Economic Analysis of Music Copyright: Music Publishers

Abstract

In this chapter we look at the economics of performing rights organizations from the perspective of the music publishers, one of the suppliers of music. One of the most important aspects of the music publishing business is the exploitation of the music copyrights in their catalogs in order to increase record sales and maximize revenue. We will examine the various ways music is licensed, sources of income for music publishers, and the royalty collection agencies involved in music licensing. The publisher’s focus is not just on managing both domestic and international master recording rights of the songwriter, but can also include licensing the image and likeness of the recording artist for merchandising as well.