Authorization to produce a record

• to record works in the repertoires managed by SDRM, recording them in their original form
• to duplicate copies, using a master copy, printing the number of copies declared
• to distribute these copies under the producer’s brand, for sale to the public for private use.

To reproduce lyrics and/or music scores, authorization must be requested from the publisher. This prior authorization will be required by SDRM before SDRM grants its own authorization. To broadcast a work in public (by radio broadcast, for instance, or during a musical event), or to rent or lend recordings, authorization from the rights holders is also compulsory.

• The list of works is forwarded to SDRM
• SDRM checks the list
• Payment
• The license is issued

1) The producer must forward the list of the works he wishes to reproduce to SDRM. This means filling out a license application form (four copies). The form is available from Sacem-SDRM (DRIM) - 16, place de la Fontaine aux Lions - 75019 Paris or from Sacem-SDRM regional delegations.

The form can also be completed directly on-line.

The SDRM license application is a contract. The producer is held liable for all information provided. No incomplete license applications be processed, but will be returned to the sender, incurring delays in issuing the license.

Applications must include:

• the name and/or corporate name and address of the producer
• the details (name, address, telephone etc.) of the manufacturer and/or contractor
• the details of the distributor, if the record is distributed by a third party
• the title of the album, if applicable
• a reference or catalogue number, allocated by the producer
• the name of the lead performer or group
• the type of medium or recording format (CD, cassette, etc.)
• for a boxed set containing several recorded units, a license application must be completed for each one (e.g. record 1 or A, 2 or B), giving the title of the boxed set on each one
• the number of copies to be manufactured, specifying the number intended for sale and the number, if any, to be distributed free of charge
• the retail sales price including VAT, if the record is sold by the producer himself, or, failing that, the wholesale price excluding VAT (distributor catalogue price).
   

And most importantly:

• the titles of the works to be reproduced, the first and last names of the authors, composers, arrangers et adapters (in the case of a group, give all the first and last names of the members)
• the playing time for each of the works, specifying whether or not it is an excerpt.
   

2) When the license application is received, SDRM checks that the works belong to the repertoires that it represents (Sacem, SACD, SCAM) and sends the producer an “estimate” for the license with the amount of the fees to be paid if he decides to pursue the project.

- Special Case :
When works are not covered by Sacem, SACD, or SCAM, the form is returned either marked “Public Domain” or “Owner currently unknown” (OCU) and no fee is charged.


3) The producer forwards payment of the total amount on the estimate to SDRM, together with the detachable identification coupon.
 

4) The license is then granted. The producer is sent one copy of the application, marked “authorization granted”, plus approval to print the SDRM logo on the phonogram. SDRM sends a copy of the license to the manufacturer (and, if applicable, to the contractor), who can then have the copies pressed or duplicated. At the end of the month, the producer receives confirmation of his payment; this memorandum of payment is valid as an invoice. 
 

Important: Allow approximately ten days (non-contractual period) between the application for and the issuing of the license.  Authorization is non-exclusive and covers only the mechanical reproduction rights of authors, composers and publishers or their rights-holders, as stipulated in the French Intellectual Property Code.