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Songwriter Contract Template for New Zealand

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Songwriter Contract

"I need a Songwriter Contract for an exclusive three-year arrangement starting March 1, 2025, with our publishing company, including minimum delivery requirements of 12 songs per year and 80/20 royalty split in favor of the songwriter."

Document background
The Songwriter Contract is a crucial legal document used in the New Zealand music industry to formalize the relationship between songwriters and music publishers or companies. This agreement is essential when engaging professional songwriters for creating original musical compositions, whether on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis. The contract typically covers key aspects such as ownership of intellectual property rights, royalty structures, minimum delivery commitments, and quality standards. It ensures compliance with New Zealand copyright law and industry practices while protecting both parties' interests. The document is particularly relevant for new songwriter engagements, existing relationship renewals, or when establishing specific project-based songwriting arrangements. It can be customized to accommodate various scenarios, from single-song agreements to long-term exclusive songwriting deals.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of the songwriter and the publisher/company, including full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the agreement, including the songwriter's expertise and the company's business

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement, including 'Musical Works', 'Recordings', 'Publishing Rights', 'Territory', and 'Term'

4. Engagement and Term: Details of the songwriting engagement, including duration and any renewal options

5. Songwriter Services: Specific services to be provided, including minimum number of songs, collaboration requirements, and delivery specifications

6. Rights and Ownership: Assignment or licensing of copyright and other intellectual property rights in the musical works

7. Royalties and Compensation: Payment terms, royalty rates, advances, and accounting procedures

8. Delivery and Acceptance: Process for submitting songs and criteria for acceptance

9. Moral Rights: Recognition of the songwriter's moral rights and any agreed limitations

10. Warranties and Representations: Songwriter's guarantees regarding originality and non-infringement

11. Exclusivity: Terms of any exclusive arrangement and permitted exceptions

12. Termination: Circumstances allowing early termination and consequences

13. General Provisions: Standard clauses including notices, governing law, and dispute resolution

Optional Sections

1. Co-Writing Arrangements: Terms for collaboration with other songwriters, including rights split and decision-making process

2. International Rights: Specific provisions for international exploitation of works

3. Producer Rights: Additional terms if the songwriter also acts as producer

4. Sample Clearance: Procedures for obtaining and clearing music samples

5. Publishing Administration: Details of publishing administration services if included

6. Promotional Activities: Terms regarding songwriter's participation in promotion

7. Recording Services: Additional terms if songwriter provides demo recording services

8. Non-Compete Clause: Restrictions on competing activities during and after the term

9. Development Requirements: Specific terms for songwriter development and training

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule 1 - Minimum Commitment: Detailed requirements for number and type of songs to be delivered

2. Schedule 2 - Royalty Rates: Comprehensive breakdown of royalty rates for different types of use

3. Schedule 3 - Approved Third-Party Publishers: List of pre-approved publishers for sub-publishing arrangements

4. Schedule 4 - Technical Specifications: Required format and technical standards for song delivery

5. Schedule 5 - Accounting Procedures: Detailed procedures for royalty calculations and payments

6. Appendix A - Song Delivery Form: Template for song submission and metadata

7. Appendix B - Co-Writer Split Form: Template for documenting ownership splits with co-writers

Authors

Alex Denne

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

Relevant legal definitions









































Clauses









































Relevant Industries

Music Industry

Entertainment

Media

Publishing

Digital Media

Performing Arts

Creative Arts

Copyright Licensing

Entertainment Technology

Digital Entertainment

Relevant Teams

Legal

Publishing

Business Affairs

Copyright Administration

Artist & Repertoire

Royalties

Creative

Licensing

Rights Management

Contract Administration

Relevant Roles

Songwriter

Music Publisher

A&R Manager

Music Licensing Manager

Copyright Administrator

Legal Counsel

Publishing Manager

Creative Director

Business Affairs Manager

Royalty Administrator

Contract Administrator

Music Industry Executive

Artist Manager

Publishing Coordinator

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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