template

Publishing Deal For Songwriter (Publishing Agreement)

by
Genie Team
Genie Team
Oct, 10 2023

When to use this template

The Publishing Deal For Songwriter (Publishing Agreement) is a legal template or document specifically tailored for songwriters in the United Kingdom who wish to enter into a publishing agreement. This agreement outlines the various terms and conditions between the songwriter and the publishing company, establishing the rights, obligations, and revenue sharing arrangements.

The template covers a range of essential elements related to the publishing of songs, including copyright ownership, royalties, and licensing. It clarifies that the songwriter retains their copyright, but grants the publishing company the exclusive right to exploit and administer their songs in various ways. This may involve publishing the songs physically or digitally, granting synchronization rights for placement in films or commercials, and licensing them for use in public performances or broadcasts.

The agreement also addresses important financial aspects, specifying the royalty rates and how they will be calculated, as well as the payment schedule to the songwriter. It may further define the obligations of the publishing company, such as marketing, promotion, and protecting the songwriter's intellectual property rights.

This legal template ensures that both parties are protected by clearly outlining the duration of the agreement, termination conditions, and dispute resolution mechanisms. It may also include clauses related to advances, recoupment, audit rights, and any additional provisions specific to the UK music industry.

Overall, this legal template serves as a comprehensive and standardized tool that songwriters can adapt and use when negotiating their publishing deals under UK law. It empowers them to formalize the partnership with a publishing company while safeguarding their creative works and financial interests.

Key issues covered in this template

  • Automatic extension
  • Bankruptcy procedures
  • Calculating royalties
  • Examples not exhaustive
  • Exploitation
  • Revenue share
  • Royalties payable
  • Royalty statements and payments
  • Synchronisation licence
  • Term of agreement
  • N/A

What to watch out for

  • The songwriter assigns the copyright in their songs to the publisher for a limited period

  • The publisher is not absolutely obligated to exploit the songs, but is expected to do so

  • The agreement provides for a minimum commitment from the writer in terms of the proportion of songs contained on commercially released albums

  • The agreement runs for an initial term followed by optional extension periods, each with its own minimum commitment

115

Used by

Author

Genie Team

Genie Team

@genieteam
Genie AI Team

The Genie Team consists of lawyers and paralegals. Our aim is to open source the law and provide high quality, regularly reviewed legal documents.

Aline
KYCHub
Genie AI
Selleo Labs
Genie AI Team
Genie AI
Amura Launch Partners
Benn Holdings
Outdoor Logistics
Pinnup Records Ltd
A
G
+103 more
Other
15%
Technology
14%
Media
13%
Legal Services
10%
Consultancy
9%
Sport & Entertainment
9%
Education
5%
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
5%
Real Estate
4%
Construction
3%
Consumer, Public & Health Services
3%
Finance
3%
Energy
2%
Public Administration
2%
Retail
1%
Transport
1%
Wholesale
1%

Additional information

Business categories

Business activities

Relevant sectors

Media

Relevant company sizes

1 - 3

20 - 49

250 - 999

4 - 19

50 - 249

1000 +

Governing law

England and Wales

Language

English UK

Gender neutral

Yes