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Registering Derivative Works

A derivative is a work based on another existing work — the parent. Registering a derivative links the two records on-chain, so the new work's provenance includes where it came from.

What counts as a derivative

Remixes, covers of a registered recording, sampled works, translations, edits, and any new work that meaningfully builds on a registered parent. Within your own catalog, derivative links are also the right way to relate versions: register the album master and the remix as separate works, then link the remix to the master rather than pretending one record covers both.

The process

1

Hold a license (or own the parent)

To register a derivative of someone else’s work you must hold a valid license for the parent. For your own works, ownership of the parent record suffices. Note that license issuance is currently paused — see Licensing.

2

Register the new work

In the Registry dashboard, register the derivative as its own work first — its own file, fingerprint, contributors, and claim — then choose ‘Link as Derivative’.

3

Select the parent

Enter the asset hash or token ID of the parent work.

4

Verify the link

The system checks your license and creates the link. The parent-child relationship becomes part of both records’ public provenance.

Why register derivatives?

  • Provenance — a clear, timestamped history of where the work came from, attached to the record itself.
  • Attribution that travels — the link means anyone inspecting the derivative can find the parent without relying on liner notes or memory.
  • Evidence of good standing — the recorded link documents that you connected your work to its source openly, which is a better position in any later conversation than a work with undisclosed origins.
  • Revenue routing (planned) — automated royalty splitting along derivative links is on the roadmap. Until it ships, treat any revenue-sharing arrangement as a matter for your written agreements, not the registry.

A link is not a clearance

Linking a derivative to its parent records the relationship — it does not by itself grant or prove permission to use the parent work. The permission comes from the license or agreement; the link documents the connection. An unauthorized derivative does not become authorized by being registered.

The Suede IP Registry organizes and prepares provenance records. It is not a government copyright registration, does not provide legal protection, does not clear rights or confirm ownership, and does not guarantee any legal outcome. Nothing in this documentation is legal advice — for decisions about your rights, talk to a qualified attorney.