensure that you have the necessary rights to use music on your website. Otherwise, you risk facing legal consequences such as warnings or claims for damages from the affected rights holders.
If you have already used music on your website without owning the necessary rights, I strongly recommend removing them immediately and obtaining the proper usage rights to avoid future issues.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Christiane Melzer
Attorney specializing in internet and computer law
