Copyrighted works is like any property you may own (land, house, car, mobile phones etc). Just like you need the authorization/ permission of the owner of a property to use her property you are equally required by law to seek permission/authorization of the owner of copyrighted works before you can use it.

It is impracticable and near impossible for owners of copyright to monitor the various uses of their works and to license them adequately. It is also impracticable and near impossible for users of music to locate all owners of copyright and negotiate with them. COSOTA simplifies this complex process through the collective management of copyright that is why COSOTA licenses are needed otherwise businesses and facilities that use music in public or commercial space would have to negotiate with every individual songwriter, composer, performer and publisher across the country and beyond for every piece of music they intend to use the cost would be astronomical.