We understand the obstacles artists and record labels face in preserving their rights and profits in the music industry. That’s why we’re offering this comprehensive, easy-to-use Master Recording License Agreement template for free. This helps illuminate the often complex terrain of music licensing contracts, addressing everything from licensing scope and royalty payment to distribution, marketing, and more. If you want to save even more time with a professionally formatted look and explanatory comments and examples, consider our premium version in PDF & Word format. Reduce hassle and focus on creating incredible music, secure in the knowledge that your legal foundations are in place.
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[Your Name/Organization] [Address] [City, Postal Code] [Country] [Date] [Licensee Name] [Address] [City, Postal Code] [Country]
Comment: This section identifies the parties involved in the agreement. This Master Recording License Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into on this _____ day of ______, 20 (the “Effective Date”), by and between [Your Name/Organization] (referred to as the “Licensor”) and [Licensee Name] (referred to as the “Licensee”), collectively referred to as the “Parties.”
Comment: This section grants the Licensee the right to use the master recording for the specified purpose. 2.1 The Licensor grants the Licensee a [non-exclusive/exclusive] license to use the master recording (the “Recording”) identified in Exhibit A attached hereto, for the purpose of [Specify the purpose, such as synchronization, mechanical reproduction], within the Territory specified in Section 3. 2.2 The license includes the right to [Specify any specific rights granted, such as reproduction, distribution, synchronization] of the Recording.
Comment: This section defines the geographic territory where the license is valid and specifies the duration of the license. 3.1 The license granted in this Agreement is valid in [Specify the geographic territory]. 3.2 The duration of the license shall be [Specify the duration or end date of the license].
Comment: This section addresses the fees or royalties payable to the Licensor for the licensed use of the Recording. 4.1 The Licensee shall pay the Licensor the agreed-upon fees or royalties as set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto. 4.2 The payment terms and schedule shall be as follows: [Specify the payment terms, frequency, and due dates].
Comment: This section confirms the Licensor’s ownership of the copyright in the Recording and addresses copyright-related matters. 5.1 The Licensor represents and warrants that they are the owner of the copyright in the Recording and have the right to grant the license as specified in this Agreement. 5.2 The Licensee acknowledges that the copyright and all other intellectual property rights in the Recording shall remain the property of the Licensor.
Comment: This section addresses the reporting and accounting requirements related to the licensed use of the Recording. 6.1 The Licensee shall provide the Licensor with regular reports detailing the licensed use of the Recording, including but not limited to the title of the visual media, duration of synchronization, or the quantity of mechanical reproductions made. 6.2 Royalties or fees due to the Licensor shall be paid according to the payment terms specified in Section 4, accompanied by a detailed statement of account.
Comment: This section outlines the conditions under which the agreement can be terminated. 7.1 Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other Party in the event of a material breach by the other Party, provided that the breaching Party fails to cure such breach within [Specify a reasonable cure period] after receiving written notice thereof.
Comment: This section determines the applicable law and the jurisdiction where any disputes arising from the agreement will be resolved. 8.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Specify the governing law jurisdiction]. 8.2 Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Specify the jurisdiction].
Comment: This section confirms that the Agreement represents the entire understanding and agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior discussions or agreements. 9.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, and agreements, whether oral or written. [Your Name/Organization] By: [Your Name] Title: [Your Title] [Licensee Name] By: [Licensee’s Name] Title: [Licensee’s Title]