The Olympic Copyright Clash: How Music Rights Are Reshaping the Future of Figure Skating
The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have delivered stunning athletic feats, but a growing undercurrent of copyright concerns threatens to disrupt the artistry of figure skating. From Amber Glenn’s gold-medal performance shadowed by a licensing dispute to other skaters scrambling for approvals, the issue of music rights is no longer a backstage problem—it’s center stage. But this isn’t just about resolving immediate conflicts; it’s a sign of a fundamental shift in how athletes and artists navigate intellectual property in the digital age.
The Rising Cost of Inspiration: Why Now?
For generations, figure skaters largely relied on music in the public domain, avoiding the complexities of licensing. However, a rule change by the International Skating Union (ISU) in 2014 opened the door to more contemporary music, allowing athletes to express themselves with soundtracks reflecting their personalities. This artistic freedom came with a price. As skaters began using popular and modern music, artists and rights holders started demanding compensation for their perform. The result? A surge in copyright issues, as evidenced by the experiences of several skaters at the Milan Cortina Games.
Spanish skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate faced a last-minute scramble to secure approval for his program music from Universal Studios, while Russian skater Petr Gumennik was forced to change his short program just two days before competition due to a lack of proper permissions for a track from “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.” These incidents highlight a systemic problem: the process of obtaining copyright permission is often murky, prone to errors, and increasingly necessary.
A Complex Web of Rights and Permissions
Securing the rights to use a song isn’t as simple as contacting the artist. Often, the copyright is held by the record label, a music publisher, or multiple parties. Skaters may also piece together different segments of songs, further complicating the process. Third-party companies like ClicknClear attempt to streamline the process, but even they can’t guarantee a smooth outcome. As Canadian artist Seb McKinnon, who records under the name CLANN, discovered, even when an artist believes they have control over licensing, complexities can arise.
McKinnon’s initial surprise at hearing his song, “The Return,” used in Amber Glenn’s routine sparked a public conversation about fair use and artist compensation. However, the situation quickly evolved into a potential collaboration, demonstrating a positive outcome from an initially tense situation. Glenn, a three-time U.S. Champion, expressed her hope for a future partnership with McKinnon, highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial relationships between athletes and musicians.
Beyond Figure Skating: A Broader Trend in Creative Industries
The challenges faced by figure skaters mirror a broader trend across creative industries. The rise of digital platforms and the ease of content sharing have made it easier than ever to use copyrighted material without permission. This has led to increased scrutiny from rights holders and a growing demand for stricter enforcement of copyright laws. The sports world, with its increasing reliance on music and visual media, is becoming a key battleground in this ongoing debate.
Did you realize? The global music industry generated $26.2 billion in revenue in 2023, a significant portion of which is attributed to licensing and performance rights. (Source: IFPI Global Music Report 2024)
The Future of Music in Sports: What’s Next?
Several potential solutions could address the copyright challenges in figure skating and other sports. One possibility is the development of standardized licensing agreements specifically tailored to athletic performances. These agreements could offer simplified terms and fees, making it easier for athletes to obtain the necessary permissions. Another approach is increased investment in technology that can automatically identify and track the use of copyrighted music in live events.
a shift towards proactive collaboration between sports organizations, artists, and rights holders could foster a more harmonious relationship. This could involve establishing a clearinghouse for music licensing or creating a fund to compensate artists for the use of their work. The potential for collaboration, as demonstrated by the evolving relationship between Amber Glenn and Seb McKinnon, is a promising sign.
“Creators deserve clear consent, proper credit and fair compensation when their work is used. It doesn’t matter if you’re the most famous artist in the world or a complete unknown. It’s for all.” – Seb McKinnon, artist and musician.
Navigating the Latest Landscape: A Proactive Approach
For athletes and sports organizations, a proactive approach to copyright is essential. This includes:
- Early Planning: Begin the music selection and licensing process well in advance of competitions.
- Due Diligence: Thoroughly research the copyright status of any music being considered.
- Professional Assistance: Consider working with a music licensing specialist to navigate the complexities of the process.
- Transparency: Maintain open communication with artists and rights holders.
The case of Amber Glenn serves as a cautionary tale, but also as an opportunity. It highlights the need for greater awareness, improved processes, and a commitment to respecting the rights of creators. As figure skating continues to evolve, embracing a collaborative and legally sound approach to music licensing will be crucial for ensuring the sport’s artistic integrity and long-term sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it always necessary to obtain permission to use a song in a figure skating routine?
A: Yes, generally. While music in the public domain is free to use, most contemporary music is protected by copyright and requires permission from the rights holder.
Q: What happens if a skater uses copyrighted music without permission?
A: They could face legal consequences, including fines and the potential disqualification from competitions. More commonly, they may be asked to change their routine at the last minute.
Q: Are there any resources available to help skaters navigate the music licensing process?
A: Yes, organizations like ClicknClear offer music licensing services. The ISU also provides guidance on copyright issues. See our guide on music licensing for athletes for more information.
Q: Could this issue impact other Olympic sports?
A: Absolutely. Any sport that utilizes music or other copyrighted material in its performances is potentially vulnerable to similar copyright challenges.
What are your thoughts on the evolving relationship between athletes, artists, and copyright law? Share your perspective in the comments below!
