Whether you’re signing your first record deal or reviewing a brand partnership, understanding these core provisions is essential.
Critical Provisions
Grant of Rights What exactly are you licensing or assigning? For how long? In what territories?
Compensation Beyond the headline number: advances, royalty rates, recoupment, and accounting rights.
Creative Control Approval rights over artwork, marketing, collaborations, and sync placements.
Term and Options How long does this last? What triggers option periods? What are termination rights?
Exclusivity What are you precluded from doing during the term?
The Golden Rule
If you don’t understand a provision, don’t sign until you do. The cost of legal review is always less than the cost of a bad deal.