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Music Distribution Contract Template for United States

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Music Distribution Contract

"I need a Music Distribution Contract for my indie rock band to distribute our upcoming album through a digital distributor, with worldwide rights but exclusive distribution in North America, starting January 2025."

Document background
The Music Distribution Contract serves as a critical legal framework in the U.S. music industry, defining the relationship between content creators and distribution channels. This document becomes necessary when artists or labels seek to expand their music's reach through various distribution channels, whether digital or physical. The contract addresses key aspects such as territorial rights, revenue sharing, marketing commitments, and delivery requirements, while ensuring compliance with U.S. copyright laws, digital media regulations, and state-specific entertainment laws. It's particularly relevant in today's digital age where music distribution spans multiple platforms and territories.
Suggested Sections

1. 1. Parties: Identifies the distributor and rights holder/artist

2. 2. Background: Context of the agreement and brief description of the parties' business

3. 3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including copyright terms, territory, and distribution channels

4. 4. Grant of Rights: Specific rights being granted to the distributor including digital and physical distribution rights

5. 5. Territory: Geographical scope of distribution rights and any territory-specific restrictions

6. 6. Term: Duration of the agreement including commencement date and termination provisions

7. 7. Compensation: Payment terms, royalty rates, accounting provisions, and payment schedules

8. 8. Delivery Requirements: Format and specifications for music content delivery, quality standards, and metadata requirements

9. 9. Representations and Warranties: Legal assurances regarding ownership rights and content validity

10. 10. Termination: Conditions for contract termination and post-termination obligations

Optional Sections

1. Marketing Commitments: Specific promotional obligations and marketing requirements for the distributor

2. Exclusivity Provisions: Terms of exclusive distribution rights and any territorial exclusivity arrangements

3. Sub-licensing Rights: Rights and conditions for authorizing third parties to distribute the content

4. Digital Platform Requirements: Specific requirements for digital service providers and platforms

5. Physical Distribution Terms: Specific terms for physical format distribution if applicable

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule A - Musical Works: Comprehensive list of songs/albums covered by the agreement

2. Schedule B - Territory List: Detailed breakdown of territories included and any territory-specific terms

3. Schedule C - Revenue Share: Detailed breakdown of revenue splitting arrangements and royalty calculations

4. Schedule D - Technical Specifications: Technical requirements for content delivery including format specifications and metadata requirements

5. Schedule E - Marketing Plan: Detailed marketing commitments, timelines, and promotional requirements

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ tiktok³ÉÈ˰æ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

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Industries

Copyright Act of 1976: Primary federal legislation governing copyright law in the US, establishing basic rights for copyright owners and duration of copyright protection

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Federal law addressing digital copyright issues, including online infringement and service provider liability

Music Modernization Act 2018: Updates music licensing legislation for the digital age, improving how music licensing and royalties work in the streaming era

State Contract Laws: State-specific regulations governing contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation

Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Standardized set of laws governing commercial transactions across US states

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

Digital Performance Royalty Act: Governs the payment of royalties for digital performances of sound recordings

Mechanical Licensing Regulations: Rules governing the reproduction and distribution of copyrighted musical compositions

Performance Rights Regulations: Laws governing the public performance of musical works and collection of related royalties

Federal Trade Commission Regulations: Rules protecting consumers and preventing unfair business practices in the music industry

State Entertainment Laws: Specific state-level regulations governing entertainment industry contracts and practices, particularly important in California and New York

International Copyright Treaties: International agreements protecting copyright across borders, relevant for global music distribution

State Privacy Laws: State-specific regulations governing the collection, use, and protection of personal data

Sherman Antitrust Act: Federal law prohibiting monopolistic business practices and anti-competitive behavior in the music industry

Clayton Act: Federal law supplementing the Sherman Act, addressing specific anti-competitive practices and merger regulations

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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