It is extremely important that you have a clear idea of the nature and scope of the terms that you need. Once it has been determined what type of license is required for your project, the task of clearing the music and negotiating the license begins. It is advisable to consult a music clearance and licensing expert as early as possible to help you determine your licensing needs and to commence the licensing process. Many factors contribute to determining how long it will take to negotiate a license. Depending upon the particular song and the scope of the license, it may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to research, negotiate and finalize a music licensing agreement.
Numerous companies administer the copyrights for artists and publishers.
In most cases, there are contractual obligations that must be adhered to when discussing license fees with potential users of music. The composers or their estates may need to be contacted directly for approval. Attorneys are often involved in the decision making process. In cases, where an obscure song or recording has been chosen, just finding out who owns the copyright can be a task unto itself. Using an established music clearance and licensing company can speed the process of obtaining a favorable license.