Music Release Agreement for the United Kingdom

Music Release Agreement Template for England and Wales

A Music Release Agreement under English and Welsh law is a legally binding contract that establishes the terms and conditions under which musical works will be released, distributed, and commercialized. The agreement typically covers rights assignment, royalty structures, delivery requirements, and territorial limitations. It incorporates provisions from the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and related legislation, ensuring compliance with UK intellectual property law while protecting both the artist's and label's interests.

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What is a Music Release Agreement?

The Music Release Agreement serves as the foundational document governing the relationship between music creators and distributors in the UK market. This contract type is essential when an artist or band is ready to release their music through a record label or distribution platform. It outlines crucial aspects such as copyright ownership, revenue sharing, release schedules, and marketing commitments. Under English and Welsh law, the agreement must comply with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and consider both traditional and digital distribution channels.

What sections should be included in a Music Release Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification and details of contracting parties

2. Background: Context of the agreement and relationship between parties

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Grant of Rights: Specific rights being transferred or licensed

5. Term and Territory: Duration and geographical scope of the agreement

6. Payments and Royalties: Financial terms including advances, royalties, and payment schedule

7. Delivery Requirements: Specifications for musical content delivery

8. Warranties and Representations: Legal guarantees from both parties

What sections are optional to include in a Music Release Agreement?

1. Marketing and Promotion: Terms regarding promotional activities (include if label handles promotion)

2. Creative Control: Provisions about artistic decisions (include if relevant to the deal structure)

3. Synchronization Rights: Terms for use in film/TV (include if sync rights are part of the deal)

4. NFT/Web3 Rights: Digital asset provisions (include for modern digital deals)

What schedules should be included in a Music Release Agreement?

1. Schedule 1: Musical Works: List of tracks covered by the agreement

2. Schedule 2: Technical Specifications: Delivery format requirements

3. Schedule 3: Royalty Calculations: Detailed breakdown of royalty computations

4. Schedule 4: Marketing Commitments: Specific promotional obligations (if applicable)

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

England and Wales

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Music Agreement

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Industries

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Primary legislation governing copyright protection for musical works, sound recordings, and performance rights. Includes provisions for moral rights, duration of copyright protection, and assignment/licensing of rights.

Performers' Protection Acts: Legislation protecting performers' rights and establishing right to equitable remuneration in the music industry.

Consumer Rights Act 2015: Relevant when the agreement involves dealings with individual artists who may be classified as consumers under the law.

Competition Act 1998: Ensures the agreement doesn't contain anti-competitive provisions that could be illegal under UK competition law.

Common Law Contract Principles: Fundamental legal principles including offer, acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, and capacity to contract.

Post-Brexit EU Legislation: Retained EU law affecting music rights and international copyright conventions that remain relevant after Brexit.

Collection Society Rules: Regulations from music rights organizations including PRS for Music, PPL, and MCPS that govern music licensing and royalty collection.

UK Data Protection Laws: UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 requirements for handling personal data in the context of music agreements.

Employment Law: Considerations regarding whether the relationship could be construed as employment rather than independent contracting, affecting rights and obligations.

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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