The Music Distribution Agreement is essential for artists, labels, and distributors operating in the United States music industry. This contract type has evolved significantly with digital distribution, requiring compliance with both traditional copyright laws and modern digital rights management. It's typically used when an artist or label seeks to distribute their music through various channels, establishing clear terms for revenue sharing, territorial rights, and quality control. The agreement must comply with U.S. federal copyright law, state contract laws, and digital media regulations, including the Music Modernization Act and Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
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1. Parties: Identifies the distributor and rights holder/artist, including full legal names and addresses
2. Background: Establishes the context of the agreement, including that the rights holder owns the music and wants to distribute it
3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Content', 'Territory', 'Net Revenue', 'Digital Platforms'
4. Grant of Rights: Specifies the rights being granted to the distributor, including format and territorial scope
5. Term and Termination: Duration of the agreement and circumstances under which it can be terminated
6. Revenue Share and Payments: Details of revenue split, payment frequency, and calculation methods
7. Delivery of Content: Technical specifications and delivery requirements for music content
8. Representations and Warranties: Legal assurances from both parties regarding rights ownership and authority
1. Marketing and Promotion: Details of promotional activities - include when specific marketing commitments are part of the deal
2. Exclusive Distribution Rights: Terms of exclusivity - include when distribution rights are exclusive
3. International Distribution: Specific terms for international markets - include when distribution extends beyond domestic territory
4. Physical Distribution: Terms for physical format distribution - include when physical formats are part of the agreement
1. Schedule A - Content List: Detailed list of all music content covered by the agreement
2. Schedule B - Territory List: List of territories where distribution rights are granted
3. Schedule C - Technical Specifications: Detailed technical requirements for content delivery
4. Schedule D - Revenue Share Calculations: Detailed breakdown of revenue share calculations and examples
5. Schedule E - Approved Digital Platforms: List of approved digital platforms for distribution
Relevant legal definitions
Agreement
Content
Digital Platforms
Distribution Rights
Effective Date
Intellectual Property Rights
Licensed Territory
Master Recording
Mechanical Rights
Net Revenue
Performance Rights
Release Date
Retail Price
Revenue Share
Royalties
Sound Recording
Streaming
Term
Territory
Digital Distribution
Digital Service Provider
Download
Encoding
Metadata
Platform Requirements
Streaming Revenue
User Generated Content
Accounting Period
Distribution Fee
Gross Revenue
Marketing Costs
Payment Terms
Reserve
Statement Period
Compilation Rights
Copyright
Derivative Works
Exclusive Rights
Licensed Rights
Publishing Rights
Reproduction Rights
Synchronization Rights
Audio Format
Delivery Requirements
Digital Audio File
Quality Standards
Technical Specifications
Territorial Restrictions
Content
Digital Platforms
Distribution Rights
Effective Date
Intellectual Property Rights
Licensed Territory
Master Recording
Mechanical Rights
Net Revenue
Performance Rights
Release Date
Retail Price
Revenue Share
Royalties
Sound Recording
Streaming
Term
Territory
Digital Distribution
Digital Service Provider
Download
Encoding
Metadata
Platform Requirements
Streaming Revenue
User Generated Content
Accounting Period
Distribution Fee
Gross Revenue
Marketing Costs
Payment Terms
Reserve
Statement Period
Compilation Rights
Copyright
Derivative Works
Exclusive Rights
Licensed Rights
Publishing Rights
Reproduction Rights
Synchronization Rights
Audio Format
Delivery Requirements
Digital Audio File
Quality Standards
Technical Specifications
Territorial Restrictions
Clauses
Grant of Rights
Term and Termination
Distribution Rights
Territory
Revenue Share
Payment Terms
Delivery Requirements
Quality Control
Representations and Warranties
Intellectual Property Rights
Confidentiality
Exclusivity
Marketing and Promotion
Accounting and Auditing
Indemnification
Distribution Channels
Technical Requirements
Content Delivery
Metadata Requirements
Platform Compliance
Release Schedule
Take-Down Rights
Force Majeure
Limitation of Liability
Dispute Resolution
Governing Law
Assignment
Third-Party Rights
Severability
Entire Agreement
Notices
Copyright Protection
Mechanical Rights
Performance Rights
Synchronization Rights
Sub-licensing Rights
Derivative Works
User Generated Content
Revenue Calculation
Statement Requirements
Payment Schedule
Currency and Exchange
Tax Provisions
Audit Rights
Recoupment
Term and Termination
Distribution Rights
Territory
Revenue Share
Payment Terms
Delivery Requirements
Quality Control
Representations and Warranties
Intellectual Property Rights
Confidentiality
Exclusivity
Marketing and Promotion
Accounting and Auditing
Indemnification
Distribution Channels
Technical Requirements
Content Delivery
Metadata Requirements
Platform Compliance
Release Schedule
Take-Down Rights
Force Majeure
Limitation of Liability
Dispute Resolution
Governing Law
Assignment
Third-Party Rights
Severability
Entire Agreement
Notices
Copyright Protection
Mechanical Rights
Performance Rights
Synchronization Rights
Sub-licensing Rights
Derivative Works
User Generated Content
Revenue Calculation
Statement Requirements
Payment Schedule
Currency and Exchange
Tax Provisions
Audit Rights
Recoupment
Relevant Industries
Relevant Teams
Relevant Roles
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