Free Music Publishing Contract Template
Music Publishing Contract
This Music Publishing Contract ("Contract") is entered into on [Date] ("Effective Date"), by and between [Your Company Name], with its principal place of business at [Your Company Address] ("Publisher"), and [Songwriter Name(s)], residing at [Songwriter Address] ("Songwriter").
1. Purpose
This Contract establishes the terms and conditions under which the Songwriter grants rights to the Publisher for the publishing, distribution, and licensing of certain musical compositions.
2. Grant of Rights
The Songwriter hereby grants to the Publisher the following rights:
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Exclusive/Non-exclusive Rights: The exclusive/non-exclusive right to publish, distribute, and license the musical compositions authored by the Songwriter within the Territory defined below.
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Territory: Worldwide.
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Duration: The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue in full force and effect until terminated as provided herein.
3. Royalties and Payment Terms
3.1 Percentage of Revenue
The Publisher shall pay the Songwriter 50% of the revenue generated from sales, streaming, licensing, and any other exploitation of the musical compositions covered under this Agreement.
3.2 Advance Payments
The Publisher may, at its discretion, provide advance payments to the Songwriter, subject to negotiation and agreement between the parties.
3.3 Frequency of Royalty Payments
Royalty payments shall be made quarterly, within 30 days following the end of each accounting period.
4. Copyright Ownership
4.1 Retention of Copyright Ownership
The Songwriter shall retain all copyrights in the musical compositions covered under this Contract.
4.2 Publisher's Rights
The Publisher shall have the right to administer the copyrights, including the right to collect and distribute royalties, on behalf of the Songwriter.
5. Warranties and Indemnities
5.1 Warranties
The Songwriter warrants that they are the sole creator of the musical compositions and that they have the full right, power, and authority to enter into this Contract.
5.2 Indemnification
The Songwriter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Publisher from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising out of any breach of the warranties provided herein.
6. Term and Termination
6.1 Term
This Contract shall remain in effect until terminated by either party under the provisions herein.
6.2 Termination
Either party may terminate this Contract upon written notice to the other party in the event of a material breach of any provision of this Contract by the other party, provided that such breach remains uncured for a period of 30 days following written notice thereof.
7. Accounting and Audit
7.1 Access to Financial Records
The Songwriter shall have the right, upon reasonable notice, to inspect and audit the Publisher's financial records relating to the exploitation of the musical compositions covered under this Agreement.
7.2 Frequency and Scope of Audits
Audits may be conducted annually and shall cover the preceding three years. The costs of the audit shall be borne by the Songwriter unless discrepancies exceeding 10% of the royalties due are found, in which case the Publisher shall bear the costs.
8. Miscellaneous Provisions
8.1 Assignment of Rights
Neither party shall assign their rights or obligations under this Contract without the prior written consent of the other party.
8.2 Governing Law and Dispute Resolution:
This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Jurisdiction]. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Contract shall be resolved through arbitration in accordance with the rules of [Arbitration Institution].
8.3 Confidentiality
Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of any confidential information disclosed during the term of this Contract.
9. Signatures
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Contract as of the Effective Date first above written.
[Songwriter Name(s)]
[Date Signed]
[Your Name]
[Date Signed]
