Thank you for supporting the local music industry

Advertiser/Broadcasters

You are reminded that the appropriate clearances must be obtained in advance of the use of commercially released music embedded in commercials (radio & television) or any other production. You must contact COSCAP to obtain the necessary licence or advice on obtaining clearances.

Mechanical Licences

A licence to reproduce music (manufacture CDs) must be obtained in advance of manufacture (mechanical licence). Without the requisite licence it is an infringement of copyright. It does not matter if it is local or international music. Retailers of music should provide COSCAP with a list of new releases whether local or international on a monthly basis so that COSCAP can verify their legitimacy. Similarly, the manufacturers of CDs or other audio based products should inform clients of the need to obtain a licence in advance and should provide COSCAP with a list of products manufactured on a monthly basis. Products without the requisite licences are infringing copyright and COSCAP will be taking legal action against the relevant parties including the executive producer and/or manufacturer.

For further information please contact coscapevents@caribsurf.com

Churches, Registered Charities & Community Organisations

Under the Barbados Copyright Act 1998-4, churches, registered charities and similar organisations who are use recorded music only are exempted from paying copyright royalties, if the revenue generated from the activity used for charitable, educational and welfare purposes. There is no licence fee for worship sessions. Nonetheless, COSCAP does recognise the nature of these organisations and in circumstances where live music is used, discounts may also be granted:

• Registered charities - maximum 30%
• Unregistered charities/community organisations – maximum 20%

Venues/Leased Premises

You are reminded that where premises are leased to third parties who will be using music, whether recorded or live, show music videos or who have television sets/screens, a licence should be obtained from COSCAP. These include venues for weddings, concerts, fairs and similar events. We are kindly advising that the owners/management of these premises, who are aware that the performance right in protected material has been infringed then may be held liable for infringement under the provisions of the Barbados Copyright Act 1998-4.

Completion of Reassessment Forms

If you have changed your use of music, for example, a change in operations which affect the area space where music is played, then you should complete and return a reassessment form. The information provided ensures that your licence fees are computed to accurately reflect your actual music use. It is important that you communicate with COSCAP in order that your licence reflects actual music use.

Kadooment Bands

The leaders of Kadooment bands are reminded that public performance licences must be obtained in advance from COSCAP for fetes held during the Crop Over season or at other times during the year. It does not matter whether it is for members of the public or for band members only. Please contact COSCAP in advance and find out more about our special licensing rates for multiple events.

Calypso Tents

Tent managers are advised that public performance licences must be obtained in advance from COSCAP for the Crop Over Season. The Crop Over season is the single most important time of the year for local songwriters and performers. Your cooperation and support of the local industry is very important and appreciated however, you should also note, that without the necessary public performance licence you may be held liable for an infringement of copyright.

Tent managers are also reminded that they are obliged to provide COSCAP with play list information so that we are able to identify the music performed and thereby distribute royalties to the copyright-owners.

Public Performances Licences

Additionally, please be further advised that COSCAP also applies interest on late payments. Therefore, we urge you to contact COSCAP in order to obtain more information on our licensing policies.

Sponsors of Events

All event sponsors are advised that they should ensure the event with which they are associating has been appropriately licensed by COSCAP. By taking this step you ensure that you are associating
with a legitimate activity.