Licensing & Distribution Agreements

Sanicki Lawyers provides expert advice to musicians on all aspects of music and video licensing and distribution agreements. As musicians ourselves, we understand the complexities of the industry and can provide you with the legal support you need to succeed.

Once you own or create a musical composition, lyrics, or a sound recording, there’s a good chance you will be looking at licensing these copyrights to others. There are many different types of license agreements in music, for example: distribution agreements, synchronisation agreements, license agreements with APRA / AMCOS and PPCA, license agreements with record labels and publishers – just to name a few.

License agreements arise between a licensor (the person/entity who owns or has the rights to license the music) and a licensee (the person/entity wishing to obtain a license to use the music), when the licensor grants the licensee the right to use/exploit/perform the music for a permitted purpose.

Businesses, individuals, film producers, media platforms or other creatives often seek to obtain permission (or a license) to play or use other people’s music for commercial purposes – this is when it’s important to have a license agreement prepared or reviewed by a lawyer.

Music distributors have established relationships with retailers and digital music service providers, which can help artists reach a global market.

A distribution agreement is a type of licensing agreement that sets out the terms and conditions on which the distributor will get your master recordings out into the market, digitally, and/or physically. Music distribution is a fundamental part of the music industry, as musicians, labels and publishers require their services to get their music out into the world for audiences to consume. Distribution agreements cover important terms such as the distributor’s services, fees, scope of rights, duration and territory of the agreement.

It is important for musicians to understand the terms of their licensing and distribution agreements to ensure they are getting a fair deal. Sanicki Lawyers can help you negotiate favourable terms with licensees to ensure you are striking a balance between protecting your rights and commercialising your music.