NMPA, Sony Music Reach Video Licensing Deal

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) and Sony Music Entertainment (SME) have struck a licensing deal for music videos. The agreement provides songwriters’ and music publishers’ percentage royalty rates for their participation in revenue generated from music videos in exchange for rights related to the use of their musical works in SME’s videos. All NMPA music publishers will be offered this deal on an opt-in basis through the Harry Fox Agency.

“Music videos are an essential piece of the growing digital marketplace, and an important source of revenue for songwriters and their music publishing partners,” said David Israelite, NMPA President and CEO. “Songwriters are key to every music video and this agreement recognizes their important contribution.”

Sony Music’s General Counsel, Julie Swidler added: “Sony Music has the greatest respect for songwriters – many of whom are our recording artists – and all of whom play an invaluable role in the process of creating great recordings. We are pleased that this agreement will facilitate a better licensing process, allowing us to make our music more widely available.”

Additionally, songwriters and publishers who opt-in to the agreement may receive retroactive payments for past use of music works in Sony Music Entertainment music videos dating back to Jan. 1, 2009. The agreement will also cover lyric videos as that market increases.