Composer Licensing Agreement Template for United States

Create a bespoke document in minutes,  or upload and review your own.

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

Let's create your Composer Licensing Agreement

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Get your first 2 documents free

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Composer Licensing Agreement

"I need a Composer Licensing Agreement for licensing my original orchestral composition to a video game company, with exclusive worldwide rights for gaming use only, while retaining rights for film and television usage."

Document background
The Composer Licensing Agreement serves as a crucial legal instrument in the music industry, protecting both composers' intellectual property rights and licensees' usage rights. This document is essential when a party wishes to legally use a composer's musical works for specific purposes, whether for recording, performance, or synchronization. Under U.S. law, it must comply with federal copyright statutes and state-specific contract requirements. The agreement typically includes detailed provisions about royalties, territory restrictions, term length, and usage rights, ensuring clear understanding between parties and compliance with industry standards.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identifies the composer and licensee with full legal details

2. Background: Establishes context and purpose of the agreement

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Grant of Rights: Specifies the rights being licensed and their scope

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

6. Compensation: Payment terms, royalties, and accounting provisions

7. Copyright Ownership: Confirms copyright ownership and rights retention

8. Representations and Warranties: Legal assurances from both parties

9. Termination: Conditions for ending the agreement

Optional Sections

1. Exclusivity: Terms of exclusive rights and limitations on composer's ability to license to others

2. Sub-licensing Rights: Terms and conditions under which licensee may sub-license the musical works to third parties

3. Creative Control: Provisions regarding approval rights over modifications or adaptations of the musical works

4. Credit Requirements: Specifications for how the composer should be credited in various uses of the work

5. International Rights: Specific provisions governing international use and compliance with foreign laws

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule A - Musical Works: List of compositions covered by the agreement with relevant details

2. Schedule B - Territory: Detailed breakdown of territorial rights and jurisdictions

3. Schedule C - Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of payments, royalty rates, and payment terms

4. Schedule D - Reporting Template: Format and requirements for usage and royalty reports

5. Appendix 1 - PRO Affiliations: Details of Performance Rights Organization affiliations and requirements

6. Appendix 2 - Copyright Registrations: List of copyright registration details for all covered works

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

Industries

U.S. Copyright Act: Primary federal legislation (17 U.S.C.) governing copyright protection, including musical compositions, establishing rights, duration, and enforcement mechanisms

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Federal law addressing digital copyright issues, including online music distribution and anti-circumvention provisions

Music Modernization Act (MMA): 2018 law modernizing copyright law for the digital age, including streaming services and mechanical licensing reforms

Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act: Law extending copyright protection terms, affecting duration of rights for musical compositions

State Contract Laws: State-specific regulations governing contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation

Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Standardized state laws governing commercial transactions, including licensing agreements

Statute of Frauds: Legal requirement that certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable

Performance Rights Regulations: Rules governing public performance rights, including PRO (Performance Rights Organizations) requirements

Mechanical Rights Regulations: Laws governing reproduction and distribution rights for musical compositions

Synchronization Rights: Regulations concerning the use of music in audiovisual works

Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act: Legislation establishing performance rights for digital audio transmissions

PRO Guidelines: ASCAP/BMI/SESAC regulations for performance rights licensing and royalty collection

Internal Revenue Code: Federal tax provisions related to royalty income and licensing revenue

Berne Convention: International treaty providing copyright protection across member countries

WIPO Copyright Treaty: International agreement addressing copyright protection in the digital environment

Fair Use Doctrine: Legal principle allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission for specific purposes

Work-for-Hire Provisions: Legal framework determining ownership of works created under employment or specific commission

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

Find the exact document you need

Exclusive Songwriter Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing exclusive rights between a songwriter and music publisher for the creation and exploitation of musical compositions.

find out more

Songwriter Publisher Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing rights and obligations between songwriters and music publishers regarding musical composition administration and exploitation.

find out more

Songwriter Artist Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing rights and obligations between songwriters and music industry entities regarding musical compositions.

find out more

Single Song Artist Recording Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between an artist and record label for the recording and rights management of a single song.

find out more

Session Musician Work For Hire Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms and rights assignment for session musician services under work-for-hire principles.

find out more

Music Agreement Contract For Artists

A U.S.-governed legal agreement establishing terms between recording artists and music industry entities, covering rights, obligations, and compensation.

find out more

Composer Publisher Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement between composers and music publishers establishing rights, responsibilities, and revenue sharing for musical works.

find out more

Music Distribution Deal Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for music distribution rights and revenue sharing between rights holders and distributors.

find out more

Recording Artist Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between a record label and artist establishing terms for recording and distributing musical works.

find out more

Music Contract For Featured Artist

A U.S.-governed agreement between a featured recording artist and a record label, establishing rights, obligations, and compensation terms under federal and state entertainment laws.

find out more

Master Recording Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between a record label and artist establishing terms for creation, ownership, and exploitation of master recordings.

find out more

Artist Recording Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract between a record label and artist establishing terms for recording, distribution, and royalty arrangements.

find out more

Record Label Partnership Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing partnership terms between a record label and artist, covering rights, revenue, and obligations under federal and state law.

find out more

Sound Recording Agreement

A US-governed contract establishing terms for the creation, ownership, and distribution of recorded music between artists and record labels.

find out more

Music Promotion Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract establishing terms for promotional services between a music promoter and artist/band.

find out more

Co Songwriter Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing rights and responsibilities between collaborative songwriters.

find out more

Music Distribution Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for music distribution, including rights, revenue sharing, and distribution channels under federal copyright law.

find out more

Music Video Production Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for music video production between artists/labels and production companies.

find out more

Composer Work For Hire Agreement

A U.S. legal agreement establishing terms for commissioned musical compositions as works made for hire, transferring copyright ownership to the commissioner.

find out more

Composer Licensing Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing musical compositions from composers to users, subject to federal copyright and state contract laws.

find out more

Film Score Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between a composer and production company for creating and delivering an original film score, addressing rights, payment, and specifications.

find out more

Contract For Musicians

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement establishing terms between musicians and hiring entities, covering performance, compensation, and rights.

find out more

Producer Artist Development Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement defining terms between a music producer and artist for development services, including rights, compensation, and obligations.

find out more

Music Venue Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms between music venues and performers/promoters for live entertainment events.

find out more

Song Share Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement that establishes ownership rights and revenue sharing arrangements between multiple parties for a musical composition.

find out more

Music Release Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for music release, distribution, and royalty arrangements between artists and labels.

find out more

Music Partnership Agreement

A U.S.-governed legal agreement establishing terms and conditions for musical collaboration between partners, including rights, responsibilities, and revenue sharing.

find out more

Music Ownership Contract

A U.S.-governed contract establishing ownership and transfer of rights for musical works.

find out more

Music Joint Venture Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing a joint venture between parties in the music industry, defining structure, rights, and profit-sharing arrangements.

find out more

Music Commission Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between a commissioner and composer for the creation of original musical work, addressing ownership, payment, and usage rights.

find out more

Master License Music

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing and using musical works across various platforms and mediums, in compliance with federal copyright laws.

find out more

Exclusive Songwriter Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement transferring exclusive rights in musical compositions from a songwriter to a music publisher, including copyright assignment and compensation terms.

find out more

Music Video License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement that establishes terms for licensing and using a music video, including rights, restrictions, and payment terms.

find out more

Live Band Contract

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement establishing terms and conditions for live musical performances, including rights, obligations, and compensation details.

find out more

Side Artist Agreement With Royalty

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement establishing terms between a record label and supporting musician, including performance rights, compensation, and royalties.

find out more

Producer Contract For Beats

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for the creation, sale, or licensing of musical beats between producers and clients.

find out more

Musical Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract establishing rights, obligations, and financial terms between parties in the music industry.

find out more

Master Use And Synchronization License

A U.S.-governed agreement granting rights to synchronize both musical compositions and sound recordings with visual media.

find out more

Songwriter Collaboration Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement defining rights and responsibilities between collaborating songwriters in musical composition creation.

find out more

Song Split Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement that establishes ownership percentages and royalty rights among multiple contributors to a musical composition.

find out more

Recording License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement that grants rights to use and exploit recorded music, subject to federal copyright laws and state regulations.

find out more

Record Label Licensing Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for a record label's rights to exploit musical works, including distribution rights and royalty obligations.

find out more

Master Recording Split Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement that establishes ownership and revenue sharing rights for master sound recordings among multiple parties.

find out more

Exclusive License Music

A U.S.-governed agreement granting exclusive rights to use and commercialize musical works, subject to federal copyright law.

find out more

Artist Development Deal Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for professional artist development services and career investment.

find out more

Song Writer Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing rights and obligations between songwriters and music publishers/entities.

find out more

Non Exclusive License Agreement Music

A U.S.-governed agreement granting non-exclusive rights to use copyrighted musical works while preserving the owner's right to license to others.

find out more

Digital Music Distribution Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for digital distribution of musical content across online platforms and stores.

find out more

Band Agreement

A U.S.-governed legal agreement establishing rights and responsibilities between band members, including ownership, revenue sharing, and operational procedures.

find out more

Musical Instrument Rental Agreement

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement governing the temporary rental of musical instruments, specifying terms, conditions, and responsibilities of both owner and renter.

find out more

Music Video Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract establishing terms for music video production, ownership, and distribution rights between artists, labels, and production companies.

find out more

Non Exclusive Beat Contract

U.S.-governed agreement for non-exclusive licensing of musical beats, establishing usage rights while protecting the producer's ability to license to multiple parties.

find out more

Exclusive Publishing Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract granting exclusive rights to publish and distribute a work, establishing terms between author and publisher.

find out more

Contract For Musical Services

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions between musicians and hiring parties for musical performance services.

find out more

Single Song Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing rights and commercial terms between songwriter and publisher for a single musical composition.

find out more

Single Deal Recording Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between a record label and artist for the recording and distribution of a single musical work.

find out more

Session Musician Agreement

A U.S.-compliant contract defining terms for professional musicians providing recording services, including rights, payment, and usage terms.

find out more

Music Use License

A U.S.-governed agreement granting specific permissions for the use of copyrighted musical works, subject to federal copyright law and state contract laws.

find out more

Music Lease Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement that establishes terms for temporary use of musical works, including rights, restrictions, and payment terms.

find out more

Music Director Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract establishing the employment terms between a musical organization and its music director, outlining duties, compensation, and artistic control.

find out more

Master Recording Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract between a record company and artist establishing terms for recording ownership and exploitation rights.

find out more

Contract For Music Artist

A U.S.-governed agreement between a music artist and record label establishing terms for recordings, rights, and compensation.

find out more

Singer Contract Agreement

A U.S.-governed legal agreement establishing terms between singers/artists and contracting entities, covering performance obligations, compensation, and rights.

find out more

Record Label License

A U.S.-governed agreement between a record label and artist establishing terms for music recording, distribution, and royalties.

find out more

Non Exclusive License Music

A U.S.-governed agreement allowing non-exclusive use of copyrighted musical works while protecting the rights holder's ability to license to others.

find out more

Music Contract

A legally binding agreement under U.S. law that establishes terms and conditions between parties in the music industry, covering rights, royalties, and obligations.

find out more

Independent Record Label Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between an independent record label and musical artist establishing terms for recording, distribution, and royalty arrangements.

find out more

Music License For Film

A U.S.-governed agreement granting rights to use copyrighted music in film productions, covering usage terms, territory, and compensation.

find out more

Music Distribution License

A U.S.-governed agreement authorizing the distribution of musical works through specified channels and territories.

find out more

Music Buyout Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement that transfers all rights in musical works from creator to purchaser, typically used in media and entertainment industries.

find out more

Administration Agreement Music Publishing

A U.S.-governed agreement between a music publisher and administrator for the management of music publishing rights and royalties.

find out more

Music Royalty Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for music royalty payments and licensing rights.

find out more

Co Publishing Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing shared ownership and administration of music publishing rights between multiple parties.

find out more

Song Agreement

A U.S.-governed legal agreement that establishes rights and commercial terms for musical compositions between creators and publishers.

find out more

Remix License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement authorizing and setting terms for creating and distributing remix versions of copyrighted musical works.

find out more

Music Royalty Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for music royalty payments and rights management between copyright holders and users.

find out more

Recording Studio Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between recording studios and clients establishing terms for recording services, rights, and payments.

find out more

Music Synchronization License

A U.S.-governed agreement permitting the synchronization of music with visual media, subject to federal copyright law.

find out more

Exclusive License Agreement Music

A U.S.-governed agreement granting exclusive rights to use and distribute specific musical works, with defined terms and territories.

find out more

Music Collaboration Agreement

A U.S.-governed legal agreement defining terms and conditions for musical collaboration between multiple parties, including rights, responsibilities, and revenue sharing.

find out more

Music Agreement Contract

A U.S.-governed legal agreement defining terms and conditions for musical works' creation, production, distribution, or licensing.

find out more

Record Label Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between a record label and artist establishing terms for music recording, distribution, and rights management.

find out more

Synchronization License

A U.S.-governed agreement permitting the use of musical compositions in synchronization with visual media.

find out more

Sync License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement permitting the use of copyrighted music in synchronization with visual media.

find out more

Music Licensing Agreement For Film

A U.S.-governed agreement that permits the use of musical works in film productions while establishing usage rights, compensation, and terms.

find out more

Commercial Music License

A U.S.-governed legal agreement granting commercial rights to use copyrighted musical works, subject to federal and state copyright laws.

find out more

Work For Hire Agreement Music

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing ownership and terms for commissioned musical works, transferring all rights to the commissioning party.

find out more

Music Publishing Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between songwriter and publisher for the management and exploitation of musical compositions.

find out more

Music Library License

A U.S.-governed agreement permitting specified use of music library content, subject to federal copyright laws.

find out more

Recording Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract between a record label and artist establishing terms for music recording, distribution, and royalties.

find out more

Music Distribution Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for the distribution of musical content between rights holders and distributors.

find out more

Composer Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract establishing terms between composers and commissioners for creating original musical works.

find out more

Copyright License For Music

A U.S.-governed agreement granting rights to use copyrighted musical works, subject to federal copyright laws and industry regulations.

find out more

Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal

By providing your email address you are consenting to our Privacy Notice.
Thank you for downloading our whitepaper. This should arrive in your inbox shortly. In the meantime, why not jump straight to a section that interests you here: https://www.genieai.co/our-research
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Genie’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security

You retain IP ownership of your documents

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

Innovation in privacy:

Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London

Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts

Want to know more?

Visit our Trust Centre for more details and real-time security updates.