MUSIC / Music industry

In the music industry, a contract determines what happens to music for years to come. We advise on and negotiate, amongst other things:

record deals · artist agreements · licence deals · distribution agreements · producer agreements · management contracts · publishing agreements · co-publishing and administration deals · songwriter agreements · collaboration agreements and split sheets · sync and master use licences · live and performance agreements · endorsement and sponsorship deals

In doing so, we look not only at the legal wording itself, but also at its practical and economic implications. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, so we carefully weigh up all the parameters (term, territory, exclusivity, options, royalty base, recoupment, advances, accounting, audit rights, creative control, release commitments, ownership, reversion of rights…) in the light of the specific situation and the intended collaboration. We do not believe in such a thing as a ‘standard agreement’, because every artist and every project is different.

A recording and the underlying composition embodied therein are legally distinct matters. This distinction is essential in relation to releases, samples, remixes, synchronisation, covers, distribution and catalogue deals.

We advise on the ownership and rights relating to musical works and masters, the transfer and licensing of rights, co-authorship, splits, neighbouring rights and collective management. We also advise our clients and help them navigate disputes should any issues arise retrospectively regarding credits, ownership or the distribution of royalties.

Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok and other digital services have fundamentally changed the way music is exploited. But the underlying question remains the same: who owns which rights, and what remuneration should be paid in return?

We assist with decisions and contracts relating to digital distribution, the granting of licences, setting up the most suitable revenue and royalty structures, analysing statements and conducting any necessary audits.

Want to use a sample? Incorporate music into a film, advert, game or podcast? This often requires various rights to be cleared. Indie Law helps you identify which permissions are required and, where necessary, negotiates sample clearances, synchronisation licences and master use licences.

We advise clients on disputes relating to royalties, breach of contract, credits, authorship, ownership, unauthorised use of music, plagiarism, termination of collaborations and accounting. Where possible, we seek a resolution through negotiation. Where necessary, we represent our clients in legal proceedings.