Music Publishing Agreement

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We acknowledge the intricacies artists navigate to establish a thriving career in the music industry. That’s why we offer this comprehensive, user-friendly Music Publishing Agreement template for free. It helps unravel the complexities of music contracts, covering everything from royalties and copyright ownership to administration and exploitation rights.

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[Your Name/Organization]

[Address]

[City, Postal Code]

[Country]

[Date]

[Songwriter/Composer Name]

[Address]

[City, Postal Code]

[Country]

[Music Publisher Name]

[Address]

[City, Postal Code]

[Country]

Introduction

This agreement establishes the relationship between a songwriter or composer and a music publisher. It grants the publisher the right to administer and exploit the songwriter’s musical works. The agreement covers important aspects such as royalty payments, copyright administration, and the promotion and licensing of the works. It is advisable to consult with a qualified attorney to customize the agreement according to your specific needs and comply with applicable laws.

1. Parties

Comment: This section identifies the parties involved in the agreement.

This Music Publishing Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into on this _____ day of ______, 20 (the “Effective Date”), by and between [Your Name/Organization] (referred to as the “Publisher”) and [Songwriter/Composer Name] (referred to as the “Songwriter/Composer”), collectively referred to as the “Parties.”

2. Grant of Rights

Comment: This section grants the Publisher the right to administer and exploit the Songwriter/Composer’s musical works.

2.1 The Songwriter/Composer grants the Publisher the non-exclusive right to administer, exploit, and promote the musical works (the “Works”) listed in Exhibit A attached hereto, including the right to:

• Publish and distribute the Works
• Collect and administer royalties on behalf of the Songwriter/Composer
• License the Works for various purposes, such as recordings, performances, synchronization, and digital exploitation

2.2 The Publisher shall have the right to use the Songwriter/Composer’s name, likeness, and biographical information for promotional purposes related to the Works.

3. Royalties and Payments

Comment: This section addresses the payment terms and royalty sharing between the Publisher and the Songwriter/Composer.

3.1 The Publisher shall pay the Songwriter/Composer royalties based on the net revenue received from the exploitation of the Works. The royalty percentage and calculation method shall be as specified in Exhibit B attached hereto.

3.2 Royalty payments shall be made [Specify the payment frequency, such as quarterly or semi-annually] and shall be accompanied by a detailed statement of account.

3.3 The Songwriter/Composer shall be entitled to audit the Publisher’s books and records related to the exploitation of the Works, subject to reasonable notice and at the Songwriter/Composer’s expense.

4. Copyright Administration

Comment: This section addresses the copyright administration and registration of the Works.

4.1 The Publisher shall assist the Songwriter/Composer in registering the copyrights for the Works with the relevant copyright authorities, as applicable.

4.2 The Publisher shall take reasonable measures to protect the copyrights of the Works from infringement and unauthorized use.

5. Promotion and Licensing

Comment: This section outlines the Publisher’s responsibilities in promoting and licensing the Works.

5.1 The Publisher shall use reasonable efforts to promote the Works and secure licensing opportunities for their use in various media, including but not limited to recordings, films, television, commercials, and digital platforms.

5.2 The Publisher shall consult with the Songwriter/Composer regarding significant licensing decisions, taking into account the Songwriter/Composer’s artistic integrity and preferences.

6. Term and Termination

Comment: This section specifies the duration of the agreement and the conditions under which it can be terminated.

6.1 The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall commence on the Effective Date and continue for [Specify the duration, such as number of years] unless terminated earlier as provided herein.

6.2 Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other Party in the event of a material breach by the other Party, provided that the breaching Party fails to cure such breach within [Specify a reasonable cure period] after receiving written notice thereof.

7. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

Comment: This section determines the applicable law and the jurisdiction where any disputes arising from the agreement will be resolved.

7.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Specify the governing law jurisdiction].

7.2 Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Specify the jurisdiction].

8. Entire Agreement

Comment: This section confirms that the Agreement represents the entire understanding and agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior discussions or agreements.

8.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, and agreements, whether oral or written.

[Your Name/Organization]

By: [Your Name]

Title: [Your Title]

[Songwriter/Composer Name]

By: [Songwriter/Composer’s Name]

Title: [Songwriter/Composer’s Title]