Licence for a karaoke recording

Before manufacturing any karaoke recordings, the producer must complete a “karaoke video recording licence application” and forward it to SDRM; this is available from DDA or from the Sacem-SDRM regional delegation offices.

The licence application can be downloaded (pdf format) and sent back by e-mail (one copy only): video.opo@sacem.fr

If posted, three signed and dated copies should be sent to: DDA, 225 avenue Charles de Gaulle - 92528 Neuilly sur Seine Cedex.

The application must list the names of the works of music to be reproduced.

• the name and/or corporate name of the producer
• the name of the duplicator
• the title of the karaoke video recording
• the reference number given to the karaoke video recording
• the total playing time of the recording
• the total number of video recordings manufactured
• the content of the karaoke video recording: sound, visuals and text. For any animated images, a copy of the synopsis must be included; for any stills, a copy of the still must be enclosed
• the title of each of the works reproduced with the names of the authors and composers of the works
• the playing time for each of the works

Any incomplete application cannot be properly processed and will be returned for completion.
(this will further delay the licensing procedure)

SDRM checks that the works belong to the repertoires it administers and identifies the rights-holders concerned (authors, composers and publishers). SDRM also checks to see whether the publishers of the works to be reproduced in the karaoke video recordings have given SDRM the delegation to authorize the reproduction of the lyrics and/or score of these works.
When SDRM has been delegated to do so, the Society informs the relevant music publishers of any plans to reproduce the works in their catalogue, asking if they grant or refuse authorize for the lyrics and/or score of the works to be reproduced. SDRM will contact the producer as soon as an answer is received. The publishers have 4 weeks (which can be extended for a further 4 weeks) to reach a decision.

If the publisher refuses, SDRM will not issue the licence. If there is no delegation, you will be informed of this by SDRM and it will be your responsibility to contact the relevant publisher directly; the publisher is then free to grant or refuse authorization for the lyrics and/or score of each work of music to be reproduced, and is free to set the conditions.

SDRM will comply with the publisher’s decision and will only authorize the reproduction of the musical performance of the work in the karaoke video recording if the relevant publisher has given prior authorization for the text, lyrics and/or musical score of the musical work to be reproduced in the video recording.