Co Publishing Agreement Template for Singapore

A Co Publishing Agreement is a specialised contract that allows multiple publishers to share ownership and administration rights over musical works. Under Singapore's copyright framework, this agreement ensures that all parties have clearly defined rights, responsibilities, and revenue entitlements when collaborating on music publishing ventures.

When do you need this document?

You need a Co Publishing Agreement when entering into collaborative publishing arrangements where multiple parties will share ownership of musical compositions. This typically occurs when an established publisher partners with a songwriter's own publishing company, when two publishers merge their catalogues for specific territories, or when international publishers seek local representation in Singapore. The agreement is also essential when a record label's publishing division collaborates with an independent publisher to maximise the commercial potential of musical works across different markets and territories.

Key legal considerations

The agreement must clearly define each party's percentage ownership and corresponding share of net receipts from all revenue streams including mechanical royalties, performance royalties, synchronisation fees, and print income. Territory definitions are crucial, as they determine geographical boundaries where each publisher can exploit the works. The term duration should specify whether the agreement covers existing works, future compositions, or both, and include provisions for renewal or termination. Copyright administration responsibilities must be allocated, including who handles licensing negotiations, royalty collection, and enforcement of rights. The agreement should also address creative control issues, such as approval rights for synchronisation licenses and the ability to enter into sub-publishing deals in foreign territories.

Legal requirements in Singapore

Under Singapore's Copyright Act 2021, co-publishing arrangements must comply with strict copyright ownership and transfer provisions. The agreement must be in writing and signed by all parties to be legally enforceable, as verbal agreements for copyright transfers are not recognised. All parties must have legal capacity to enter into the agreement, and any assignments of copyright must be clearly documented with specific reference to the works being covered. The agreement should comply with Singapore's Competition Act to ensure revenue sharing arrangements do not constitute anti-competitive practices. Registration with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) is recommended for enhanced protection, though not mandatory. The contract must also align with Singapore's obligations under international treaties including the Berne Convention and WIPO Copyright Treaty, particularly regarding moral rights and international exploitation of works.