New York Entertainment Attorneys

Properly drafted royalty agreements are essential to ensuring creators are compensated for the ongoing use of their work. Our attorneys assist clients in:

• Drafting and negotiating royalty contracts that clearly define royalty rates, scope of use, territories, and payment schedules
• Structuring royalty-sharing arrangements among collaborators
• Establishing audit rights, reporting obligations, and dispute resolution procedures
• Securing agreements for music streaming, film and television licensing, merchandise, publishing, and residuals
• Clarifying gross versus net royalty calculations

We ensure that your agreements are transparent, enforceable, and aligned with your long-term creative and financial goals.

Royalty structures vary significantly by industry and platform. Our firm advises on:

Music Royalties

• Mechanical royalties
• Performance royalties
• Digital streaming royalties
• Neighboring rights
• Synchronization (sync) royalties

Film & Television Royalties

• Backend participation agreements
• Residuals (SAG-AFTRA, WGA, DGA)
• Profit participation and clear net vs. gross definitions

Publishing Royalties

• Book publishing royalty structures
• Sub-licensing and foreign rights royalties

Merchandising & Brand Licensing Royalties

• Apparel and collectibles
• Endorsements and branded merchandise

Digital & Emerging Media Royalties

• YouTube and social media monetization
• Podcast royalties
• NFTs, Web3, and digital collectibles
• AI training and content licensing royalties

By addressing traditional and emerging revenue models, we help clients stay ahead of industry changes.

Effective rights management requires both legal precision and industry insight. Our services include:

• Developing licensing and monetization strategies
• Managing international rights and collections across multiple jurisdictions
• Registering works with Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) and relevant collection societies
• Monitoring contractual compliance and enforcing payment obligations
• Advising on catalog acquisitions and legacy rights administration

With our guidance, clients maintain control over intellectual property while maximizing global revenue.

Royalty underpayment is common across the entertainment industry. We provide comprehensive audit and enforcement services, including:

• Reviewing royalty statements and accounting reports
• Coordinating forensic audits with specialized accountants
• Enforcing audit rights against labels, studios, publishers, and distributors
• Identifying improper deductions and accounting irregularities
• Recovering underpaid royalties through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation

Our goal is to ensure clients receive the full compensation they are contractually owed.

Royalty agreements often contain complex provisions that can significantly impact long-term income. We help clients avoid:

• Ambiguous royalty definitions that allow underreporting
• “Net profits” language that eliminates meaningful backend payments
• Improper deductions and cross-collateralization provisions
• Lack of audit rights or unreasonably short audit windows
• Failure to address new media or future technologies
• Missing reversion or termination rights

Careful drafting and proactive review can prevent decades of lost revenue.

Even well-drafted contracts may lead to disputes. Our attorneys assist clients in:

• Investigating suspected underpayment or contractual breaches
• Negotiating settlements and restructuring agreements
• Litigating royalty disputes when necessary
• Protecting legacy income streams for heirs and estates

We combine industry knowledge with strategic advocacy to safeguard your creative work and financial interests.

Our firm represents a broad range of clients in royalty and rights management matters, including:

• Songwriters and recording artists
• Film and television producers
• Screenwriters and directors
• Authors and literary estates
• Music publishers and record labels
• Production companies and studios
• Heirs and estates managing legacy royalties

Whether you are an emerging creator or managing a decades-old catalog, we provide tailored legal strategies.

What is a royalty agreement?

A royalty agreement is a contract that specifies how creators are compensated for the ongoing use of their intellectual property, including rates, scope of use, territories, and payment terms.

How can I ensure I’m receiving all royalties owed to me?

Our attorneys draft agreements with clear reporting obligations, audit rights, and enforcement mechanisms to track usage and prevent underpayment.

Can royalty agreements cover international use of my work?

Yes. We structure agreements and rights management strategies to protect and monetize your work globally.

What should I do if I suspect underpayment or a breach?

Contact our attorneys immediately. We can investigate, coordinate audits, negotiate recovery, and enforce your rights.

How are streaming royalties calculated?

Streaming royalties are typically calculated based on platform revenue pools, subscription tiers, advertising revenue, and pro-rata or user-centric allocation models, depending on the service and agreement terms.

What’s the difference between gross and net royalties?

Gross royalties are calculated from total revenue before deductions, while net royalties are calculated after expenses. “Net” definitions can significantly reduce payouts if not carefully negotiated.

How often can I audit royalty statements?

Audit rights depend on the contract. Many agreements limit audits to once per year within a defined lookback period.

Can royalty agreements be renegotiated?

Yes, particularly when leverage shifts, contracts expire, rights revert, or material breaches occur.

What happens to royalties after death?

Royalty rights generally pass to heirs or designated beneficiaries through estate planning or probate, subject to contract terms and applicable law.

Can I terminate a royalty agreement?

Termination rights depend on the contract and governing law. Certain agreements may include reversion clauses, statutory termination rights, or breach-based termination provisions.