Sync Licensing Guide
Public Domain Works and Sync Licensing
Prepare layered rights information for sync review without promising clearance.
- 6 min read
- 6 min read
- Last reviewed 2026-08-11
- Last reviewed 2026-08-11
- Advanced
- Advanced
Prepare a pitch
Pitch output can state that the underlying work is asserted public domain in a named territory, identify arrangement control, and summarize master control. Review the source edition, evidence, parties, percentages, and target usage before sending.
- Confirm the public-domain territory matches the intended campaign and media use.
- Confirm arrangement parties and control, plus the separate master owner and control.
- Review the generated rights-chain wording and replace uncertainty with verified facts only when supported.
Boundary
Public-domain status alone does not create one-stop clearance. A buyer may still need arrangement and master permission and may evaluate another territory. CatalogIQOS readiness and pitch text are administrative aids, not legal advice or guaranteed clearance.
Include the original work title and composer as attribution, not as an unsupported modern claimant. If the record is User Asserted or Needs Review, retain cautious language and complete the review before representing clearance. A newer translation, orchestration, critical edition, or adaptation can introduce additional protected interests. Ensure listening links and creative metadata identify the same recording whose master rights were reviewed. Export layered fields when the recipient supports them; otherwise disclose destination limitations and attach a readable rights summary rather than flattening all control into one percentage.