Publishing agreements Archives - HighTower Solicitors & Advocates

March 5, 2026

UNDERSTANDING RETENTION CLAUSES AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR ARTISTES AND PUBLISHERS

Retention clauses in publishing agreements determine how long a publisher continues to control songs after a contract ends. Understanding this clause is essential for artists and songwriters who want to manage their catalogues and future opportunities effectively.

March 5, 2026

RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL: A CONTRACT CLAUSE EVERY ARTISTE SHOULD UNDERSTAND

Recording contracts often contain clauses that can significantly shape an artiste’s career. One of the most important is the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) — a provision that allows a current label to match offers from other companies before the artiste can accept them. Understanding how this clause works is essential before signing any agreement.

February 27, 2026

UNDERSTANDING RETENTION PERIOD IN MUSIC PUBLISHING AGREEMENTS

One clause that songwriters, singers, and producers often overlook in publishing agreements is the retention period. Many creatives pay attention to the advance, the royalty split, and the duration of the deal, but they do not carefully examine how long the publisher will continue to control their songs after the agreement ends. That oversight can have long-term consequences.