Synchronization License Agreement

In the music world, music rights, IP, and credits are important points of discussion between the composer, artist, and publisher. Nowadays NFT's are added to the mix. All these matters can be defined and arranged in a Music Contract or Synchronization License Agreement.

How do you write a Synchronization License Agreement? What is a music agreement?

With a Synchronization License in place, you arrange the rights to synchronize a soundtrack, song, or a piece of music with your visual image. It must be obtained from the copyright owner of the music, often the composer or artist or its management (the publisher). This Music Contract template covers the following important subjects:

• Parties;
• Definitions;
• Essential elements of film/soundtrack/piece;
• Specifics of piece;
• Delivery material;
• Production schedule;
• Credits;
• Composer's obligations;
• Grant of rights;
• Composer warranties;
• Termination;
• Effects of termination;
• Misc;
• Signatures.

This is important, giving the fact that when songs are produced/composed, also legal communication is involved, for example, due to the rights on the IP and other complications request extra attention. 

Sample Content of the Music Synchronization License for soundtracks, songs, etc:

This Synchronization License Music “Agreement” has been made by and between: (1) {{name of organisation}} of {{address}} (“the Commissioner”) and (2) either {{name of composer}} of {{address}} (“the Composer”) Or {{names of composers}} of {{address}} and {{address}} respectively (Jointly and severally referred to as “the Composer”) WHEREAS the Commissioner has been commissioned to produce a soundtrack/music/film(s) titled {{insert song title(s)}}.  The Commissioner now wishes to engage the services of the Composer (“the Services”) to compose original music and/or lyrics (“the Music”) and to record the Music (“the Sound Recording”) for inclusion in the soundtrack of {{one/all of}} the{{se}} song(s) as detailed in the Essential Elements of the Soundtrack as detailed below. IT IS AGREED as follows: Subject to the full execution of this Agreement and the standard conditions attached to this Agreement (“Standard Conditions”) whose provisions and definitions are hereby incorporated into this Agreement, the Commissioner agrees to pay the Composer the Fee detailed in the Essential Elements of the Original Soundtrack to compose the music and produce the Sound Recording.

Which factors should be considered while making a music contract?

• Mutual Consent; An agreement only occurs when one party makes an offer to another, and the other party accepts it. When one party agrees with the offer, it is expected to be unconditional and properly communicated, for example, by signing an employment contract.
• Eligibility; Following parameters to be considered for drafting a contract:
• For children under the age of 18, a contract can only be made if it is being accepted for necessities or education.
• For people suffering from mental illnesses or under the influence of drugs/alcohol. In such a case, a legal guardian, conservator, or custodian is able to make the decisions.
• Consideration; Both parties must exchange value for a contract to be binding; this is known as consideration. It is an important part of drafting a contract between the involved parties.
• Intention; Not every agreement between parties is a contract; it must be made clear that both parties have the intention to be a legally binding contract. During business agreements, it is a known fact that both parties are intending to enter a contract.
• Entering into a contract with minor or mentally unstable artists; Under the law, some people do not have the power to enter contracts and are not considered to be commercially able or of sound mind and judgment, or people under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Using our legal Synchronization License templates will help you to deal with the situation! However, this Sync license template will help you dealing with this legal matters such as NFT's, Legal rights, Credits, etc and we still recommend you consider finding legal support in case you have doubts about dealing with it the right way. Download this Music Sync license template now.

If you are looking for more information about Music NFT's, check out this NFT Terms and Conditions template.