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Synchronization License for the United States

Synchronization License Template for United States

A Synchronization License is a legal agreement under U.S. copyright law that grants permission to use a musical composition in synchronization with visual media. This document establishes the terms under which the copyright holder allows their music to be paired with visual content, including scope of use, territory, duration, and compensation. The agreement is governed by federal copyright law and state contract law in the United States.

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What is a Synchronization License?

A Synchronization License is essential when incorporating music into audiovisual productions. This agreement, governed by U.S. copyright law, provides legal permission to synchronize a musical composition with visual content. The document specifies critical elements including usage rights, territories, duration, and compensation terms. It's commonly used in film, television, advertising, and digital media production, protecting both the rights holders and content creators while ensuring proper compensation for music use.

What sections should be included in a Synchronization License?

1. Parties: Identifies all parties to the agreement, including copyright holders and licensee

2. Background: Context of the agreement and ownership confirmation of the musical work

3. Definitions: Key terms including 'Musical Work', 'Synchronization', 'Territory', 'Term', 'Media'

4. Grant of Rights: Specific synchronization rights being licensed and any restrictions

5. Term and Territory: Duration of the license and geographical scope

6. Fee and Payment Terms: License fees, payment schedule, and any royalty arrangements

7. Warranties and Representations: Guarantees regarding ownership and right to license

What sections are optional to include in a Synchronization License?

1. Exclusivity: Terms of exclusive use, applicable when exclusive rights are being granted

2. Additional Rights: Other rights such as modification or arrangement rights, used when additional usage rights are needed beyond basic sync

3. Credit Requirements: How the music and rights holders should be credited, used when credit requirements are important to rights holders

4. Approval Rights: Process for approving final usage, used when rights holder wants control over final implementation

What schedules should be included in a Synchronization License?

1. Schedule A - Musical Work Details: Complete details of the musical work including writers, publishers, and recordings

2. Schedule B - Project Details: Specific details about the audiovisual project where the music will be used

3. Schedule C - Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of payments and payment schedule if complex

4. Schedule D - Territory Restrictions: Detailed list of territorial restrictions or permissions if applicable

Authors

Alex Denne

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

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

Music Agreement

Sector

IP

Cost

Free to use
Clauses


























Industries

U.S. Copyright Act: Primary federal copyright law (17 U.S.C.) governing the protection of original works, including musical compositions and recordings

Digital Millennium Copyright Act: Federal law addressing copyright issues in digital media and online platforms, including digital rights management

Copyright Term Extension Act: Law determining the duration of copyright protection for works, affecting how long synchronization rights can be granted

Music Modernization Act 2018: Comprehensive music licensing legislation that modernized copyright law for the digital streaming era and simplified licensing processes

Section 115 Compulsory Licensing: Provisions under Copyright Act governing mechanical licensing rights and compulsory licensing procedures

State Contract Laws: Various state-specific laws governing contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation

Uniform Commercial Code: Standardized set of laws governing commercial transactions, including aspects of licensing agreements

Performance Rights Regulations: Laws and regulations governing public performance rights and licensing requirements through PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)

Mechanical Rights Laws: Regulations governing the right to reproduce and distribute copyrighted musical compositions

Visual Rights Laws: Legal framework governing synchronization with visual media and associated rights clearances

Berne Convention: International treaty governing copyright protection across national borders for member countries

Entertainment Industry Guild Requirements: Regulations and requirements set by entertainment industry unions and guilds affecting sync licensing

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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