What is a synch license agreement, and what are its legal requirements?
A synch license agreement, also known as synchronization license, is a legal agreement between a copyright owner of a song and a party that wishes to use the music in an audiovisual production. The agreement grants the licensee permission to use the copyrighted material in their production in a “synchronization,” or timed-together manner with the visuals. The legal requirements of a synch license agreement vary and can be tailored to the specific needs of the licensee. Generally, however, the agreement should include details such as the name of the licensee, the name of the copyright holder, the scope of the synch license, and the financial terms of the agreement. It should also include a detailed description of the production and a list of all the music and sound effects materials to be used. The agreement must also be clear on the various parties’ copyright rights and include an indemnification clause to ensure that the licensee will not be liable for any copyright infringement. Additionally, the agreement should include terms for how and when the music is to be used, and how and when the royalties are to be paid out. Synch licenses agreements are a critical legal requirement for anyone using copyrighted material in a production, and need to be taken seriously in order to remain legally compliant.
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