Legal Question in Entertainment Law in New York

Complete Buy-Out

MTV is interested in licensing & a complete buy-out of a song for a 15-30 sec. promo for Comcast. The song is from an album that my band recorded 1 yr. ago. What is a complete buy-out?


Asked on 9/19/06, 11:28 am

5 Answers from Attorneys

Re: Complete Buy-Out

A complete buyout makes the song their property and no longer yours; you would no longer have performance or licensing rights. Please contact me if you wish to discuss the transaction and appropriate compensation.

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Answered on 9/19/06, 11:42 am
Steven Mark Steven Paul Mark, Attorney at Law

Re: Complete Buy-Out

It can mean a number of things depending upon the negotiation but generally means you will sell all rights to the song, including the copyright. I deal with MTV all the time. If you'd like some help, let me know. You can check my website www.spmlawyer.com.

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Answered on 9/19/06, 12:35 pm
Steven Czik CZIK LAW PLLC

Re: Complete Buy-Out

It generally means that they will acquire all rights to the song, including performance and licensing rights and very likely all publishing and royalty rights as well. It would be highly advisable to have an attorney review the contract they provide you to insure that you are protected as much as possible. This area of law is our specialty, however, we would need some more information before making a complete and proper determination. You are welcome to contact us for a free consultation.

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Answered on 9/19/06, 12:45 pm
Stephen Loeb Law Office of Stephen R. Loeb

Re: Complete Buy-Out

It means that once you sell you would no longer be able to use or market the song without MTV's permission.

Should you like to discuss this or any other legal matter, you can e-mail me for more information about low cost face-to-face, on-line, or a telephone consultation with a lawyer in our office.

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Answered on 9/19/06, 2:18 pm
Carlos Gonzalez Gonzalez Legal Associates PLLC

Re: Complete Buy-Out

Generally a complete buy-out means that you are turning over all right to the piece and will no longer be permitted to use it as your own, as it will technically no longer belong to you. There is quite a bit of negotiation which can occur, and depending on your plans for the piece it may not be the best route for you... please feel free to contact my office for further discussion. 2127098303

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Answered on 9/19/06, 3:47 pm


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