Can a rights holder refuse a faithful cover?

• A. No; they cannot refuse a faithful cover.
• B. Yes; they can always refuse any cover.
• C. Only if the cover changes the melody.
• D. Only in certain territories.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that faithful covers fall under a compulsory license for non-dramatic musical works. Once a song is published, another artist can record a version that faithfully reproduces the melody and lyrics by obtaining a mechanical license and paying the standard royalty. The rights holder can set the rate and terms, but cannot refuse a faithful cover simply because they dislike it. Their control isn’t about blocking the cover; it’s about negotiating the price and ensuring proper rights payments. If the cover changes the melody or lyrics in a way that makes it not faithful, then it becomes a derivative or different use, which could require additional rights or negotiations. So, a rights holder cannot refuse a faithful cover.