#SoundSafe: Intellectual Property Guidance for Music Artists
We empower independent musicians, composers, and producers with the legal knowledge and protection needed to safeguard their creative work through our pro bono #SoundSafe initiative.
We are kicking off our #SoundSafe campaign, dedicated to empowering music creators with free legal support and practical knowledge about their intellectual property rights.
Whether you are a singer, producer, or indie artist, our #SoundSafe initiative is here to help you understand, protect, and own your sound.
As part of World IP Month, we are offering pro bono intellectual property legal services to selected creators, with a special focus on the music industry.
Our #SoundSafe initiative is open to individuals and organizations in the music and creative industries who require professional legal support for their intellectual property.
We are offering specific pro bono services including copyright protection for compositions, trademark services for brand names, and patent guidance for music technologies.
Let us work together to protect your creative works and ensure your rights are safeguarded in the ever-evolving world of music and entertainment.
Our first tip in the #SoundSafe series addresses the importance of understanding music contracts. Do you really know what you are signing?
A song has two parallel rights: the musical composition and the sound recording. Understanding this distinction is crucial for artists.
Always be aware of what you sign if a label approaches you. While your composition may be celebrated, the sound recording, or "master," usually generates higher revenue.
It is common for music labels to take over rights in the sound recording. We advise artists to carefully weigh the pros and cons before signing away their 'masters'.
About #SoundSafe Initiative: IP for the Music Industry
Before signing any music contract, you must distinguish between your rights in the musical composition—the melody and lyrics—and the sound recording, or master. Many artists unknowingly surrender their masters to labels, losing long-term revenue. Our #SoundSafe team specializes in identifying these critical clauses to ensure you retain ownership of your primary assets.
Understanding Music Copyright
Music copyright is split into two distinct rights: the musical composition (lyrics, rhythm, harmony) and the sound recording (the master). Our team at Fox Mandal frequently sees artists focus solely on the song without protecting the master recording, which often generates the majority of streaming revenue. #SoundSafe helps you clarify these splits before you sign with a label.
Documenting Your Creative Process
Ownership disputes often arise because of poor documentation. If you created a track, you must be able to prove it. We advise all our clients to maintain timestamped records of their Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) files, save email trails with collaborators, and keep dated versions of lyrics. These records serve as your primary defense if your work is ever challenged.
Your Brand as Intellectual Property
Your stage name, logo, and even specific visual aesthetics are assets that require legal protection. Many artists treat these as secondary, but they are essential parts of your brand identity. We guide musicians through trademark searches and filings to ensure that your name is yours to use across platforms, preventing others from capitalizing on your reputation.
The #SoundSafe Commitment
Fox Mandal operates offices in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Through #SoundSafe, we apply the same rigor we use for our corporate clients to the music industry. Whether you are an independent creator or part of a production house, we provide the legal infrastructure necessary to navigate the complex TMT sector. Reach out to our TMT practice for a review of your current contracts or to discuss your IP strategy.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
19
Demystifying IP Law: A Practical Guide for Indian Brands
Trademark Registration Services for Your Business
Legal Foundations for Fashion Professionals
6
Patents and Copyrights Protection Guide
Secure Your Brand Identity with Professional Trademark Support
Protecting Your Brand: Legal IP Strategy for Startups
More from Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT) by Fox Mandal & Associates
More services by Fox Mandal & Associates