Olympic Skaters Have Trouble With Music Copyright

Olympic figure skaters are having problems getting permission to use music for their routines. New rules mean they must get approval for almost every song. This has caused some skaters to change their music right before they compete, which is very stressful.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

Olympic figure skaters are currently facing significant hurdles related to music copyright, leading to last-minute program changes and potential disruptions to their performances. This situation arises from stricter enforcement of music licensing rules, a departure from past practices where certain musical genres were more freely used. The stakes are high, as improper use of music can result in penalties, including the inability to compete with a chosen program.

The process of securing music rights for figure skating routines has become notably more intricate. Historically, the use of lyrical music was restricted, and much classical music fell into the public domain, simplifying copyright clearance. However, current regulations and increased awareness of intellectual property rights mean that skaters must now obtain explicit permission for nearly all music used. This has led to instances where skaters, who have practiced and competed with specific music throughout the season, discover at the eleventh hour that they lack the necessary permissions for the Olympic Games.

Background: The Shifting Landscape of Music Licensing in Figure Skating

For many years, figure skating largely circumvented music copyright complications. The sport’s rules historically limited the use of songs with lyrics, and a significant portion of classical music compositions are in the public domain. This allowed skaters to select music with relative freedom, as long as it adhered to these guidelines.

Read More: Olympic Games Have Many Controversies and Scandals

  • Precedent of Simpler Licensing: The use of classical pieces and instrumental scores meant fewer licensing agreements were needed.

  • Recent Shift: A notable increase in the use of popular music and contemporary instrumental pieces has brought the issue of copyright clearance to the forefront.

  • Impact of Increased Scrutiny: As reported, skaters are required to obtain proper copyright clearance for their music choices, but this process is far from straightforward.

Instances of Music Rights Disputes

Several recent events highlight the difficulties skaters are encountering:

Olympic Figure Skaters Are on Thin Ice Over Music Copyright Rules - 1

  • Amber Glenn (USA): Initially faced concerns regarding music for her free skate. However, she has since released a statement indicating the issues have been resolved, suggesting a potential personal connection forged with the artist. This situation, while resolved for Glenn, brought attention to the broader issue.

  • Petr Gumennik (Russia): Was compelled to change his short program music only two days before a competition due to copyright issues.

  • Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabaté (Spain): Nearly had to withdraw from his short program because permission was not secured for the use of the Minions soundtrack.

  • Madeline Schizas (Canada): Had to adapt her routine for the Olympic team event due to music rights, performing to a different piece than anticipated.

The legal framework surrounding music copyright in sports performances is complex and can be interpreted in ways that place a burden on athletes.

Read More: Ukrainian Skeleton Racer Removed from Olympics for Helmet Tribute

  • Copyright Infringement: This occurs when a copyright owner's exclusive rights are violated. The use of music in athletic performances, especially at a high-profile event like the Olympics, can be seen as commercial use, potentially weighing against fair use arguments.

  • Licensing Process: Skaters are generally expected to obtain permissions through systems like ClicknClear. However, the effectiveness and timeliness of these systems are under scrutiny, with some skaters reporting following procedures only to encounter subsequent issues.

  • "Fair Use" Doctrine: While skaters might argue their use is transformative, courts may find that the fair use factors do not support their position, especially when the music is directly tied to attracting sponsorships.

The Role of Music Rights Holders

Music rights holders maintain that they deserve compensation and control over the use of their creative works.

Read More: Finnish Ski Jumping Coach Sent Home From Olympics For Alcohol Issue

  • Compensation: Artists and publishers expect payment for the use of their music, particularly in a context with significant public visibility and potential commercial benefits for the athletes involved.

  • Control: Rights holders have the prerogative to grant or deny permission for their music to be used, and their decisions can directly impact a skater's program.

  • Artist's Clarification: In at least one reported case, an artist explicitly stated that only they can grant permissions to license their music, underscoring the direct control rights holders possess.

Expert Perspectives on the Issue

Legal experts and those familiar with the music licensing process offer insights into the challenges faced by figure skaters.

  • Complexity of Licensing: The process of music licensing for Olympic athletes is described as far from straightforward, with multiple layers and potential complications.

  • Need for Systematic Approaches: Given the high stakes, implementing systematic approaches to copyright compliance is advised for skaters and their teams. This suggests a need for proactive and organized management of music rights.

  • Common Misconceptions: There appear to be prevalent misunderstandings about music copyright within the sports community, contributing to the recurring problems.

Conclusion: Implications for Athletes and the Sport

The current wave of music copyright issues presents a significant challenge for Olympic figure skaters, impacting their artistic expression and competitive readiness. The increased focus on licensing necessitates a more rigorous and timely approach to securing music rights.

Read More: Ukrainian Athlete Removed from Olympics for Helmet Honoring War Victims

  • Program Adaptations: Skaters have been forced to modify choreography, replace music, or even abandon entire programs close to competition, causing considerable stress and disruption.

  • Future Compliance: The trend indicates a need for enhanced education and proactive management of music licensing for athletes, coaches, and federations.

  • Ongoing Process: The situation underscores that obtaining music permissions is an essential, albeit complex, part of preparing for major sporting events.

Sources Used:

Read More: Ilia Malinin Does Olympic Backflip, But It Doesn't Get Points

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are figure skaters having problems with music copyright?
New rules mean skaters need permission to use most songs. This is different from before when it was easier.
Q: What happens if skaters don't get permission?
They might not be allowed to use their chosen music for their performance. This can force them to change their routine very late.
Q: Is this a new problem?
The rules for using music have become stricter. This makes it harder for skaters to get the rights they need for their programs.