Composite works are works of art that are created by combining elements from different forms of art. When a composite work passes the threshold of originality, the author has copyright to the work.
These works often use material that is protected by the copyright of another author, such as music, sound or images. It is the responsibility of the author of the composite work to ensure that the copyright of others is respected. For example, in order to perform a composite work that includes audio-visual material, you need the permission of all original authors or rights holders of the elements that make up the composite work.
The intended use of the work determines which permissions are required to use a work that includes the copyright-protected material of third parties. You may need licences for synchronisation, performance and use of images.
Depending on the original work, these licences are granted by the author, producer or copyright organisations representing the rights holder(s). There is usually a fee to obtain a licence.
You need to obtain a performance licence to show a video that includes someone else’s copyrighted material. In the case of music, the relevant licences are granted by the producer/author or Teosto ry representing music creators.
A synchronisation licence means a licence to use music, for example, on video, and it is granted by the Nordisk Copyright Bureau (NCB) representing composers, lyricists and publishers.
You need the permission of the performer or producer when you want to use music in a sound recording or otherwise recorded music in your own sound or video recording. The relevant licences are granted by Gramex ry.
When a composite work contains someone else’s copyright-protected images, you need to obtain an image licence either from the author or from Kuvasto ry on behalf of the artists it represents.
Sometimes visual artists use poems or excerpts of text as part of their work. In order to use such copyrighted literary material as part of a newly published work, you need a licence granted by Sanasto ry, a literary copyright society.
If an audio-visual work is publicly performed at a festival, exhibition or other event, the organiser of the event must apply for an event licence covering all performances from Teosto ry.
LINKS
Teosto ry (performance and event licences)
Nordisk Copyright Bureau (synchronisation licences)
Gramex ry (licences for music)
Kuvasto ry (remuneration for the use of images)
Sanasto ry (licences)