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What Is Music Licensing? A Detailed Explanation by BH Media

Are you looking to use a musical work but are concerned about copyright issues? This article will explain what music licensing and music copyright licensing are, why you need a license, and in which cases permission is required. BH Media provides a comprehensive guide to the music licensing process, legal procedures, and important considerations so you can legally use music, avoid legal risks, and respect the rights of creators.

What Is Music Licensing?

Music copyright licensing is the process by which the copyright holder or related rights owner grants permission to an individual or organization to exploit and use a musical work within agreed-upon conditions and scope. This permission does not imply a transfer of ownership but instead allows limited use to ensure the legal interests of both parties are protected.

Licensing plays an essential role in:

  • Protecting the rightful interests of the copyright owner;
  • Providing a clear legal basis for users;
  • Preventing copyright infringement and disputes;
  • Promoting a transparent, professional, and sustainable music industry.

For this reason, before using any musical product for commercial purposes such as advertising, performance, distribution, or communication, obtaining the appropriate license is often a necessary legal requirement—and a sign of respect for the author’s creative work.

What Is Music Licensing?
What Is Music Licensing?

How to Apply for a Music License?

Option 1: Contact the author or copyright owner directly to request usage permission and negotiate a fee. However, if you need to use multiple works at once, reaching out to each rights holder individually can be time-consuming and complicated.

Option 2: A faster and more effective solution is to work with BH Media—a professional copyright agency managing hundreds of thousands of domestic and international works. As a rights representative, BH Media is authorized to issue usage licenses for the works under its management.

Rather than negotiating separately with each author or copyright holder, you can simply work with BH Media to sign a contract and pay the licensing fee. BH Media will handle all the necessary legal procedures to ensure that your music usage is legal, transparent, and copyright-compliant—saving you time and minimizing risk.

Forms of Licensing for Musical Works

Direct Licensing from Rights Holders

  • Subjects: Authors, co-authors, copyright owners (e.g., producers, music publishers).
  • Method: Submit a request via email or written document, or sign a usage agreement.
  • License content: Scope of use, duration, form of usage (online, performance, broadcast), fees (if any), and author attribution obligations.

Through Collective Management Organizations

  • Example: Vietnam Center for Protection of Music Copyright (VCPMC).
  • Suitable for: Public performance, broadcasting, or playing background music in restaurants, hotels, cafés, etc.
  • Licensing through such organizations ensures legal clarity, transparency in fees, and time efficiency.

Via Professional Copyright Management Agencies

  • Ideal for: Content creators on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or for advertising videos and digital media.
  • Agencies like Vietnam Copyright Services or BH Media act on your behalf to contact rights holders, draft contracts, and verify copyright status.
  • This helps ensure legal use and minimizes the risk of disputes.

Usage Under Legal Exemptions

According to Article 25 of Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Law, some cases allow use without a license, but you must still credit the author and source:

  • Fair use for research, critique, education;
  • Private, non-commercial performances;
  • Teaching or classroom illustration;
  • Use of works that have entered the public domain.

Note: Always verify eligibility before use to avoid unintended infringement.

Forms of Licensing for Musical Works
Forms of Licensing for Musical Works

Copyright Purchase or Licensing Agreements

This method suits singers, producers, and media companies wishing to fully or partially own rights to a song.

  • The licensing/purchase contract should clearly define usage scope, duration, geographic territory, and distribution format.
  • Best suited for long-term, exclusive, or large-scale commercial projects.

Common Fields That Require Music Licensing

  • Broadcasting (TV/Radio)
  • Media (ringtones, waiting tones, music websites)
  • Restaurants, karaoke bars, cafés, nightclubs
  • Public performances
  • Publishing (books, CDs, tapes)
  • Advertising
  • Supermarkets, retail stores
  • Hotels, clubs, entertainment venues
  • Rental office spaces
  • Film and advertising production
  • Other sectors

Licensing Fees for Music Usage

The licensing fee through BH Media is determined based on the specific work, intended use (e.g., performance, digital release, ads, TV shows), and exploitation scope.

After receiving complete information from the user, BH Media will assess and provide a detailed quotation. This forms the basis for signing a licensing contract to protect the rights of both the copyright holder and the user in a transparent, legal manner.

Required Documents for Music Licensing

  • Detailed information about the user (individual/organization, local/foreign), purpose, usage form, and applicable field;
  • A formal licensing request with a commitment to pay royalties to the author or related rights owner;
  • List of musical works to be used;
  • Usage agreement between the parties involved (if available).

BH Media’s Licensing Support Services

  • Legal advice on eligible usage scenarios and conditions under copyright law;
  • Support in verifying the copyright status of proposed works;
  • Identification of public domain works that require no license;
  • Drafting of legal documents for licensing applications;
  • Acting on your behalf to work with government authorities for licensing procedures;
  • Delivering the approved license documents to you on time.

BH Media’s 5-Step Licensing Process

  1. Initial Consultation
    BH Media receives your request and advises on copyright status, legal eligibility, and usage scope.
  2. Copyright Verification
    We verify ownership details and confirm the work is eligible for licensing under current regulations.
  3. Rights Negotiation and Licensing Proposal
    BH Media negotiates licensing terms with the rights holder(s) and prepares a legally sound licensing contract.
  4. Procedure Implementation and Monitoring
    We handle paperwork, submit documents, and track the process to completion—resolving any issues that arise.
  5. License Delivery and Ongoing Support
    Once approved, we deliver all related documents and advise you on usage rights, payment obligations, and copyright compliance.

With extensive experience in the music copyright sector, BH Media is a trusted partner of hundreds of artists, production houses, and media companies both in Vietnam and abroad. We’re committed to guiding you through each step of the licensing process while safeguarding your legal rights and optimizing the value of your music usage.

Benefits of Licensing Through BH Media

With years of experience in copyright protection and music rights management, BH Media offers expert consulting and legal assistance for individuals and organizations needing to license musical works.

Our team of well-trained professionals understands intellectual property law—especially copyright and related rights in the digital and commercial context. We’ve successfully assisted hundreds of clients with fast, effective, and lawful licensing services.

BH Media emphasizes ethics and customer care. We work with high responsibility, transparency, and always prioritize the client’s legal interests.

We strictly comply with all legal regulations and maintain strong cooperation with authorities while showing respect for all involved parties. Additionally, BH Media guarantees full confidentiality for all contract details, licensing terms, and client documents—only using them internally and never sharing with third parties unless legally required or approved in writing by the client.

Our credibility is built on real-world experience and trusted relationships. BH Media is committed to offering professional, legally compliant, and efficient music licensing services. We’re here to support you in asserting your rights, maximizing the legal value of music, and ensuring your media and creative activities remain risk-free and professional.

Contact Information – BH Media

  • Address: 39/80 Trung Kính, Yên Hòa Ward, Cầu Giấy District, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Hotline: +84 24 2243 2642
  • Working Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
  • Email: contact@bhmedia.vn

Music licensing is not only a legal requirement—it’s also a way to show respect for the creativity of artists. Whether you’re a content creator, media business, or event organizer, properly licensing music helps you avoid legal risks and enhance your professional image. If you need consultation or support, contact BH Media—a trusted name in music copyright services—to assist with copyright verification, licensing procedures, and full protection of your rights.

024.2243.2642