Frequently Asked Questions

CoverNet is an advanced AI-powered service designed to meticulously scan all music streaming & sharing platforms for undetected copyright usage. In addition to detecting basic unauthorized usage of an artist’s repertoire, CoverNet is also capable of flagging unlicensed covers & AI-generated vocal deep fakes – even with considerable variations in voice, language, pitch, style, or tempo. CoverNet’s intuitive dashboard allows for an easy visualization of all important metrics, providing an integrated solution for publishers, CMOs, PROs & record labels.

CoverNet tackles the critical issue of copyright infringement in the digital music landscape. Traditional detection methods often overlook unlicensed covers & are unequipped to recognize sophisticated AI-generated vocal clones. CoverNet’s spot-on music similarity detection technology fills this gap by offering real-time reporting & alerts, enabling swift & decisive actions when dealing with copyright infringements – thus safeguarding intellectual property.

While there are tools that offer some level of copyright detection, none are as comprehensive & granular as CoverNet. Designed to scan all music streaming & sharing platforms using our advanced music similarity detection technology, CoverNet offers a level of precision that is unprecedented in the music industry – whether it’s to identify unlicensed music covers or AI-generated vocal deep fakes. Thanks to CoverNet, industry professionals are now able to put a number on their missed revenue opportunities from performing rights, as well as monetize infringing content.

Our clients benefit from CoverNet’s all-encompassing feature set. Our detailed, line by line reporting structure allows them to quickly sort through flagged content and to act immediately on copyright infringements. CoverNet’s intuitive dashboard streamlines everything from tracking to action-taking, making it an ideal solution for all music stakeholders, regardless of their role in the industry.

CoverNet is a revolutionary platform that offers features that are truly unique in the realm of music copyright enforcement & market control. CoverNet doesn’t just track standard copyright infringements – it also identifies unlicensed music covers & AI-generated vocal deep fakes across all music streaming & sharing platforms. This significantly expands the scope of performing rights, thereby increasing revenue opportunities for rights holders by alerting them in real time about masters that they may not have been aware of. Additionally, CoverNet is capable of reporting all tracks that unsolicitedly utilize the vocal identity of artists, typically in the form of AI-generated vocal deep fakes. This level of insight allows for unparalleled market control, making CoverNet an invaluable tool for anyone serious about protecting their musical assets.

CoverNet provides rights holders with a comprehensive solution tailored to the modern music landscape. Not only can it swiftly identify music covers that have not secured the necessary mechanical licenses, but it also detects AI-generated vocal deep fakes. Furthermore, CoverNet ensures that performance rights are not overlooked, enabling rights holders to claim royalties from public performances of their works, even if they're in a covered or modified form. By offering this multi-faceted approach, CoverNet streamlines the claims process, ensuring that rights holders receive all the revenue they are entitled to, from mechanical to performance royalties. This holistic approach amplifies revenue streams and safeguards the interests of artists and producers in an increasingly complex digital music ecosystem.

CoverNet’s advanced AI can efficiently identify an original track, regardless of varying genres, tempos, keys & languages. The platform uses this to recognize & provide information on any repurposed covers of the original, including track modifications such as speed & pitch variations.

CoverNet currently works with multiple sources, including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Expanded compatibility is coming soon to popular streaming platforms such as TikTok, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, Pandora, SoundCloud, and Vimeo.

Yes, CoverNet can recognize covers accurately & efficiently, regardless of the language.

Yes, CoverNet can analyze music files or links. The tool offers the option of sending links instead of loading music files, which helps safeguard musical assets and protect against potential copyright infringement.

CoverNet differentiates itself through its unique combination of precision & versatility. While many other tools focus solely on standard copyright infringements, CoverNet extends its reach to identify deep fakes & unlicensed covers across all platforms. It's not just a "stand-alone" service; it also adds value to tracking companies by offering licensing options for our proprietary technology. In addition to its cutting-edge AI model capable of identifying musical similarities across different genres, keys, & languages, CoverNet provides actionable insights, facilitating efficient & effective copyright claims.

MatchTune utilizes a method of collecting publicly available information from selected platforms to determine video monetization. Our analysis involves scrutinizing each video to ascertain whether ads are being run by the platform. It’s important to note that while we can detect ad presence, we do not have specific insights into whether the monetization benefits the platform, the video owner, or another party who may have claimed a portion or all of the revenue. Additionally, we incorporate information accessible from APIs and Content Management Systems provided by these platforms to enhance our analysis.

Detected means that the video's audio track was scanned and positively identified by the platform's detection algorithm (e.g., ContentID for YouTube). Conversely, not detected indicates the platform was unable to match the audio content of the video against known copyright-protected material.

Red indicates that the video is monetized, but the audio was not identified by the platform's detection algorithm (e.g., ContentID for YouTube). Green indicates that the video is not monetized, and the audio was not detected. Blue indicates that the video is not monetized, but audio has been detected and properly licensed or claimed.

Suspicious songs are typically linked to the correct rights holders if they have been detected by a platform's detection algorithm (such as "Content ID" for YouTube). CoverNet provides insights into the track's status, especially when a song is not detected.

We're currently focused on YouTube and are in the beta testing phase for integration with 8 other platforms, including Vimeo, Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Pandora, Tidal, and more.

MatchTune is primarily used by publishers, PROs, labels, and artists, catering to a range of needs from claiming works on licensed platforms to identifying enforcement targets.

The "Official" section includes the complete collection of videos hosted on the artist's official YouTube account, including their Vevo channel, as well as accounts on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. This serves as a central repository for all content officially released and associated with the artist on these platforms. "Masters" are results identified through digital fingerprinting technology, which detects audio correlations across tracks. This process can reveal various adaptations of a song that incorporate original elements from the master recording, such as remixes, altered versions, and unauthorized uses of the track. "Covers" refer to interpretations of the artist's songs recreated with different instrumentation and without using any original elements. Our proprietary AI technology identifies covers by analyzing tracks and flagging them based on their resemblance to the structure and melody of the original work. Covers typically involve new performances by other artists, often with distinct styles or arrangements, making them different from remixes or sampled versions. The "AI" section features a list of works by various artists in which the selected artist's voice has been digitally used in place of the original singer’s. These versions are generated using deepfake technology or voice-swapping techniques, allowing the artist's voice to perform a song they didn’t originally record. This section highlights a growing trend in AI-driven audio manipulation, where technology enables new, hybrid works by altering vocals while keeping the original instrumental track or composition intact.

A music cover is a new performance or recording of an existing song, typically by a different artist or band than the original creator. The cover may include changes to the tempo, key, arrangement, or lyrics, but the underlying composition remains the same. To legally release a cover on Digital Service Providers (DSPs) like Spotify or Apple Music, the artist must obtain a mechanical license from the original writer or publisher. An original composition, on the other hand, is a new song created by the artist or band that has not been previously recorded or performed. Live covers not released on DSPs typically do not require a mechanical license & are thus not considered problematic in terms of copyright.

"Fair use" is a legal doctrine primarily found in U.S. copyright law that allows for limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the rights holders. Determining whether a cover can be considered "fair use" hinges on several factors: • Purpose and Character of the Use: If the cover is used for non-profit educational purposes, commentary, criticism, or parody, it might lean towards fair use. However, commercial use or use that replaces the original in the market can weigh against fair use. • Nature of the Copyrighted Work: Using a purely factual work is more likely to be considered fair use than using a highly creative work. • Amount and Substantiality: If only a small portion of the original work is used, it might be considered fair use. However, even a small portion can be "substantial" if it's the heart or most memorable part of the original. • Effect on the Market: If the cover affects the market for the original song or a potential market (like licensing for covers), it can weigh against fair use. It's crucial to understand that these factors are considered collectively, and no single factor will determine the outcome. Moreover, while the concept of fair use exists in U.S. law, its application and interpretation can differ in other countries. Given the complexities involved, anyone considering releasing a cover under the claim of fair use should consult with legal counsel to evaluate the specific circumstances and potential risks.

Using a cover for commercial purposes without obtaining the necessary permissions can lead to legal consequences, including copyright infringement claims. Such actions can result in substantial fines, legal fees, and potential damages owed to the original rights holders. CoverNet serves as a proactive tool for rights holders, enabling them to accurately detect and monitor unauthorized commercial uses of their music. By providing detailed insights into these unauthorized versions, CoverNet facilitates the process of building a robust case against copyright infringements. This ensures that rights holders are not only protected but also duly compensated for any commercial exploitation of their work.

International copyright laws can be a complex web, with each country having its own set of rules and regulations governing the use of music, including covers. While some nations might have reciprocal agreements that recognize and enforce copyright protections from other countries, others might have distinct stipulations about what constitutes fair use, licensing requirements, and royalty distributions. For covers, this means that a rendition that's permissible in one country might infringe upon copyright laws in another. For instance, while some countries might allow for the creation and distribution of covers without explicit permission as long as royalties are paid, others might require explicit consent from the original rights holders before any commercial use. Given this intricate landscape, rights holders should take a proactive approach to protect their works globally: • Educate Themselves: It's crucial for rights holders to familiarize themselves with the copyright laws of key markets where their music is distributed or has potential commercial value. This includes understanding the nuances of mechanical and performance rights in each territory. • Engage Local Experts: Collaborating with local legal experts or copyright organizations can provide invaluable insights into the specific requirements and challenges of each market. • Utilize Monitoring Tools: Tools like CoverNet can be instrumental in tracking the global use of a song, ensuring that any unauthorized or unlicensed use is promptly detected. • Stay Updated: Copyright laws and international agreements can evolve. Regularly reviewing and updating knowledge about global copyright landscapes ensures that rights holders remain compliant and protected.

The term "transformative" in the context of copyright law is complex & nuanced. Being transformative doesn't simply mean altering the original – it often involves adding new expression or meaning to the work. Considered factors include the purpose & character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the portion of the original used & the effect on the market value of the original work. Merely calling a cover a "tribute" does not automatically make it transformative or exempt from copyright infringement.

Covers can be a double-edged sword for innovation in the music industry. On one hand, they can bring new life & attention to older or lesser-known works, providing a platform for new artists to showcase their talent. On the other hand, the commercial viability of performing popular covers might deter artists from creating original compositions, thereby affecting the rate of innovation in the industry.

The impact on rights & royalties varies depending on the source of the sample. If the sample comes from a pre-recorded master track, permission is generally required from both the original song's copyright owner & the performer or recording artist. Royalties may also need to be negotiated. If the sample comes from a royalty-free library, then it is typically free to use, though some licenses may restrict commercial use. In both cases, the performer using the sample in a cover may need to secure rights & could be responsible for royalties.

The music industry, in its embrace of digital transformation, faces a myriad of challenges in copyright enforcement. Here's a closer look at some of the most pressing issues: • International Copyright Enforcement Standards: Music is a universal language, transcending borders. However, copyright laws are not universal. Each country has its own set of rules, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms. For instance, while the U.S. might have stringent copyright protections, another country might have laxer rules. This disparity can lead to complications, especially for artists whose music gains international traction. A song that's protected in one country might be freely used or replicated in another without due compensation. Establishing a globally recognized standard or framework for copyright enforcement remains a significant challenge. • Emerging Technologies and New Avenues for Infringement: As technology evolves, so do the methods of infringement. From deepfake renditions of songs to AI-generated music that closely mimics existing tracks, the avenues for potential copyright breaches are expanding. Tools like CoverNet can detect traditional forms of infringement, but staying ahead of newer, more sophisticated methods requires continuous technological innovation and adaptation. • Education and Awareness: A significant portion of copyright breaches, especially in the digital age, can be attributed to a lack of awareness. Many independent artists, content creators, and even some established performers might not be fully aware of the intricacies of copyright law. They might unintentionally infringe upon someone else's rights or fail to protect their own. Comprehensive educational initiatives, workshops, and resources are essential to ensure that everyone in the music ecosystem understands their rights and responsibilities. • Monetization and Fair Compensation: With the rise of streaming platforms and digital distribution, ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their work is a pressing concern. While copyright enforcement tools can detect unauthorized use, ensuring that artists are adequately compensated, especially in the age of micro-transactions and streaming royalties, is a complex challenge.

Copyright laws serve to protect the intellectual property of artists, thereby incentivizing creation & innovation. However, they can also act as a barrier, particularly when they are strictly enforced or interpreted in a way that limits creative freedoms, such as the sampling or covering of existing works without permission. Striking the right balance between protection & freedom is crucial for fostering innovation.

AI technology, as leveraged by CoverNet, is fundamentally changing the landscape of copyright enforcement in the music industry by offering unparalleled accuracy in identifying unauthorized uses of copyrighted material. This enables rights holders to more efficiently & effectively claim what is rightfully theirs. While the technology has the potential to bring fairness & efficiency, it is crucial that its application adheres to industry standards & ethical practices to ensure a balanced approach to copyright enforcement.

The primary responsibility for ethical & legal usage of CoverNet rests with the rights holders, who should exercise due diligence in how they act upon the information provided by the tool. CoverNet identifies potential unauthorized use of copyrighted material, but it's up to the rights holders to determine the appropriate course of action, which should align with existing copyright laws & regulations. Best practices might include verifying flagged content for accuracy, respecting fair use laws & taking a balanced approach to enforcement to both protect intellectual property & support creative freedoms.