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Music Distribution Deal Contract

Music Distribution Deal Contract Template for United States

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Music Distribution Deal Contract

"I need a Music Distribution Deal Contract for my indie record label to distribute our catalog of 50 songs exclusively through digital platforms in North America, with a revenue share of 80/20 in our favor, starting March 2025."

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Document background
The Music Distribution Deal Contract serves as the foundational document for establishing distribution rights and obligations in the modern music industry. This agreement is essential when artists, labels, or rights holders seek to distribute their music through various platforms and formats. Under U.S. jurisdiction, it addresses critical aspects including digital and physical distribution rights, revenue sharing mechanisms, territorial restrictions, and platform-specific requirements. The contract typically incorporates provisions from the Copyright Act, Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and Music Modernization Act, ensuring compliance with current music industry standards and regulations.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of the rights holder/content owner and the distributor

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

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Content', 'Territory', 'Term', 'Net Revenue'

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

5. Term and Territory: Duration of the agreement and geographic regions where rights are granted

6. Revenue Share and Payment Terms: Financial terms, revenue split, payment frequency, and calculation methods

7. Delivery of Content: Technical specifications and delivery requirements for music content

8. Representations and Warranties: Legal assurances from both parties regarding rights ownership and authority

9. Termination: Conditions for ending the agreement and post-termination obligations

Optional Sections

1. Marketing and Promotion: Promotional obligations and restrictions for cases where specific marketing commitments are required

2. Exclusivity Provisions: Terms regarding exclusive distribution rights, applicable for exclusive distribution deals

3. Physical Distribution Rights: Terms specific to physical format distribution, included when physical distribution is part of the agreement

4. Synchronization Rights: Terms for licensing music in visual media, included when sync rights are part of the distribution deal

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule A - Content Catalog: List of all musical works covered by the agreement

2. Schedule B - Technical Specifications: Detailed technical requirements for content delivery

3. Schedule C - Territory List: Detailed list of countries/regions included in distribution rights

4. Schedule D - Revenue Share Calculations: Detailed breakdown of revenue sharing formulas and examples

5. Schedule E - Approved Platforms: List of authorized digital platforms for distribution

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

Linkedin in social icon imageX social icon image
alex.den.21@genieai.co
Relevant legal definitions
Agreement
Advance
Authorized Platforms
Content
Content Delivery Requirements
Digital Distribution
Digital Service Provider (DSP)
Distribution Fee
Distribution Rights
Effective Date
Excluded Rights
Exclusive Rights
Gross Revenue
Initial Term
Marketing Materials
Master Recording
Mechanical Rights
Metadata
Net Revenue
Performance Rights
Physical Distribution
Publishing Rights
Release Date
Renewal Term
Reporting Period
Revenue Share
Royalties
Sound Recording
Streaming
Synchronization Rights
Technical Specifications
Term
Territory
Third-Party Platforms
Usage Data
Clauses
Grant of Rights
Exclusivity
Term and Termination
Territory
Distribution Rights
Revenue Share
Payment Terms
Accounting and Auditing
Content Delivery
Technical Requirements
Quality Control
Marketing and Promotion
Intellectual Property
Representations and Warranties
Indemnification
Confidentiality
Non-Circumvention
Force Majeure
Assignment
Notices
Governing Law
Dispute Resolution
Amendment
Entire Agreement
Severability
Platform Requirements
Reporting Obligations
Content Takedown
Third-Party Rights
Metadata Requirements
Industries

Copyright Act of 1976: Primary federal copyright law that governs music rights, protection terms, and licensing requirements

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Addresses digital copyright issues, online infringement, and safe harbor provisions for digital service providers

Music Modernization Act 2018: Updates music licensing legislation for the digital age, including streaming rights and royalty structures

Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act: Establishes rights for digital transmission of sound recordings and related royalty obligations

Digital Media Consumer Rights Act: Governs consumer rights in digital media transactions and fair use provisions

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

Performance Rights Regulations: Laws governing public performance rights and related royalty collections

Uniform Commercial Code: State-level standardized business laws affecting commercial transactions and contracts

Sherman Act: Federal antitrust law preventing monopolistic practices in music distribution

Clayton Act: Supplements Sherman Act with additional anti-competitive prohibitions

Federal Trade Commission Act: Prohibits unfair competition and deceptive practices in commerce

State Privacy Laws: Various state-specific regulations governing data protection and privacy rights

International Copyright Treaties: Agreements protecting copyright across international borders, including Berne Convention and WIPO Treaties

Fair Labor Standards Act: Federal law establishing wage, hour, and employment standards that may affect distribution agreements

Consumer Protection Statutes: Federal and state laws protecting consumer rights in music distribution and sales

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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