A license is a privilege entitling the licensee to do something that he would not be entitled to do without the license. To license or grant a license is to give permission. A license authorizes the holder to do something that he or she would not be entitled to do without the license.
A Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U. S. Code) to the authors of "original works of authorship, "including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works. Section 106 of the 1976 Copyright Act generally gives the owner of copyright the exclusive right to do and to authorize others to do the following:
" To reproduce the work in copies or phonorecords;
" To prepare derivative works based upon the work;
" To distribute copies or phonorecords of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending;
" To perform the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and motion pictures and other audiovisual works;
" To display the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works, including the individual images of a motion picture or other audiovisual work; and
" In the case of sound recordings*, to perform the work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission.
Oklahoma License for the Use of a Copyright: A Comprehensive Overview In Oklahoma, as in many other states, there are specific laws and regulations in place regarding copyright protection and licensing. A copyright license is a legal document that grants the licensee permission to use copyrighted material, balancing the rights of the original creator while enabling others to utilize the work in various ways. Understanding the different types of Oklahoma licenses available for the use of a copyright is essential for individuals, businesses, and organizations engaging in activities involving copyrighted material. 1. Exclusive License: An exclusive license gives the licensee sole rights to use the copyrighted material within the specified scope of the agreement. The copyright owner grants exclusive rights to the licensee, excluding all others from exercising those rights during the agreed-upon duration. 2. Non-Exclusive License: Unlike an exclusive license, a non-exclusive license allows the licensee to use the copyrighted material while granting the copyright owner the ability to grant similar rights to other licensees simultaneously. This type of license provides the licensee with a limited right to utilize the work, typically with certain conditions defined within the licensing agreement. 3. Public Performance License: A public performance license specifically pertains to copyrighted material used in public performances, such as live music concerts, theater productions, or public showings of movies. This license is required to legally perform copyrighted works in a public setting, ensuring fair compensation for the copyright holder. 4. Mechanical License: A mechanical license refers to permission granted for the reproduction, distribution, or creation of mechanical copies of copyrighted music compositions. These licenses are typically sought when individuals or entities intend to release cover versions of copyrighted songs or utilize pre-existing compositions in new recordings. 5. Synchronization License: A synchronization license allows the licensee to synchronize copyrighted music or audio recordings with visual works such as television shows, movies, commercials, or video games. These licenses ensure that the use of copyrighted material within visual media is done so legally and compensates the copyright owner appropriately. It is important to note that obtaining a license for the use of copyrighted material in Oklahoma may require contacting the copyright holder directly or seeking assistance from licensing agencies or organizations established to facilitate copyright transactions. Properly licensing copyrighted material not only ensures compliance with the law but also protects both the licensee and the rights of the original copyright owner. In conclusion, the range of Oklahoma licenses for the use of a copyright includes exclusive licenses, non-exclusive licenses, public performance licenses, mechanical licenses, and synchronization licenses. By adhering to these licensing requirements, individuals and organizations can navigate the complex landscape of copyright use while respecting the rights of creators and contributing to a thriving creative industry.
