🎶

Materia Collective Copyright Insights

Aug 6, 2025

Overview

In this in-depth YouTube interview, Jamie from Materia Collective addresses controversies and questions around the handling of copyright claims—specifically regarding the Undertale soundtrack, fan content, and YouTube Content ID. Key issues include how claims are made, advice for creators, Materia’s team structure, industry challenges, and recent organizational changes.

Materia Collective Background and Team Structure

  • Materia Collective is a small company with about 12 full-time and eight additional part-time or contract employees.
  • The team is distributed across the US, with a core in Seattle and others in Texas and the East Coast.
  • Jamie serves as Vice President of Business Development, working closely with Sebastian Wolf.

YouTube Copyright and Content ID Claims

  • Claims are primarily managed via Content ID’s automated system, not through manual review by Materia.
  • Two claim types exist: melody (cover detection) and composition (original work detection); the system often errs on the side of caution.
  • Content ID claims are not the same as copyright strikes—claims divert revenue, while strikes can result in takedowns.

Handling Claims and Communication

  • For claims on Undertale gameplay or Let’s Plays, creators should dispute; Materia will resolve in the creator's favor.
  • For unrelated background music, claims may persist, but contacting Materia for review is encouraged.
  • The best way to reach Materia is via their publishing email inbox; Twitter/X is not recommended for business matters.
  • Materia reviews claims individually and tries to be as lenient as possible, within legal limits.

Fan Games, Remixes, and Derivative Works

  • Fan games using Undertale music require proper licensing, especially for remixes or derivative works.
  • Creators are advised to use distributors like DistroKid or Soundrop to secure licenses before releasing soundtracks or covers.
  • For fan games, licensing the soundtrack before any YouTube upload avoids complications.
  • If a derivative work uses motifs from Undertale, reaching out for a license is required to avoid impersonation or fraud issues.

Industry Issues and Materia Policy

  • International copyright law and PR societies sometimes prevent Materia from resolving all claims, even with permissions.
  • Materia does not profit from demonetized videos and has no control over some automated claim outcomes.
  • Credit for work at Materia is a core value; any omission is considered an error and corrected when notified.
  • The company acknowledges past PR missteps and has since hired new marketing personnel.

AI and Music Licensing

  • Materia opposes the use of AI in art generation due to copyright and ethical concerns.
  • AI-generated content is actively discouraged, and any claims involving AI-generated music are handled strictly.

Relationships and Communication with Partners

  • Materia’s direct communication with Toby Fox is rare and mainly conducted via email.
  • The company's primary function is to handle rights administration so artists can focus on creative work.

Advice for Creators and Final Notes

  • Always reach out via email for any claim or licensing concerns.
  • Mark fan content as unofficial and secure licenses for derivative works.
  • Materia is open to direct partnerships and official releases for fan content when approached.

Contact Information

  • General inquiries: publishing inbox (email provided in the interview and Materia’s website).
  • Jamie is also reachable on Twitter/X for informal questions.