[MichaelL]

Quality over quantity has proven to be a winner for me.

I agree. In the RF market you can have individual tracks that generate 4 figures if the quality is there and your metadata is effective.

[MichaelL]

I licensed a track through Pond5 that received an IMDB listing.

[MichaelL]

Highly recommended for any library composer.

Just to clarify, Neighboring Rights/Related Rights involve performers and producers. They are not a composer’s right. Because the US is not a signatory member of the Rome Treaty which applies to performers and producers, Neighboring Rights remuneration is generally not available to US performers and producers. There may be exceptions under limited circumstances. See this FAQ answer from NRG’s website.

WHAT ABOUT U.S. WRITERS? I HAVE HEARD THAT U.S. RECORDINGS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO COLLECT NEIGHBOURING RIGHTS ROYALTIES.

It is true that U.S. recordings and artists/musicians generally have a smaller scope of protection of their neighbouring rights in the world. However, there are countries where you are entitled to receive royalties and we will make sure that we collect on your behalf where possible

[MichaelL]

Perhaps the drop is related to the change in the distribution schedule. We received 5 payments in 2021 instead of four. It could be that this is a one-time event resulting from the change.

[MichaelL]

Generally composers are not “employees” of music libraries. They are independent contractors. There may be exceptions…

LAwriter is correct, which means that they are trying to control the activities of an independent, non-employee, which is an even more tenuous and fanciful idea. This clause is amateurish and shows a lot of insecurity on the part of the library. BTW, what would they have you do, deliver pizzas for a year while you wait for the clause to expire?

[MichaelL]

Ridiculous, and probably unenforceable. I wouldn’t agree to it, and the mere fact that they put that into their contract speaks volumes about the company.

[MichaelL]

I prefer to call it “re-purposing.” 😀

[MichaelL]

Yes, there are things one should do to make sure the creditor cannot “pierce the corporate veil”,

LLCs are a fuzzy entity. If you don’t set them up properly and run them properly it is possible to expose personal assets (speaking from the perspective of having successfully pierced the corporate veil more than once). So, yes, one should check with counsel and talk to their accountant to go about it the right way.

[MichaelL]

There are a lot of benefits of doing your business dealings inside an entity such as an LLC – including limitation of personal liability.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that operating as an LLC makes you invincible. You can still be personally liable for your misconduct, for example infringing on someone’s copyright. LLCs are state entities and the rules vary from state to state. They may shield your personal assets if the LLC goes bankrupt, but you should consult with an attorney in your state regarding what personal protection an LLC does and does not offer.

[MichaelL]

Thanks, Music1234. Good advice.

[Author]

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