Sharing rights across borders
Sharing rights across borders: what to agree on before a co-production starts
When partners in Japan and abroad create music together, the biggest problems usually come from questions nobody asked at the start. Who owns the recording? Who can license it, and where? Agreeing on these points early protects the relationship as well as the work.
Questions to settle early
- Who owns the song (composition and lyrics) and in what shares
- Who owns the master recording
- Which territories each partner handles
- How revenue is reported and split, and in which currency
- Who approves use of the work in ads, films or games
Why it matters
Copyright and collection systems differ from country to country. A clear written agreement makes it easier for each partner to register the work correctly with the relevant organisations in their own territory.
Practical steps
- Write down the points above in plain language and share them with all partners
- Ask each partner how registration and royalty collection work in their country
- Have the final agreement reviewed by legal professionals in each country
Keep records
Keep a shared record of credits, splits and registration numbers. It saves time later when releases, licences or reports are prepared.