Single Song Agreement for the United States

Single Song Agreement Template for United States

A Single Song Agreement is a legal contract governed by U.S. copyright and contract law that establishes the rights, obligations, and commercial terms between a songwriter and publisher for a specific musical composition. The agreement covers copyright ownership, exploitation rights, royalty arrangements, and territory limitations, while ensuring compliance with federal and state-specific entertainment laws, including the Music Modernization Act.

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What is a Single Song Agreement?

The Single Song Agreement serves as a fundamental legal instrument in the music industry, specifically designed for situations where a songwriter wishes to transfer or license rights for an individual musical composition. This U.S.-based agreement encompasses essential elements including copyright assignment or licensing, royalty structures, territorial rights, and exploitation terms. It ensures compliance with federal copyright law, state-specific regulations, and recent legislation such as the Music Modernization Act. The document is particularly crucial for maintaining clear ownership rights and establishing commercial terms for a single piece of music.

What sections should be included in a Single Song Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of all parties involved in the agreement, including songwriter(s), publisher(s), and any other rights holders

2. Background: Context of the agreement and brief description of the song and its creation

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Composition', 'Rights', 'Territory', 'Term', etc.

4. Grant of Rights: Specific rights being transferred or licensed, including copyright ownership and exploitation rights

5. Compensation: Payment terms, royalty rates, and revenue sharing arrangements

6. Warranties and Representations: Guarantees regarding ownership and originality of the song

7. Term and Termination: Duration of the agreement and conditions for termination

What sections are optional to include in a Single Song Agreement?

1. Controlled Composition Clause: Used when the songwriter is also the recording artist and special mechanical royalty rates apply

2. Co-Writer Provisions: Rights and obligations between multiple songwriters, including split arrangements and decision-making processes

3. Foreign Income: Specific provisions for international revenue collection and distribution

4. Minimum Commitment: Requirements for minimum exploitation or promotion of the song

What schedules should be included in a Single Song Agreement?

1. Song Details Schedule: Technical information about the song including title, writers, ISWC code

2. Split Sheet: Breakdown of ownership percentages between multiple writers/publishers

3. Territory Schedule: List of territories covered by the agreement and any territory-specific terms

4. Royalty Schedule: Detailed breakdown of royalty rates for different types of usage including mechanical, performance, and synchronization rights

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
Clauses
Industries

U.S. Copyright Act of 1976: Primary federal legislation governing copyright law in the United States (17 U.S.C.), establishing basic rights for copyright owners including exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and create derivative works

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Federal law addressing digital copyright issues, including online service provider liability and anti-circumvention provisions for digital content protection

Music Modernization Act 2018: Updates music licensing legislation for the digital age, including mechanical licensing reforms and pre-1972 sound recording protections

State Contract Laws: State-specific regulations governing contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation, including requirements for valid agreements

Statute of Frauds: Legal requirement that certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable, particularly relevant for agreements that cannot be performed within one year

Performance Rights: Legal rights governing public performance of musical works, including live performances and broadcast rights

Mechanical Rights: Rights related to the reproduction of songs in physical formats or digital downloads, including statutory rate requirements

Synchronization Rights: Rights governing the use of music in combination with visual media, such as films, TV shows, or advertisements

Digital Performance Rights: Rights specific to digital streaming and internet radio, including provisions for digital performance royalties

PRO Regulations: Rules governing Performance Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) and their role in collecting and distributing performance royalties

Work-for-Hire Provisions: Legal framework determining ownership of copyrighted works created during employment or under specific commissioned circumstances

Digital Distribution Rights: Legal framework for distribution through digital platforms, including streaming services and download stores

Statutory Royalty Rates: Government-mandated rates for mechanical and digital performance royalties, including Copyright Royalty Board determinations

SoundExchange Regulations: Rules governing the collection and distribution of digital performance royalties for sound recordings

International Copyright Treaties: International agreements affecting copyright protection across borders, including the Berne Convention and WIPO treaties

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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