Music and media: Law for musicians, labels, publishers and content productions

Music & Media: What matters

In music, several rights come together: copyrights to composition and text, ancillary copyrights of the performing artists and record manufacturers as well as personal and trademark rights. Those who hold which rights and how the proceeds are distributed are regulated by artist, label, publishing and producer contracts, which often bind in the long term.

We examine and negotiate these contracts, advise on GEMA and GVL, on sync licenses for advertising, film and social media and for exploitation via streaming and platforms. We also regulate rights chains and contracts for media productions such as formats, documentation and web series.

Typical situations in which we help

• You will receive an offer from a label or publisher.
• Your song is to be used in an advertisement or a film.
• You work with producers or feature guests.
• Her band separates and argues about rights.
• They produce a format or a web series.

Legal basis at a glance

Artist and Label Contracts

The scope of rights, the term, options, advances and their offsetting, investment rates and recall rights are important. 360-degree deals also involve the label in merch, live and advertising.

Publisher and collecting societies

Music publishers use compositions and lyrics. GEMA exercises performance and reproduction rights, the GVL ancillary copyrights.

Sync and Advertising

Licenses on composition and recording are required to use a song in advertising or film. In addition, often the consent of the artist for advertising.

Media productions

For formats and series, all contributors must grant rights. Music, archive material and brands in the picture must be clarified.

That’s how we go

1. 1

   Initial assessment

   You briefly describe the facts to us and send documents such as a contract, cease-and-desist letter or screenshots. We will tell you promptly where you stand and what the next steps will cost.

2. 2

   Secure evidence and deadlines

   We document posts, stories and chat history in court and record all deadlines. Content disappears quickly, especially with social media.

3. 3

   Set strategy

   Together we decide whether negotiation, defense, cease-and-desist letter or contract drafting is the right way. It is always about your reach and your business relationships.

4. 4

   Implement and enforce

   We negotiate, formulate, answer and, if necessary, go to court, also in an urgent procedure. You will regularly be informed of what is happening.

Regarding the costs: Before every step we tell you what it costs. Depending on the case, we charge a flat-rate fee or by hourly rate according to the Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (RVG). If the opponent is obliged to reimburse, for example in the case of a justified cease-and-desist letter, we will claim these costs for you. More on this on our page Fee.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sign label contracts without verification.
• Do not conclude a band contract.
• Use music in advertising without a SYNC license.
• Do not regulate rights of producers and features in writing.