Song Ownership Contract for the United Kingdom

Song Ownership Contract Template for England and Wales

A Song Ownership Contract is a legally binding agreement governed by the laws of England and Wales that establishes and transfers ownership rights in musical compositions. This document outlines the specific rights being transferred, including copyright, publishing rights, and revenue sharing arrangements. It incorporates provisions from the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and addresses both the economic and moral rights of creators while establishing clear ownership structures and revenue distribution mechanisms.

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What is a Song Ownership Contract?

The Song Ownership Contract is essential when transferring or establishing clear ownership rights in musical works under English and Welsh law. This document is commonly used when songwriters sell or assign their rights to publishers, when co-writers establish their respective shares, or when catalogues of songs change ownership. The contract covers crucial elements including copyright assignment, revenue splits, publishing rights, and performance royalties. It's designed to comply with UK copyright law while protecting all parties' interests and establishing clear ownership structures.

What sections should be included in a Song Ownership Contract?

1. Parties: Identification of all parties involved in the agreement, including legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the agreement and brief history of the song's creation

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including defined terms from relevant legislation (CDPA 1988)

4. Song Details: Specific details of the song including title, writers, composers, and date of creation

5. Ownership Rights: Clear statement of rights being transferred and percentage splits

6. Warranties and Representations: Guarantees about song originality and rights ownership

7. Payment Terms: Financial terms including royalty splits and payment mechanisms

What sections are optional to include in a Song Ownership Contract?

1. Publishing Rights: Specific arrangements for publishing rights if being transferred separately

2. Territory Restrictions: Geographic limitations on rights transfer, particularly relevant for international rights management

3. Co-Writer Provisions: Additional terms relating to multiple songwriters and their respective rights

What schedules should be included in a Song Ownership Contract?

1. Schedule 1: Song Details: Complete technical details of the song including ISWC codes, registration details

2. Schedule 2: Rights Split Schedule: Detailed breakdown of ownership percentages and revenue sharing

3. Schedule 3: Prior Agreements: List of any existing agreements affecting the song

4. Appendix A: Song Registration Documents: Copies of official registration documents and certificates

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
Clauses
Industries

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Primary legislation governing copyright in the UK, covering original musical works, lyrics, and sound recordings. Defines ownership rights, duration of copyright, and moral rights of creators.

Performers' Rights Regulations: Legal framework protecting rights related to live performances and recordings of musical works.

Law of Property Act 1925: Fundamental legislation concerning the transfer of property rights, relevant for ownership transfer aspects of musical works.

EU Retained Law - Copyright Directives: Copyright-related EU legislation that has been retained in UK law post-Brexit, affecting music copyright and ownership.

Common Law Contract Principles: Fundamental principles of contract law including formation, consideration, and enforcement, plus specific principles of assignment and licensing.

PRS for Music Regulations: Rules governing the Performing Right Society, including collection society regulations and revenue sharing arrangements for musical works.

PPL Requirements: Phonographic Performance Limited regulations concerning recording rights and royalties management for sound recordings.

Musicians' Union Guidelines: Industry standards and best practices established by the Musicians' Union for music ownership and rights management.

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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