Copyright Issues in Sampling

Rudolf Leška, Rostislav Sliwka


The manual provides a clear overview of the copyright rules governing sampling, that is, the use of parts of existing recordings in the creation of new music. Readers will learn which rights may apply to the sampled music and lyrics, performances, and sound recordings; when permission from right holders is required; and in which cases statutory exceptions, such as quotation, parody, or pastiche, may apply. The manual also addresses the practical clearance of rights with record labels, music publishers, and collective management organisations, and highlights the legal risks associated with the use of music libraries and so-called “royalty-free” music. It is intended primarily for music creators and performers who use samples in their own work and want to understand the legal conditions governing the subsequent publication and distribution of that work.


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Cirg - about

CIRG – the Cultural Industries Research Group focuses on research into cultural and media industries, particularly on current issues, challenges, and conflicts arising from tensions between intellectual property law, the business models of cultural industries, the digitalization and platformization of cultural sectors, and changing consumer habits. The group’s name is an acronym of its English title, Cultural Industries Research Group. CIRG is an informal association of experts from media studies, intellectual property law, media law, media ethics, cultural economics and cultural management, sociology of culture, and data analysis. The group operates on the basis of project-based funding through applied research projects (TAČR, NAKI, EEA and Norway Grants, OP JAK Intersectoral Cooperation), basic research projects (GAČR, ZIF Bielefeld, OP VVV Excellent Research, DFG), as well as contract research (State Cinematography Fund, Association of Audiovisual Producers).