23 April 2025
In celebration of World Intellectual Property Day 2025, which this year carries the theme “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP”, IP Solved supports greater awareness around the role intellectual property plays in the global music ecosystem.
The power of music lies in its unique ability to transcend language, unify communities, drive social movements, and evoke powerful emotions. But behind every chorus, beat, and melody is a creator — and their creativity deserves legal protection.Music is more than just entertainment, it’s cultural currency, emotional release, and economic opportunity. But without intellectual property protections, the business of music would fall apart.
Protecting What Moves Us
The music industry is built on intangible assets. Trade marks safeguard band names, festival identities, and record label brands. Copyright protects the actual content — lyrics, melodies, and sound recordings. Design rights can cover album art and logos, while patents play a growing role in music technology and streaming innovation.
These rights enable artists and innovators not only to control how their work is used, but also to commercialise their creativity and reinvest in their careers.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of how IP & music work together:
1. Trade Marks – Branding the Beat
- Band names: e.g. Coldplay®, BTS®, AC/DC® – trade marks help artists stop others from using confusingly similar names.
- Record label logos: e.g. Def Jam Recordings®, Sub Pop® – securing the visual identity of the label.
- Music festival names and slogans: e.g. Splendour in the Grass®, Coachella®, "The World's Biggest Dance Festival"®.
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Merchandise branding: T-shirts, posters, and vinyl covers using distinctive marks or design elements.
2. Copyright – Protecting Creative Output
- Lyrics and melodies: e.g. A songwriter writing an original piece – copyright protects both the lyrics and the musical arrangement.
- Sound recordings: e.g. A producer’s studio master of a track – covered under neighbouring rights.
- Live performances: Recorded live shows and performances, especially when broadcast or commercially distributed.
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Beat creation and samples: Even short loops or digital samples used in electronic music are protected – and require permission if reused.
3. Design Rights – Visual Identity in Music
- Album covers: e.g. The iconic Pink Floyd “Dark Side of the Moon” prism cover – a registered design can protect the layout and composition.
- Stage visuals and costumes: Artists like Lady Gaga or Daft Punk whose personas are reinforced by distinctive costumes or helmet designs.
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Merch art: Custom illustrations on T-shirts, posters, or accessories sold during tours or online.
4. Patents – Innovation in Music Tech
- Music software and plugins: e.g. Innovative audio editing tools or effects developed by engineers or producers.
- Streaming algorithms and compression tech: Used by platforms like Spotify or Apple Music to optimise audio delivery.
- Hardware innovation: e.g. A new type of synthesiser, DJ equipment, or instrument tuning device.
Without these protections, creators risk losing ownership and control of the very works that define their careers.
Why IP Rights Matter
IP rights are not just legal tools — they are economic engines. They underpin everything from live performances and merchandise to sync licensing, streaming revenue, and brand partnerships.
Without IP, a global tour, a licensing deal with Netflix, or even a band’s own merch shop would be legally and commercially vulnerable.
Raising Awareness on World IP Day
IP Solved urges all music creators — from independent artists and producers to sound engineers, festival organisers, and developers — to take stock of their IP assets and ensure they’re properly protected.
We need to build a culture of respect around music IP. That means creators understanding their rights and industry stakeholders supporting them through effective protection strategies. Because music powers culture, and IP powers music.
On this World IP Day, the message is clear: respect the beat, protect the rights, and empower the future of music.
In honour of World IP Day 2025, our team has collaborated on a playlist which sparks our creativity and inspires our everyday lives. Give it a listen – and feel the beat of IP!
