Italian Music Law: Contracts, Licensing and Rights Management
Music is one of the most legally complex areas of intellectual property: rights are layered across multiple categories (copyright in the composition, neighbouring rights in the recording), contracts are heavily negotiated, and the international exploitation of music involves a web of collecting societies, licensing bodies and platform agreements.
We advise musicians, composers, producers, labels, publishers, managers and festivals on all aspects of music law under Italian and European legislation — from the first recording contract to international licensing and dispute resolution.
Our Expertise Includes
- Recording contracts — exclusive and non-exclusive recording agreements; advances, royalty rates, accounting and audit rights; reversion clauses
- Publishing agreements — full publishing, co-publishing, sub-publishing and administration deals; songwriter agreements; collection and distribution of publishing royalties
- Synchronisation and master licensing — sync licences for film, TV, advertising and games; master licences for use of existing recordings; blanket and per-use structures
- Neighbouring rights — registration and collection of neighbouring rights through Italian collecting societies (SCF, IMAIE); royalties from broadcasting and public performance
- Management and booking agreements — artist management contracts; exclusive and non-exclusive booking agreements; commission structures, term and termination
- Band and collaboration agreements — band membership contracts; co-writing agreements; revenue sharing and intellectual property ownership between collaborators
- Live events and festivals — artist agreements for live performances; festival production contracts; sponsorship and co-marketing arrangements
- Dispute resolution — royalty disputes; contract termination and breach; enforcement of rights against unauthorised use
Italian Collecting Societies
Italy has a complex collecting society landscape. SIAE manages performance and mechanical rights for composers and lyricists. SCF manages neighbouring rights for record producers. IMAIE (now managed through SIAE) manages neighbouring rights for performers. Understanding how to register, collect and enforce through these bodies — and how they interact with international societies — is an essential part of music practice in Italy.
Related: The Sting vs. The Police Case: When Royalties Become a Legal War
Related: The Seven-Second Rule: Sampling and Copyright in Music
Related: Copyrightable Elements in Film: Music, Fair Use, Trademarks and Brands
Book a Consultation
If you would like to discuss a copyright matter or project with us, book a call directly online. We respond within 24 hours on business days.
→ Claudia Roggero: claudiaroggero.youcanbook.me
→ Donato Di Pelino: donatodipelino.youcanbook.me
→ WhatsApp: +39 345.717.14.66