The Importance of Copyright Protection in the Music Industry
In the local music industry, many artistes are still missing out on fair royalties. This is not because their songs aren’t being played, but because too few understand the true value of copyright protection.
According to copyright consultant Rashidah Ridha Sheikh Khalid, this lack of awareness continues to cost musicians ownership of their own creations. Many continue to neglect the legal and contractual aspects of their work, leading to significant financial losses.
Without proper management, she said, royalties often go unclaimed due to the absence of clear agreements with producers, distributors, or event organizers. “It happens so often – people question why their royalties are small. When we check, you didn’t even sign the contract,” she explained.
“These are setbacks that should be avoided. It’s your responsibility to manage your intellectual property,” she added after speaking at the FrequenSEA: An Asean Music Conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Late Realization of Copyright Awareness
Rashidah highlighted that awareness of copyright protection often comes too late – usually only after a musician’s work has been used without permission. “When you don’t register your copyright, people can easily take your work. You won’t get a single sen, and it’s heartbreaking when you hear your song played on mainstream platforms.”
“You can only say, ‘Oh, that’s my song – I made that.’ But how are you going to prove it? You can’t anymore.” This realization often comes too late for many artists who find themselves in difficult situations where they have no legal recourse.
Common Disputes Over Ownership
She added that disputes over ownership are also common, particularly involving lyrics and musical compositions. Many, she said, have found their names missing from song credits despite their contributions. “A song isn’t always the work of just one composer and one lyricist. For instance, the late P Ramlee often collaborated with S Sudarmaji and several others.”
“Royalties are divided based on the agreed contract. That’s why documentation and proof of ownership are so important – to prevent disputes later on.” Rashidah emphasized the need for thorough documentation and clear contracts to protect the rights of all contributors involved in a musical piece.
The Role of Copyright in Economic Value
Rashidah stressed that copyright is not just a legal formality, but a vital instrument that enables creative workers to earn an income from their creations. The system, she noted, is supported by collective management organizations that help musicians collect royalties when their works are used across different platforms.
She also called on musicians to shift their perspective to see music not merely as entertainment, but as a valuable economic asset. “We need to move away from the old belief that music isn’t a real career. When managed properly, creative works can generate continuous income.”
“But it all starts with one basic thing – awareness and knowledge of copyright,” she concluded. By understanding and protecting their intellectual property, musicians can ensure they receive the rightful compensation for their work and avoid future disputes. This awareness is crucial for the sustainable growth of the music industry in Malaysia.
