Music is Boundless but License Has Boundaries: Research on License of Streaming Music Services and the Differences Between the United States and China

This paper examines the licensing patterns of music streaming services, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly growing sector. It analyzes the current statutory framework and commercial practices in the US and China, highlighting the differences in economic, political, and cultural contexts. The paper argues that the current licensing model is insufficient and unfair, particularly for artists who lack negotiation power. It proposes a more voluntary and less compulsory licensing pattern to encourage fair competition and provide artists with greater control over their work. The paper also explores the evolution of music dissemination from traditional ownership models to access-based streaming, and the impact of this shift on copyright holders, music platforms, and consumers.