Music Royalty Contract for the United States

Music Royalty Contract Template for United States

A Music Royalty Contract is a legally binding agreement governed by U.S. federal and state laws, particularly the Copyright Act and Music Modernization Act. It establishes the terms for payment of royalties for the use, performance, or distribution of musical works. The contract specifies royalty rates, payment schedules, territorial rights, and usage permissions while ensuring compliance with relevant performance rights organizations and digital licensing requirements.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

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

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
Music Royalty Contract

Let Genie AI's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.
Upload your Doc

What is a Music Royalty Contract?

Music Royalty Contracts are essential documents in the American music industry, used to establish clear terms for compensation when musical works are used, performed, or distributed. These contracts, governed by U.S. copyright law and the Music Modernization Act, specify how royalties are calculated, collected, and distributed among rights holders. The agreement typically includes detailed provisions for various types of usage, from traditional performance rights to digital streaming, and ensures compliance with both federal and state regulations while protecting the interests of all parties involved.

What sections should be included in a Music Royalty Contract?

1. Parties: Identifies all parties to the agreement, including legal names and addresses

2. Background/Recitals: Explains the context and purpose of the agreement

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Grant of Rights: Specifies the rights being licensed or transferred

5. Territory: Defines the geographic scope of the agreement

6. Term: Specifies duration of the agreement and renewal terms

7. Royalty Rates: Details the payment structure and rates for different types of usage

8. Payment Terms: Specifies payment frequency, method, and reporting requirements

9. Accounting and Audit Rights: Details record-keeping requirements and audit procedures

What sections are optional to include in a Music Royalty Contract?

1. International Rights: Additional terms and conditions for multi-territory distribution and licensing

2. Digital Platform Rights: Specific terms and conditions for digital distribution and streaming platforms

3. Synchronization Rights: Terms governing use of music in film, television, advertising and other visual media

4. Sample Clearance: Terms and conditions regarding the use of samples from other musical works

What schedules should be included in a Music Royalty Contract?

1. Schedule A - Musical Works: Comprehensive list of all musical works covered by the agreement

2. Schedule B - Royalty Rates: Detailed breakdown of royalty rates for different types of usage and territories

3. Schedule C - Territory List: Detailed list of territories covered by the agreement

4. Schedule D - Accounting Procedures: Detailed procedures for royalty calculations and reporting requirements

5. Appendix 1 - Copyright Registrations: List of copyright registration numbers for all covered works

6. Appendix 2 - PRO Affiliations: Details of Performance Rights Organization affiliations and registrations

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

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Music Agreement

Sector

IP

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Industries

Copyright Act of 1976: Primary federal copyright law in the United States (17 U.S.C.) that governs music copyright protection and licensing

Music Modernization Act 2018: Updates music licensing to better facilitate digital streaming and modernize royalty payments for streaming services

Digital Millennium Copyright Act: Addresses digital copyright issues including online infringement and digital rights management

Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act: Establishes exclusive rights for performance of sound recordings through digital audio transmission

Performance Rights Organizations Regulations: Rules governing PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) for collective rights management and licensing of musical works

State Contract Laws: State-specific requirements for contract formation, statute of frauds, and entertainment law provisions

FTC Regulations: Federal Trade Commission rules regarding fair business practices and advertising in the music industry

Fair Labor Standards Act: Federal labor law establishing standards for employment including work-for-hire provisions relevant to music creation

International Copyright Treaties: Including Berne Convention and WIPO Copyright Treaty for international copyright protection

Tax Regulations: Federal and state tax provisions affecting royalty payments and music industry income

Contract Essential Elements: Key components including rights granted, territory, duration, payment terms, royalty rates, accounting rights, IP ownership, and termination provisions

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

SLA Software License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement defining terms for software licensing, usage rights, and service levels between provider and customer.

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

Simple EULA

A simplified software license agreement under US law that governs the relationship between software providers and users.

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
See more related templates

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

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

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

2 Docs LeftAccess Now