Protection of Intellectual Property Rights for Songs on Digital Platforms

Protection of Intellectual Property Rights for Songs on Digital Platforms

To protect intellectual property rights for songs on digital platforms, multiple technologies are employed to ensure that the rights of song owners are safeguarded when publishing or distributing songs online. Here are some of the methods used:

Protection Methods

1. Digital Watermarking Registration*: Digital watermarking technologies are used to distinguish songs by embedding a unique code that can be traced. These watermarks do not affect sound quality but can be used to identify the rights holder or copyright owner.

• Content ID System (on platforms like YouTube) *: Platforms like YouTube offer a Content ID system that allows rights holders to register their content, including songs. When a song is uploaded to the platform, the system compares the uploaded audio with its database of registered songs. If the song is identified, the rights holder can decide whether to block the content or monetize it through ads.

• Registration through Intellectual Property Organizations*: In some countries, songs are registered with intellectual property protection bodies such as the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) or Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) in the United States. This provides legal protection for songs in case of unauthorized use

• Audio Fingerprinting Technologies*: Audio analysis technologies like audio fingerprinting are used to analyze and generate a unique audio signature for each song. This technology is used in systems like Shazam or Sound Hound to compare audio files and verify their identity.

• Encryption*: Some platforms use encryption technologies to protect songs during online transmission or storage on servers. This aims to prevent unauthorized copying or illegal distribution of songs

• Notification and Reporting System*: Some platforms use a notification and reporting mechanism, such as YouTube’s “Content ID” or “Copyright Claim” systems, which allow rights holders to report any unauthorized use of their songs. The platform then takes appropriate legal action.

Importance of Protection

1. *Protection of Intellectual Property Rights*: To protect intellectual property rights for songs from unauthorized use.

• *Prevention of Unauthorized Copying*: To prevent unauthorized copying or illegal distribution of songs.

• *Ensuring Rights Holders Receive Their Rights*: To ensure that rights holders receive their financial rights from songs.