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Song Writer Contract for Australia

Song Writer Contract Template for Australia

An Australian law-governed agreement that establishes the legal and commercial relationship between a songwriter and another party (typically a music publisher, record label, or commissioner) for the creation and exploitation of musical compositions. The contract addresses crucial aspects including copyright ownership, licensing rights, royalty arrangements, delivery requirements, and moral rights under Australian copyright law. It provides comprehensive coverage of intellectual property rights, compensation structures, and obligations of both parties while ensuring compliance with Australian music industry standards and relevant legislation including the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth).

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Song Writer Contract

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What is a Song Writer Contract?

The Song Writer Contract is a specialized agreement used in the Australian music industry to formalize the relationship between songwriters and parties commissioning or publishing their work. This document is essential when engaging professional songwriters for creating original musical compositions, whether for commercial release, film soundtracks, advertising, or other media applications. It encompasses key provisions required under Australian law, particularly addressing copyright ownership, moral rights, and royalty arrangements in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) and industry standards set by organizations like APRA AMCOS. The contract is designed to protect both parties' interests while ensuring clear terms for creative deliverables, payment structures, and rights exploitation across various platforms and territories.

What sections should be included in a Song Writer Contract?

1. Parties: Identifies the songwriter and the other contracting party (publisher, record label, or commissioner)

2. Background: Sets out the context of the agreement, including the songwriter's expertise and the parties' intention to enter into a songwriting arrangement

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement, including 'Compositions', 'Publishing Rights', 'Royalties', and 'Territory'

4. Scope of Services: Details the songwriting services to be provided, including any specific requirements or deliverables

5. Ownership and Rights: Specifies the ownership of copyright and other intellectual property rights in the compositions

6. Grant of Rights: Outlines the specific rights being granted to the publisher/commissioner, including territory and duration

7. Compensation: Details the payment terms, including advances, royalties, and payment schedules

8. Delivery Requirements: Specifies the format, quality, and timeline for delivery of compositions

9. Moral Rights: Addresses the songwriter's moral rights under Australian copyright law

10. Warranties and Representations: Contains the songwriter's warranties regarding originality and non-infringement

11. Term and Termination: Specifies the duration of the agreement and circumstances for termination

12. General Provisions: Standard contractual provisions including governing law, notices, and entire agreement

What sections are optional to include in a Song Writer Contract?

1. Exclusive Services: Used when the songwriter is required to work exclusively for the contracting party during the term

2. Co-Writing Provisions: Include when the songwriter may collaborate with other writers

3. Publishing Administration: Required when the agreement includes publishing administration services

4. Minimum Commitment: Used when there's a requirement for a minimum number of songs or writing sessions

5. Creative Control: Include when specifying who has final approval over creative decisions

6. Additional Services: Used when the songwriter may be required to provide additional services like promotion or performance

7. Sub-Publishing: Include when addressing rights to sub-publish in different territories

What schedules should be included in a Song Writer Contract?

1. Schedule 1 - Royalty Rates: Detailed breakdown of royalty percentages for different types of use

2. Schedule 2 - Minimum Delivery Requirements: Specific requirements for song deliverables including format and technical specifications

3. Schedule 3 - Approved Third-Party Publishers: List of approved sub-publishers or administrators if applicable

4. Appendix A - Song Registration Form: Template for registering new compositions with relevant collecting societies

5. Appendix B - Payment Statement Format: Template for royalty statements and payment reporting

Authors

Alex Denne

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

Jurisdiction

Australia

Publisher

tiktok˰

Document Type

Music Agreement

Sector

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions

























Clauses






























Relevant Industries

Music and Entertainment

Media Production

Digital Content

Performing Arts

Broadcasting

Film and Television

Advertising

Gaming

Relevant Teams

Legal

Music Publishing

Artist and Repertoire

Business Affairs

Rights Management

Creative

Content Production

Licensing

Relevant Roles

Songwriter

Music Publisher

A&R Manager

Music Licensing Manager

Legal Counsel

Entertainment Lawyer

Music Producer

Creative Director

Content Director

Business Affairs Manager

Contracts Administrator

Publishing Manager

Rights Manager

Industries





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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