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Composer Licensing Agreement for the United States

Composer Licensing Agreement Template for United States

A Composer Licensing Agreement is a legal document governed by U.S. copyright and contract law that establishes the terms under which a composer grants permission for their musical compositions to be used by another party. The agreement covers critical aspects including rights granted, territory, duration, compensation, and usage restrictions. It complies with federal copyright law, state contract laws, and industry regulations including those set by Performance Rights Organizations.

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What is a Composer Licensing Agreement?

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.

What sections should be included in a Composer Licensing Agreement?

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

What sections are optional to include in a Composer Licensing Agreement?

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

What schedules should be included in a Composer Licensing Agreement?

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

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Music Agreement

Sector

IP

Cost

Free to use
Clauses





























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

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