Music License Agreement
This Music Licensing Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on [Effective Date] (the "Effective Date") by and between
, an individual having their usual place of living at [Address], [City], [State] [ZIP Code](the "Licensor"), and
WHEREAS the Licensor is the owner of specific musical composition(s) or the owner's authorized representative and is entitled to grant licenses to its use;
WHEREAS the Licensee wishes to obtain a license to use the musical composition(s) connected with its activities;
WHEREAS the Parties wish to enter into this Agreement to establish the terms and conditions under which the Licensee may use the musical composition(s);
WHEREAS the Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is subject to the United States Copyright Act and other applicable laws and regulations;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and obligations set forth herein and upon other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties have agreed as follows:
SUBJECT OF THE AGREEMENT. Under this Agreement, the Licensor grants the Licensee a license subject to the following terms and conditions:
A. Type of license: The Licensor grants the Licensee the non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual license (the "License") to use the following musical composition(s) (the "Composition(s)") subject to the restrictions set forth in this Agreement:
B. Territory: The License granted hereunder is worldwide, without any territorial limitation to the use of the Composition(s).
C. Term of the License. The License is granted for an unlimited period.
D. Rights granted: The License granted hereunder includes the following rights regarding the Composition(s) subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement (the "Rights Granted"): [field8_0] According to this Agreement, the Licensee has no right to issue the sublicense to the third parties regarding the usage of the Composition(s), which are subject to the present Agreement.
Late payment: If the Licensee fails to make any fee due under this Agreement within [Number of days] days after the Due Date, the Licensor shall be entitled to charge interest on the unpaid amount of [Late fee] [Late Fee2] or at the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is less.
Taxes: The Licensor shall be responsible for all taxes related to the License, including sales tax, use tax, and other applicable taxes.
OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
- Licensee's obligations: The Licensee is solely responsible for obtaining all permissions, consents, and licenses necessary to use the Composition(s) in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Licensee shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards connected with the use of the Composition(s). The Licensee shall not infringe third-party rights, including intellectual property rights while using the Composition(s) under this Agreement.
- Licensor's obligations: The Licensor represents and warrants that the Composition(s) do not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party. The Licensor shall provide the Licensee with any information that may be reasonably requested by the Licensee for the use of the Composition(s) under this Agreement.
- Joint obligations: The Parties shall cooperate in good faith to promote and market the Composition(s) in such a way as to maximize their commercial potential. The Parties shall consult with each other on all material aspects of the use of the Composition(s), including the use of the Composition(s), along with any advertising, marketing, or promotional campaign.
WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS. The Licensor represents and warrants being the sole and exclusive owner of the Composition(s) and possessing full right, power, and authority to grant the License to the Licensee.
The Licensor represents and warrants that the Composition(s) is/are free from any claims, liens, encumbrances, and adverse rights or interests.
The Licensor further represents and warrants that all relevant information regarding the Composition(s) has been disclosed to the Licensee.
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION. The Licensor shall not be liable for any indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use of the Composition(s) by the Licensee under this Agreement. The Licensor shall indemnify and hold the Licensee harmless from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising from or in connection with any breach of the Licensor's warranties or representations. The obligation of the Licensor to indemnify and hold harmless the Licensee shall be limited to the actual damages suffered by the Licensee as a result of any breach of the Licensor's warranties or representations. The Licensee shall indemnify and hold the Licensor harmless from and against any claims, d...
Upon termination of this Agreement, the Licensee shall immediately cease all use of the Composition(s) and return or destroy all copies of the Composition(s).
NOTICE. Any notice, request, demand, or other communication required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and deemed duly given if delivered personally or sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by a reputable overnight delivery service to the address or email addresses set forth below, or to such other address as either Party may designate by written notice to the other Party:
If to the Licensor:
If to the Licensee:
Either Party may change the registered mail or email address for receipt of notices by giving written notice to the other Party.
Notices shall be deemed received on the day of delivery if sent by hand or courier service or on the third business day after the date of posting if sent by registered mail or email.
CONFIDENTIALITY. The Parties agree to keep all information disclosed during this Agreement confidential and not to share such information with any third party unless required by law. The Parties agree not to use the confidential information for any purpose other than what is necessary to fulfill their obligations under this Agreement. This confidentiality clause shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
SEVERABILITY. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
WAIVER. The failure of any Party to enforce a particular provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of their right to enforce that provision in the future.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations, or discussions, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. Any amendments or modifications to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and assigns. Neither Party may assign this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
THE LICENSOR THE LICENSEE , USA , USA ______________________________ (Place for signature) ______________________________ (Place for signature)
Licensor banking details — Bank name: [Licensor's bank name], Account number: [Licensor's account number].
Licensee banking details — Bank name: [Licensee's bank name], Account number: [Licensee's account number].
Party 1
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Party 2
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Music License Agreement?
A Music License Agreement in the United States records the obligations the parties accept and the terms governing their arrangement.
Music licensing is governed by federal copyright law under Title 17 of the United States Code. A musical work involves two separate copyrights — the composition copyright (melody and lyrics, owned by the songwriter or music publisher) and the sound recording copyright (the specific recorded performance, owned by the recording artist or record label). Using music commercially typically requires clearing rights from both copyright holders, often through separate license agreements.
The Copyright Act establishes several categories of music licenses. A synchronization (sync) license permits the use of a composition in audiovisual media such as film, TV, advertisements, and video games. A mechanical license under Section 115 permits the reproduction and distribution of a composition in audio-only formats. A public performance license permits the live or broadcast performance of a composition and is typically administered by performing rights organizations (PROs) — ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the United States.
Unauthorized use of copyrighted music constitutes infringement under 17 U.S.C. Section 501, exposing the infringer to statutory damages of up to $150,000 per willful infringement, injunctive relief, and liability for the rights holder's attorney fees. Music licensing disputes are among the most actively litigated areas of intellectual property law.
When Do You Need a Music License Agreement?
When producing a film, television show, documentary, or web series that will include licensed music on its soundtrack — requiring synchronization licenses from publishers and master use licenses from record labels.
When creating an advertisement or marketing campaign that features background music, a recognizable song, or a commissioned musical score for broadcast, streaming, or social media distribution.
When a venue, restaurant, retail store, or fitness studio plays recorded music for customers and needs public performance licenses, typically obtained through blanket licenses from ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC.
When developing a video game, mobile app, or interactive media product that incorporates licensed music tracks requiring both synchronization and reproduction rights.
When a podcast, YouTube creator, or streaming content producer needs music for intros, transitions, or background tracks and must obtain proper licenses to avoid content takedowns and copyright strikes.
When recording a cover version of an existing song for commercial release, requiring a mechanical license under the compulsory licensing provisions of Section 115 or a direct license from the publisher.
Using music without proper licensing — even brief clips — exposes content creators to DMCA takedown notices, platform content strikes, statutory copyright damages, and injunctions that can prevent distribution of the entire project.
What to Include in Your Music License Agreement
Identification of the musical work — the song title, composer/songwriter name(s), music publisher, performing artist, record label, and any applicable registration numbers (ASCAP/BMI work IDs, ISRC codes, or Copyright Office registration numbers).
Licensor and licensee identification — the full legal names and contact information of the party granting the license (rights holder or their authorized representative) and the party receiving the license.
Type of license granted — specify whether this is a synchronization license, master use license, mechanical license, public performance license, or a combination. Each type conveys different rights and is subject to different legal requirements.
Scope of permitted use — a detailed description of exactly how the music may be used, including the specific project or media, the format (broadcast, streaming, theatrical, physical media), and any restrictions on context (no use in political advertising, adult content, etc.).
Territory — the geographic region where the license is valid. Digital distribution typically requires worldwide rights, while broadcast and theatrical licenses may be limited to specific countries or regions.
Duration — the term of the license, whether perpetual, for a fixed number of years, or tied to the distribution life of a specific project. Include renewal terms and conditions.
Compensation — the fee structure, whether a one-time flat fee, advance against royalties, per-use fee, revenue share, or ongoing royalty payments. Specify payment schedules, accounting periods, and audit rights.
Exclusivity — whether the license is exclusive (preventing the licensor from granting similar rights to others) or non-exclusive (allowing the licensor to license the same work to multiple parties simultaneously).
Credit and attribution — requirements for how the songwriter, performer, and publisher must be credited in the project's credits, metadata, or marketing materials.
Representations and warranties — the licensor's guarantee that they own or control the rights being licensed and have authority to grant the license, with an indemnification clause protecting the licensee against third-party infringement claims.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Music License Agreement (United States) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/usa/business/intellectual-property/music-license-agreement
"Music License Agreement (United States)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/usa/business/intellectual-property/music-license-agreement.
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howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/usa/business/intellectual-property/music-license-agreement}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
A Music License Agreement is legally binding in the United States once the parties capable of contracting sign it with the intent to be bound under Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). American contract law, drawn from the Restatement (Second) of Contracts and each state's common law, recognizes a Music License Agreement as enforceable when it shows offer, acceptance, consideration, and reasonably definite terms. Courts in the state whose law governs the agreement will hold the parties to its written terms unless a party proves fraud, duress, mistake, unconscionability, or that the subject matter is illegal. A signed Music License Agreement carries more evidentiary weight than an oral understanding because the writing fixes what each party promised and reduces later disputes over who agreed to what. To strengthen enforceability, the parties should each keep an original signed copy, date their signatures, and complete every blank rather than leaving terms open to interpretation by a judge.
A Music License Agreement grants only the rights it expressly describes, so the scope clause is the most important part of the document. Under US intellectual-property law, a licensor keeps every right not clearly granted, and an exclusive license must usually be in writing to be effective, particularly for copyrights under 17 U.S.C. § 204. The Music License Agreement should state whether the grant is exclusive or non-exclusive, the permitted uses, the territory, the duration, and whether the licensee may sublicense or assign. Ambiguity about scope is the leading source of IP disputes, because courts will not read in rights the parties did not spell out. Defining the field of use, the media covered, and the royalty structure in a Music License Agreement protects both sides: the owner retains control over uses it did not authorize, and the licensee gains certainty about what it may lawfully do with the protected work, mark, or invention.
A Music License Agreement is a private contract that takes effect on signing and does not itself require government registration, though the underlying intellectual property may. Copyrights registered with the US Copyright Office and trademarks registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) gain enforcement advantages, and a Music License Agreement licensing those rights can reference the registration numbers. For patents, an assignment should be recorded with the USPTO within three months to protect priority against later purchasers under 35 U.S.C. § 261. The Music License Agreement should clearly define the scope of the license or transfer, whether it is exclusive or non-exclusive, the territory, the term, and the royalty or fee. Recording an assignment with the relevant federal office puts third parties on notice and protects the new owner's rights, so parties to a Music License Agreement that transfers registered IP should complete the applicable recordation even though the contract is valid between them without it.
A Music License Agreement can be amended after signing when all parties agree to the change and record it in writing. Under general US contract principles, an amendment is itself a contract, so it needs the same mutual assent and, in many states, fresh consideration or a signed written modification to be enforceable. The cleanest method is a dated amendment or addendum that identifies the original Music License Agreement, states exactly which sections change, and is signed by everyone who signed the original. Striking through or handwriting edits on the signed original invites disputes about who approved the change and when, so a separate written amendment is the preferred approach. Where the agreement contains a 'no oral modification' clause, only a signed writing will alter the terms, and informal promises to change the deal will not bind the parties. Keeping each amendment attached to the original Music License Agreement preserves a complete record of the parties' final agreement.
A Music License Agreement can be signed electronically and the electronic signature carries the same legal effect as a handwritten one in nearly every US state. The federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), adopted by 49 states, provide that a record or signature may not be denied legal effect solely because it is in electronic form. To rely on an e-signature, the parties should intend to sign, consent to do business electronically, and keep a copy of the completed Music License Agreement that accurately reflects the terms. A small number of documents — such as wills, certain family-law filings, and some notices — are excluded from UETA and may still require wet ink, so the parties should confirm the document type is eligible. For ordinary agreements, a typed, drawn, or click-to-sign signature on a Music License Agreement is valid and admissible as evidence of the parties' assent.
A Music License Agreement can be prepared without a lawyer for routine, lower-value licensing, but professional review is worthwhile when the intellectual property is valuable or the terms are complex. US law does not require attorney involvement to make a Music License Agreement valid; the contract binds the parties once they sign with the intent to be bound. An attorney becomes important when the agreement involves exclusive rights, large royalties, cross-border use, or registered patents and trademarks, because errors in scope or recordation can be expensive to fix. Counsel can confirm the grant complies with writing requirements such as 17 U.S.C. § 204 for exclusive copyright transfers and can structure royalty, audit, and termination terms. For a straightforward Music License Agreement from forms-legal.com covering a single, well-defined work or mark, a carefully completed template gives the parties a solid foundation, with legal review reserved for higher-stakes deals.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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