Recording agreement review
Reviewing a record label or producer's contract for advances, royalties, term, ownership of masters and exit rights.
What is included
- Reviews recording, publishing, co-writing or sync agreements
- Explains royalties, ownership splits and the length of the deal
- Negotiates changes with labels, publishers or producers
- Advises on registering works with collective societies
- Clears music rights for film, TV or advertising
What is not included
- Registration and filing fees and other disbursements
- Talent management, booking or agent services
- Lawsuits, arbitrations or appeals not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
- Tax or accounting advice
Who this service is for
- Recording artists and bands
- Songwriters and producers
- Film, TV and advertising producers licensing music
Information to have ready
- 1The agreement or offer
- 2Song titles, writers and split sheets
- 3Existing publishing or label agreements
- 4Details of how the music will be used
How a referral works
- 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
- 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
- 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
- 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights
Frequently asked questions
What does the lawyer charge?
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $1,500–$5,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
What is the difference between master and publishing rights?
Master rights cover the sound recording; publishing rights cover the song itself, the music and lyrics. A sync licence for film or TV usually needs both.
Should co-writers sign a split sheet?
Yes, it is good practice. A signed split sheet records who wrote what share of a song and helps avoid disputes over royalties later.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No outcome can be guaranteed
- The other side may not agree to proposed changes
- The lawyer confirms the scope, fee and steps in a written retainer before starting
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