Legal Definitions - mechanical right

Definition: Mechanical right is the right to make copies of a song in a recorded form, like on a CD or audiotape. This right is protected by copyright laws and can be obtained by paying a royalty fee. The songwriter's permission is not required to obtain this right.

Example: If a musician wants to record a cover of a popular song, they must obtain a mechanical license to legally reproduce the song on their album. They must pay a royalty fee to the copyright owner, but they do not need to ask the songwriter for permission.

Explanation: This example illustrates how mechanical right works in the music industry. The musician wants to make a copy of a song, so they must obtain a mechanical license and pay a fee to the copyright owner. This allows them to legally reproduce the song on their album without needing the songwriter's permission.