Protect Your Music. Get Paid. Stay in Control.

Music licensing is a critical part of the entertainment industry, allowing artists, composers, and rights holders to profit from their work while ensuring legal protection. Whether you're licensing music for film, television, advertising, or streaming platforms, having a clear, enforceable agreement is essential. Without one, your music could be used without proper compensation—or worse, without your permission at all.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our entertainment attorneys help musicians, producers, and copyright owners in New York secure fair licensing agreements. Our attorneys understand the complexities of music rights and work to protect your interests, whether you're negotiating a deal or dealing with unauthorized use. If you're looking for expert legal guidance, we’re here to help you safeguard your music while maximizing your earnings.

Don’t Let Bad Sync Deals Steal Your Profits

Synchronization licenses, or "sync licenses," allow music to be paired with visual media like movies, TV shows, and commercials. These deals can be lucrative, but without strong negotiation, you may end up undervaluing your work. 

A fair agreement ensures you receive proper compensation and control over how your music is used. When negotiating sync terms, key factors you definitely want to consider include:

• Usage Rights: Will the license cover a single use, or does it allow the music to be used repeatedly?
• Exclusivity: Does the agreement prevent you from licensing the song to other projects?
• Territorial Scope: Will the license be restricted to the U.S., or does it allow global distribution?
• Term Length: How long will the license remain in effect?
• Payment Structure: Will you receive a flat fee, ongoing royalties, or both?

A poorly structured sync agreement can leave artists underpaid or limit future opportunities. In New York’s competitive entertainment industry, having an experienced attorney from Horn Wright, LLP, review and negotiate your licensing terms can make a huge difference. We help ensure that your deal reflects the true value of your music.

Stop Music Thieves in Their Tracks

Unauthorized use of music is a major problem, especially with the rise of digital content and social media. Companies, influencers, and independent filmmakers often use songs without securing proper licenses, leaving artists uncompensated. Protecting your music requires vigilance, legal action, and sometimes even technology to track how your work is being used.

Steps to prevent unauthorized usage include:

• Registering Your Copyright: Copyright registration establishes a legal record of ownership, making it easier to enforce your rights.
• Monitoring Digital Platforms: Tools like Content ID on YouTube or tracking services like Audible Magic help detect unlicensed use.
• Issuing Cease-and-Desist Notices: If your music is used without permission, a legal notice can often resolve the issue before litigation becomes necessary.
• Taking Legal Action When Needed: In cases of serious infringement, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover damages and prevent further unauthorized use.

Unauthorized usage isn't just a financial issue—it can also impact your brand. If your music appears in a project that misrepresents your artistic vision, it could harm your reputation. 

In New York, where the entertainment industry thrives, enforcing your rights is something you can’t ignore. Our attorneys are ready to step in to protect your rights from the moment you call.

Keep Your Music Safe in Hollywood and Madison Avenue

When licensing music for film or advertising, the stakes are often higher. These industries involve long-term contracts, global distribution, and significant financial investment. Ensuring your rights are protected from the start prevents future conflicts and loss of control over your work.

Some of the biggest concerns when licensing music for film or ads include:

Moral Rights and Artistic Integrity: Will your song be altered or remixed in a way that misrepresents your original work?

Buyout vs. Royalty-Based Deals: Some film studios or ad agencies may offer a one-time payment rather than ongoing royalties—it's important to weigh the pros and cons.

Scope of Use: Will the license apply to theatrical releases, streaming, trailers, or promotional materials?

Reversion Clauses: Does the agreement allow you to regain rights after a certain period?

Because film and advertising deals often involve big budgets, you want to ensure that your agreement aligns with your financial and artistic goals. Negotiating these contracts without legal guidance can leave musicians vulnerable to bad deals. Our firm helps artists in New York protect their work while securing fair compensation.

Turn Licensing into a Money-Making Machine

A well-negotiated music license isn't just about protecting your rights—it’s also about maximizing your earnings. Many musicians leave money on the table by accepting low fees or failing to include revenue-sharing clauses. With the right strategy, licensing can become a major source of income.

Ways to increase revenue from licensing deals include:

• Negotiating Higher Upfront Fees: If a project has a large budget, your music deserves appropriate compensation.
• Seeking Performance Royalties: Ensure your agreement allows for royalties when your music is broadcasted or streamed.
• Bundling Rights: Offering multiple licensing options—like instrumental versions or remixes—can increase earnings.
• Retaining Ownership: Avoid agreements that transfer full ownership of your music unless the payout is significant.

In a state like New York, where music is constantly being used in ads, movies, and digital media, strong licensing agreements can mean the difference between a struggling artist and a thriving one. Understanding your worth and negotiating effectively ensures that you benefit from every licensing opportunity.

Protect Your Music with Horn Wright, LLP

Music licensing isn’t just about getting paid—it’s about protecting your work, maintaining creative control, and building a sustainable career. At Horn Wright, LLP, we help musicians, composers, and rights holders in New York navigate licensing agreements with confidence. Whether you’re negotiating a sync deal, fighting unauthorized use, or maximizing your revenue, our attorneys are ready to advocate for you. 

Contact us today to protect your music and secure the compensation you deserve.