Custom Music Boxes Copyright Information

Custom Music Boxes Copyright Search Information

We can make up any tune, provided we can obtain the copyright approval first. The cost is $349.00 for the musical component only. We can install this into a musical box, but that cost is extra depending which box you select from us (some people already have their own boxes or make their own).

In order to get copyright approval you will need to know the artist. You may check the following databases to find it.

Here are the publishing rights companies, in order of overall importance:

ASCAP:
http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?mode=search

BMI:
http://www.bmi.com/search/

SESAC:
http://www.sesac.com/licensing/syncronization_license_request.htm

Almost all songs can be found within the ASCAP search engine, and will usually be labeled which PRO they belong to. SESAC is pretty rare, they only handle a handful of extremely famous writers and bands. Search on ASCAP first, then BMI if you can't find it. The search will return a list of publishers and their contact info. It is always best to call, not write, first. You will be asking for a synchronization license.

If/when you finally get through to someone, that person becomes your contact at that publisher. They ask a few questions about what it's for, the selling price, etc. If they ask, you do /not/ need a Master License. At some point they either send you one of their license application forms, or direct you to an online form. You then fill out that form and send it via email (usually) to the contact person. If they agree to license it, it is usually a percentage of the selling price, probably 3% to 6% per unit, but in some cases they award it for no fee at all. The retail selling cost of the unit is $349.00 if they ask. They then send you a formal license contract, usually 3 copies, which must be signed and returned by snail mail. (They will return one, signed). Some companies like Universal don't like doing biz with small fries and they require a minimum number of units. If you are not sure what to say at this point please let us know.

If you do not wish to embark upon this quest on your own, we will gladly attempt to obtain the copyright approval for you at an administrative cost of $50. This of course, does not guarantee copyright approval will be granted, but it will let us know if we are granted or turned down.

If you would like us to obtain the copyright information for you, just give your name and billing information on our standard order form. Write "Copyright Search" in the description and we will begin the search for you immediately. Just keep in mind, that the owner may not give us the copyright, but we will let you know either way. Just click HERE. to fill out the form.