Understanding the Meaning of 'Monetized by Copyright Owner'
The term 'monetize' refers to finding ways to derive financial benefit from a particular asset, such as copyrighted content. In the context of copyright law, the copyright owner is the individual or entity that holds the rights to a creative work. This can be the original creator, such as an author, artist, or songwriter, or it can be someone else who owns the rights, such as heirs or the employing entity in cases of 'work made for hire.' This concept is crucial in understanding how content creators and copyright owners can financially benefit from their work across various platforms.
YouTube and Copyright Monetization
One common scenario where the term 'monetize by copyright owner' comes into play is on platforms like YouTube. When a copyright owner participates in YouTube's Content ID (CID) program, they can track their copyrighted material within user-generated content. This mechanism allows the copyright owner to earn revenue whenever their content is used, typically through ads placed on the video. For instance, if a video contains portions of music owned by a copyright owner, the owner can use the CID system to track this usage and earn money through ads on that video.
The Basics of YouTube's Content ID Program
YouTube's Content ID system is designed to help content owners monitor and protect their copyrighted material. The program works by scanning uploaded videos for copyrighted content and automatically applying a digital fingerprint to match against the owner's library. If a match is found, the owner can choose to either block the video, retain the ad revenue for themselves, or allow the video to remain up and share the ad revenue with the uploader.
Monetization Examples and Scenarios
Monetization can take various forms. For example, if you write a story and allow a film studio to adapt it into a movie for a fee, you have monetized your copyrighted content. Additionally, selling the rights to use a painting, a song, or a melody to another party for a lump sum payment or recurring royalties is also considered monetization. Similarly, allowing someone to use a movie you have made or a song you have recorded can be seen as monetizing that work.
Personal Monetization Examples
Even on a personal level, you can monetize your own copyrighted work. For instance, if you write an ebook and offer it for sale on Amazon, you are monetizing the rights to your ebook. Alternatively, if you create an artwork and sell prints of it, you are monetizing your artwork. These examples illustrate how a copyright owner can profit from their intellectual property in various ways.
The Difference Between Copyright Takedowns and Content ID Claims
It is also important to understand the difference between copyright takedowns and Content ID claims. Copyright takedowns involve removing content from a platform due to copyright infringement. Content ID claims, on the other hand, are the process by which copyright owners can identify and potentially monetize their content. The YouTube help article on the difference between copyright takedowns and Content ID claims provides a clear explanation of these distinctions.
By understanding the concept of monetization and the role of the copyright owner, creators and users of copyrighted content can better navigate the complexities of copyright law and take advantage of the mechanisms available to protect their intellectual property and generate income.