Copyright ownership by catalog

[DebO]

Friends.....an overseas music library would like to contract my music, but wants complete copyright control forever for anything submitted, whether PD or original, and whether placed successfully or not. The only other catalog I've worked with has never mentioned wanting copyright control, let alone asking for stems, etc., but simply presented my music (successfully) and everyone was happy.

What is the experience of my fellow Taxi members in giving up all ownership in advance?

[VanderBoegh]

I give up my copyrights all the time, and I have literally thousands (somewhere in the mid 4000's) tracks signed to various libraries. Some ask for the copyrights, others don't. But I never think anything of it. You'll still collect your writer's royalties, as copyright ownership doesn't affect PRO splits, and wouldn't affect upfront sync fees either. You'll still get all the money you're entitled to.

What value does the copyright hold for you, and why would it be a deal-breaker in your mind? If you can't nail this question down to anything that has real tangible value tied to money either now or in the future, then it should probably be a non-issue.

~~Matt

[Casey H]

Friends.....an overseas music library would like to contract my music, but wants complete copyright control forever for anything submitted, whether PD or original, and whether placed successfully or not. The only other catalog I've worked with has never mentioned wanting copyright control, let alone asking for stems, etc., but simply presented my music (successfully) and everyone was happy.

What is the experience of my fellow Taxi members in giving up all ownership in advance?

Giving up music forever is always scary. In general (YMMV), the better, more high end libraries ask for copyright and stems. By stems, I assume you mean the components of the mix, not alt mixes (like no drums), 30 second cutdowns, sting, etc. Many libraries ask for those but it's generally the higher end ones that ask for actual stems.

The question is, do you feel these tracks are unique and special to you (your babies), and not easy to write more just like them? Or can you write lots of similar tracks? If it's the latter, I would be in favor of you taking the deal assuming you no other concerns about the particular library. If you feel you can't give up control of your babies (no judgement, I know the feeling well), then it's not the deal for you.

HTH
Congrats and good luck!
Casey

[DebO]

I give up my copyrights all the time, and I have literally thousands (somewhere in the mid 4000's) tracks signed to various libraries. Some ask for the copyrights, others don't. But I never think anything of it. You'll still collect your writer's royalties, as copyright ownership doesn't affect PRO splits, and wouldn't affect upfront sync fees either. You'll still get all the money you're entitled to.

What value does the copyright hold for you, and why would it be a deal-breaker in your mind? If you can't nail this question down to anything that has real tangible value tied to money either now or in the future, then it should probably be a non-issue.

~~Matt

Matt....thank you so much for this feedback. I'm feeling better about proceeding with this company now. I'm starting off with PD solo piano stuff, so nothing earth shattering. I just remember various Willie Nelson stories about him selling his songs, etc. I ain't no Willie Nelson for sure ! Thanks again.

[DebO]

Friends.....an overseas music library would like to contract my music, but wants complete copyright control forever for anything submitted, whether PD or original, and whether placed successfully or not. The only other catalog I've worked with has never mentioned wanting copyright control, let alone asking for stems, etc., but simply presented my music (successfully) and everyone was happy.

What is the experience of my fellow Taxi members in giving up all ownership in advance?

Giving up music forever is always scary. In general (YMMV), the better, more high end libraries ask for copyright and stems. By stems, I assume you mean the components of the mix, not alt mixes (like no drums), 30 second cutdowns, sting, etc. Many libraries ask for those but it's generally the higher end ones that ask for actual stems.

The question is, do you feel these tracks are unique and special to you (your babies), and not easy to write more just like them? Or can you write lots of similar tracks? If it's the latter, I would be in favor of you taking the deal assuming you no other concerns about the particular library. If you feel you can't give up control of your babies (no judgement, I know the feeling well), then it's not the deal for you.

HTH
Congrats and good luck!
Casey

Thanks so much for your feedback,, Casey....much appreciated. The particular tracks in question are solo piano PD items....easy enough to produce in my home studio. Not a great loss should something go awry. Maybe this is a good start to get my toe in the water. (Previous placements via a (non-Taxi) publishing company have been solo piano originals placed in, say, restaurant scenes on major TV shows, but I still retain copyright.). Thx again!