Protecting Vocal Sample Rights

Summary

If you own the copyright to your vocal samples and they were used without permission, you can demand retroactive licensing fees or royalties. You have the right to issue takedowns or monetization blocks on platforms like Spotify and YouTube if your copyright is infringed. Selling exclusive rights to another buyer is legal if you havent previously licensed the vocal. Consider consulting with a local attorney to enforce your rights, recover value, and protect your catalog.

Full Conversation

Thanks — yes, I’d like to be connected with a lawyer. But before that, could you tell me what my strongest legal position is right now? Specifically: • Can I demand a retroactive licensing fee or royalties for past unlicensed commercial use? • Can I issue takedowns or monetization blocks on Spotify/YouTube for those two tracks? • Is selling exclusive rights to another buyer still fully legal if I’ve never licensed the vocal before? I just want to be sure I’m acting within my full rights before I proceed.
Here's some general information regarding your situation:
- Retroactive Licensing Fee/Royalties: You can demand retroactive licensing fees or royalties if you own the copyright and the use was unauthorized.
- Takedowns/Monetization Blocks: Yes, you can issue takedowns or monetization blocks if your copyright is infringed.
- Selling Exclusive Rights: Selling exclusive rights is legal if you haven't licensed them before.
Now, would you like to proceed in connecting with a lawyer?