Users and Music Services
Understanding licenses
What’s a license?
A license is an authorization for the use of recorded music or music videos. It sets the terms and conditions of usage in return for a payment.
Why do I need a license?
If you use recorded music or music videos for purposes other than private use you need to get a license. It’s an obligation under the Canadian Copyright Act.
Musical content
The musical content you use includes the musical work (music and lyrics) and the sound recording (the track).
As each has its own communication and reproduction copyrights, four different licenses are generally required to use musical content, two for the musical work and two for the sound recording.
Note that a license allows you to use content, it does not give you access to the musical content as such. It is the responsibility of the user to legally obtain the content.
When using music: different rights
Public performance or communication right
To broadcast recorded music, you must have the authorization to communicate to the public the musical content. Therefore, you need a license from:
- SOCAN for the musical work
- RE:SOUND for the sound recording
Reproduction right
You must also have the authorization to reproduce (or copy) the musical content when you are not using the original audio recording medium (LP, CD or cassette). In this case, you need an additional license from:
- SOCAN (Reproduction) or CMRRA for the musical work
- Soproq and Connect Music Licensing for the sound recording
The Soproq License
Reproduction License
Soproq has a mandate to grant non-exclusive general licenses for the reproduction of the sound recordings and music video of its members. This eliminates the need to obtain separate authorizations from makers, record labels and other rights owners.
General License
Soproq licenses cover the general use made of its repertoire. They do not cover specific track usage nor synch rights in films, television, video games or others.
Content
Soproq represents most of the music repertoire from independent French-Canadian labels. We also represent many sound recordings and music videos from other labels across Canada, U.S.A. and Europe.
License Categories
Licenses are divided into different categories according to the specific use made of the sound recordings and music videos.
Our licensees
List of our licensees by category
Background Music Services
AMI Entertainment
Couture Media
iGotcha Wi-Fi Media
Feed Media GroupJukeboxOnline.com
M’Pact
Oryx Media Interactif
RX Music (PCM Technologies)
Sol Maestro
Groupe Stingray inc.
Totem Media
TouchTunes Music Corporation
In-flight Entertainment
Other Services or Customized
Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec
Who we represent
Soproq represents most of the music repertoire from independent French-Canadian labels. We also represent many sound recordings and music videos from other labels across Canada, U.S.A. and Europe
Here is a list of our members along with their label name or artist name (when applicable)
Here is a list of music videos that Soproq represents (as of October 23, 2023)
Helpful tips
- To identify a rights owner: the (P) logo usually identifies the sound recording rights owner at the time of its release.
- Content use: avoid using compilation albums because several rights owners may be involved. Use the original albums instead.