MUSIC LICENSING
License music the right way — on both sides of the deal.
Sync licensing, master use, and rights clearances for artists, producers, and companies using music commercially.
THE DIRECT ANSWER
What is music licensing?
Music licensing is the legal permission to use a piece of music in a specific context — a film, a show, a commercial, a game, a podcast, a social post. Every music use involves at least two licences: the master (the recording) and the composition (the underlying song). Each is usually owned by different parties, and each needs its own licence.
WHY IT MATTERS
Two sets of rights, one bundle of paperwork.
Sync licensing is how a lot of musicians make real money, and how a lot of filmmakers and brands accidentally get sued. The structure is consistent: whoever wants to use the music needs permission from both the master owner (usually a label or the artist) and the composition owner (usually a publisher or the songwriter). Skip either side and the use is infringing.
The licence itself sets the scope — which project, which media, which territory, for how long, for how much. Most-favoured-nation clauses, option to extend, approval rights, and exclusivity are the parts that get fought over. Pricing depends on the size of the project, the prominence of the use, and the leverage of the music.
We draft sync licences for artists and labels, clear music for filmmakers and brands, and handle the full bundle — master licence, sync licence, mechanical rights, public performance — when a project needs all of them.
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU
01
Draft and negotiate sync licences for artists, songwriters, and labels.
02
Clear music rights for filmmakers, brands, game studios, and podcast producers.
03
Structure master use, mechanical, and performance rights as a coordinated bundle.
04
Advise on festival and advertising use, most-favoured-nation clauses, and option to extend.
05
Handle sample clearance and interpolation licensing.
06
Negotiate approval rights and veto provisions for artists and creators.
FAQ
Common questions about music licensing.
I want to use a song in my video. What do I need?
Can I use a song if I give credit?
What's a most-favoured-nation clause?
How much does sync licensing cost?
What about production music libraries?
Can I license the master but not the composition?
RELATED SERVICES
Work we often pair with music licensing.
Music Publishing Rights Lawyer Toronto
Publishing deals, administration agreements, and SOCAN and CMRRA registrations.
Record Deal Negotiation Lawyer Toronto
Clause-by-clause review and negotiation of record, 360, and distribution deals.
Copyright Lawyer Toronto
Registration, protection, and enforcement of copyright for creators.