Legal Question in Business Law in Washington

Help for understanding a contract needed:

Hi, I got offered a record deal, with which I'd like to release one EP at a small label. In electronic music it is usual, to only release an small numbers of songs on EPs or even single songs.

I got the contract sended, and the parts I'd like to understand are:

E.Assignment of exclusive rights by artist.

During the duration of the following Agreement all material produced and released, Artist shall assign to the company all of his/her rights, title, and interest in and following the property, for distribution and commercial exploitation in (PLACE)

1.The songs,

2.Title of the Recording

3.Artist�s performance of the songs sustained in the Recording.

F.License for use of name and image

Upon the timely occurrence and performance of all material events and obligations required to produce and/or promote the Recording, Artist shall grant to the Company the exclusive license to use the name �XXXX� (Artist name/stage name), and the Artist�s Photographic image,in promotion and distribution of the Recording.

My question: Does this mean that I'm free to have contracts with other labels during the duration of the contract, or does this imply that I (and my artist name) are bound to have all my releases on this label?

Note: At the begin of the contract follwing definition was given:

d.Company and Artist wish to enter into this agreement to provide for the promotion and distribution of recording.


Asked on 3/13/13, 3:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Cruikshank Cruikshank Law Office-Since 1975

It is not wise to select a few phrases or clauses out of a longer contract for interpretation without considering the FACTS to which to which the ENTIRE contract will be applied. I would need to consider FACTS concerning the parties and the ENTIRE contract to be able to offer any opinions.

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Answered on 3/14/13, 5:02 am


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