A compulsory mechanical license is used when you want to record a cover song.

A compulsory mechanical license is used when you want to record a cover song.

• A. False
• B. Sometimes
• C. Not applicable
• D. True

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that a compulsory mechanical license is the statutory permission that lets you record and distribute a cover of a previously published song, as long as you pay the set mechanical royalties and follow the requirements. Once a song is published, you don’t have to chase down the songwriter for permission to make a cover recording—you obtain the license by complying with the law (notices, rates, and reporting) and pay the statutory rate. This license specifically covers reproducing the musical composition in a phonorecord (a new recording of the song) for release to the public. It does not cover other rights like performance licenses or synchronization licenses, which are separate. So recording a cover under a compulsory mechanical license is exactly how you legally release a cover, which is why the statement is true.

The main idea is that a compulsory mechanical license is the statutory permission that lets you record and distribute a cover of a previously published song, as long as you pay the set mechanical royalties and follow the requirements. Once a song is published, you don’t have to chase down the songwriter for permission to make a cover recording—you obtain the license by complying with the law (notices, rates, and reporting) and pay the statutory rate. This license specifically covers reproducing the musical composition in a phonorecord (a new recording of the song) for release to the public. It does not cover other rights like performance licenses or synchronization licenses, which are separate. So recording a cover under a compulsory mechanical license is exactly how you legally release a cover, which is why the statement is true.