If I wanted to make a cover of a song to post on YouTube or Spotify would I need to secure a mechanical license or is it covered under fair use?
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If I wanted to make a cover of a song to post on YouTube or Spotify would I need to secure a mechanical license or is it covered under fair use?
Asked on December 29, 2015 under Business Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
You would need a license: it is not "fair use" to make a cover of a song and post it online on the internet. Of course, the singer or other rights holder may not notice or, if they notice care; but technically, what you propose would violate their intellectual property.
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