Music Rights Managed by Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS)
UPRS manages various music rights to ensure that artists, composers, and producers are fairly compensated for their work. These rights are categorized based on their type and duration.
1. Copyright (Author’s Rights)
These rights protect the original creators of music, such as songwriters and composers.
Types:
- Moral Rights – The right to be recognized as the author and to object to modifications that harm the creator’s reputation.
- Economic Rights – The right to earn money when the music is used commercially.
Duration:
- Typically lasts for 50 years after the author’s death in Uganda, in accordance with copyright laws.
2. Performing Rights
These rights cover the public performance of music, ensuring that artists earn royalties when their music is played in public places.
Types:
- Live Performance Rights – Applies to concerts, shows, and public events.
- Recorded Performance Rights – Applies when recorded music is played in public (e.g., radio, TV, clubs, hotels).
Duration:
- Lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after death for copyright holders.
3. Mechanical Rights
These rights allow for the reproduction of a song in various formats, such as CDs, vinyl, digital downloads, and streaming platforms.
Types:
- Physical Reproduction Rights – Applies to CDs, DVDs, vinyl, and other physical copies.
- Digital Reproduction Rights – Covers digital downloads and streaming platforms.
Duration:
- Generally lasts for 50 years from the date of creation or release.
4. Synchronization Rights
These rights allow music to be combined with visual content, such as movies, TV shows, advertisements, and video games.
- Duration:
- Usually covered by contractual agreements with no fixed duration, but it must be licensed before use.
5. Reproduction Rights
This includes making copies of music for commercial purposes, such as cover versions, sampling, and copying recorded music.
- Duration:
- Lasts for 50 years after the first release.
6. Broadcasting Rights
These rights cover the use of music in TV, radio, and online broadcasts.
- Duration:
- Usually licensed on an annual basis, but copyright remains for 50 years after the author’s death.
7. Neighboring Rights
These rights protect performers (singers, musicians) and producers (record labels) for their contribution to recorded music.
Types:
- Performer’s Rights – Protects musicians and vocalists who perform the song.
- Producer’s Rights – Protects record labels or individuals who fund the recording process.
Duration:
- Lasts for 50 years after the recording was published.
8. Digital Rights
With the rise of digital platforms, UPRS manages digital rights related to streaming, downloads, and online platforms like YouTube, Boomplay, and Spotify.
Types:
- Streaming Rights – Covers royalties from music played on streaming services.
- Download Rights – Covers royalties from online music purchases.
Duration:
- Typically covered under contractual agreements, but copyright remains valid for 50 years after the author’s death.
9. Public Performance Rights
These cover the use of music in commercial spaces like hotels, gyms, bars, malls, and restaurants.
- Duration:
- Licenses are typically renewed annually, but copyright is protected for 50 years after the author’s death.
How UPRS Enforces These Rights
- Licensing: Businesses, media houses, and digital platforms must obtain a license to legally use music.
- Collection of Royalties: UPRS collects royalties from licensed users and businesses.
- Distribution of Royalties: The collected fees are distributed to composers, performers, and producers.
- Monitoring & Enforcement: UPRS monitors unauthorized use and takes legal action against violators.