Acquisitions

Question 1

Acquisition Definition

Answer 1

The purchase of the rights to a collection of songs or albums, usually from a specific artist or company.

Question 2

Single-Song Agreement (“Reversion”)

Answer 2

A contract where the songwriter assigns the rights of one song to a publisher

Question 3

Exclusive Songwriter Agreement (Most Common)

Answer 3

The songwriter commits to writing exclusively for a single publisher for a specified period.
(Initial 12 month period)
(3-4 Following options of 12 months)

Question 4

Administration Agreement

Answer 4

The songwriter or rights owner retains ownership of their songs.
Publisher handles administrative tasks (10-20% commission)

Question 5

Co-Publishing Agreement

Answer 5

The songwriter shares ownership of the songs with the publisher, splitting both rights and revenue (typically 50/50).

Question 5

Sub-Publishing Agreement

Answer 5

A publisher assigns rights in specific regions or countries to another publisher (sub-publisher) to manage a catalog internationally.
Publisher to Publisher

Question 6

Purchase (Music Catalog Acquisition)

Answer 6

A full transfer of ownership rights from the original rights holder to the buyer.