Skip to content

Copyright glossary

Short answer: all the copyright words you will run into, explained in one or two plain sentences. Missing a word? Let us know.

Attribution
Giving credit to the maker, usually with title, name, source and license. Required under all CC BY licenses.
CC0
A way for a maker to give up all their rights. The work can be used for anything, without credit.
Claim
See Content ID claim.
Collecting society
An organization that collects money for songwriters and artists when their music is played, like Buma/Stemra in the Netherlands.
Commercial use
Use that is mainly meant to make money, like ads, products, client work and usually monetized channels.
Composition
The melody and lyrics of a song. It has its own copyright, separate from the recording.
Content ID
YouTube’s system that automatically matches uploads with registered music and video.
Content ID claim
An automatic match on YouTube. The owner can take the ad money, track or block the video. It does not harm your channel.
Counter notification
A legal reply to a takedown, saying you believe the removal was a mistake.
Creative Commons (CC)
A set of free, standard licenses that makers use to share their work under clear rules.
Derivative work
A new work based on an existing one, like a remix, edit or translation. Also called an adaptation.
DMCA
The US law that sets up the takedown system that many platforms use worldwide.
Editorial use only
Content that may only be used for news, reviews and education, not for ads or products.
Fair use
A US rule that allows some uses without permission, like commentary. Judged case by case.
Freedom of panorama
A rule in many countries that lets you photograph buildings and art in public places. It differs per country.
Infringement
Using protected work without permission and without a legal exception.
License
Permission from the owner to use a work under certain conditions.
Master recording
The original recording of a song, usually owned by the artist or label.
Model release
A signed form in which a person in a photo or video allows it to be used, often needed for ads.
Monetized content
Content that earns money, for example YouTube videos with ads.
Moral rights
The maker’s right to be named and to object to harmful changes. In many European countries it cannot be sold.
Non-commercial (NC)
A license condition: the work may only be used for purposes that are not mainly about money.
No derivatives (ND)
A license condition: you may share the work, but not an edited version.
Open Font License (OFL)
The license most free fonts use. You may use the font for anything, but not sell the font file itself.
Portrait rights
The right of a person to object to how a recognizable picture of them is used.
Public domain
Works that nobody owns the copyright of anymore, free for everyone.
Public performance
Playing music or showing video in public, like in a shop, gym or at an event.
Royalty free
You do not pay per use. It does not mean the work is free or without copyright.
Share alike (SA)
A license condition: if you make something new with it, you must share that under the same license.
Sync license
Permission to put music in sync with video, such as in a film, ad or YouTube video.
Takedown request
A legal request from an owner to a platform to remove content that infringes their rights.
Trademark
Protection for brand names, logos and slogans. Different from copyright.
Whitelisting
Adding your channel to a list so a music library’s Content ID claims do not hit your videos.

Keep reading

Good to know. This guide is general information, written in plain words. It is not legal advice, and the law differs per country. When a lot is at stake, ask a lawyer. Last checked: September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.