BEAT LICENSING TERMS & AGREEMENT
1. PREAMBLE & DEFINITIONS
This Master Beat Licensing Agreement (“Agreement”) sets forth the legally binding terms and conditions governing the acquisition, commercial exploitation, and distribution of musical instrumental compositions (“Beats”) purchased via the BeatLam digital audio marketplace platform (“BeatLam”).
By finalizing a transaction on BeatLam, the purchaser (“Licensee”) enters into a direct contractual relationship with the creating producer (“Licensor”). BeatLam acts as an authorized marketplace platform and payment facilitator under the South African Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002.
2. LICENSE TIERS AND GRANTED PERMISSIONS
2.1 BASIC MP3 LEASE (NON-EXCLUSIVE)
- Delivered Audio: Master quality 320kbps MP3 file.
- Distribution Limit: Up to 100,000 commercial audio streams across Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
- Physical Sales: Up to 2,500 physical CD or vinyl copies.
- Broadcasting: Non-profit radio, live non-ticketed performances, and single commercial music video.
- Exclusivity: Non-exclusive. The Licensor reserves full right to license the beat to third parties.
2.2 PREMIUM WAV LEASE (NON-EXCLUSIVE)
- Delivered Audio: 24-Bit 44.1kHz Untagged WAV + 320kbps MP3.
- Distribution Limit: Up to 500,000 commercial audio streams.
- Physical Sales: Up to 10,000 physical copies.
- Broadcasting: Commercial regional radio play, paid ticketed performances, and digital video streaming.
- Exclusivity: Non-exclusive.
2.3 UNLIMITED STEMS LEASE (NON-EXCLUSIVE)
- Delivered Audio: Full Multitrack Audio Stems (Individual instrument tracks in 24-Bit WAV zip) + Master WAV + MP3.
- Distribution Limit: Unlimited commercial audio streams on all platforms worldwide.
- Physical Sales: Unlimited physical copies.
- Broadcasting: Unlimited commercial broadcasting, satellite, TV sync placement, and live performances.
- Exclusivity: Non-exclusive.
2.4 SOLE EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TRANSFER
- Delivered Audio: Full multitrack stems, master WAV, MP3, and certificate of exclusive ownership.
- Ownership: 100% sole master recording exploitation rights transferred to the Licensee.
- Marketplace Status: The beat is permanently deactivated and removed from the marketplace immediately upon purchase.
- Existing Leases: Prior non-exclusive leases issued before the exclusive sale remain valid until their respective streaming caps expire.
3. PUBLISHING ROYALTIES & WRITING SHARES
Unless explicitly modified in writing by mutual written agreement between Licensor and Licensee, publishing ownership for derivative musical works incorporating the Beat shall be split in standard accordance with South African music industry practices (SAMRO):
- Music Composition / Beat Instrumental (Producer / Licensor): 50% Writer Share / 50% Publishing Share.
- Lyrics / Vocal Melodies (Artist / Licensee): 50% Writer Share / 50% Publishing Share.
4. ATTRIBUTION & CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
The Licensee must provide proper production credit on all physical and digital commercial releases, including DSP metadata (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal credits) and YouTube video descriptions in the following format:
5. CONTENT ID & AUDIO FINGERPRINTING RESTRICTION
IMPORTANT: Licensees under non-exclusive lease agreements (Basic, Premium, Unlimited) are strictly PROHIBITED from enrolling the Beat or derivative song into YouTube Content ID, Meta Rights Manager, or any automatic digital audio fingerprinting identification service.
Registering non-exclusive beats into Content ID creates false copyright strikes against fellow artists and the original producer. Violation of this clause constitutes a material breach resulting in immediate and irrevocable termination of this License.
6. GOVERNING LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.