A template Synchronisation Licence for the use of a musical composition and/or sound recording in an audiovisual production. For reference and guidance only, have a qualified entertainment lawyer review before signing.
What Is a Sync Licence
A synchronisation licence ("sync licence") grants the right to use a musical composition and/or sound recording in timed relation with a moving image, films, web series, advertisements, corporate videos, YouTube videos, social media content, games, and other audiovisual productions.
Two separate licences are typically required: 1. Sync licence for the composition (the song, melody and words): granted by the copyright owner of the composition (composer/lyricist or their publisher). In India, this may be administered by IPRS. 2. Master licence for the recording: granted by the copyright owner of the specific recording (artist, producer, or label).
Synchronisation Licence Agreement
This Synchronisation Licence Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of [DATE] between:
Licensor
Name: Address: PAN Number: Role: [ ] Composer/Songwriter [ ] Artist [ ] Label [ ] Publisher ("Licensor")
And
Licensee
Company Name (if applicable): Name of Representative: Address: GST Registration Number: ("Licensee")
1. the Work
1.1 The Licensor owns or controls the rights to the following work:
Song Title: Artist / Performer: Composer(s): Lyricist(s): ISRC (if recording is licensed): ISWC (if composition is licensed): Duration:
1.2 This Agreement licences: [ ] Composition only [ ] Master recording only [ ] Both composition and master recording
2. the Production
3. Licence Grant
3.1 Subject to the terms of this Agreement and payment of the licence fee, the Licensor grants to the Licensee a:
- Exclusive [ ] Non-exclusive
licence to synchronise the Work in timed relation with the Production for the following use:
4. Territory and Term
5. Licence Fee
5.1 In full consideration for the rights granted, the Licensee shall pay to the Licensor a licence fee of:
5.3 GST: The licence fee is subject to GST at 18%. The Licensee shall pay GST on the invoice amount in addition to the above fees.
5.4 TDS: If the Licensee is a company or partnership firm, TDS at 2% (Section 194C) may be deductible on the licence fee. The Licensee shall provide Form 16A to the Licensor within 30 days of the end of the relevant quarter.
6. Credits
6.1 The Licensee shall include the following credit in the Production: Music: "[Song Title]" written by [Composer/Lyricist Name], performed by [Artist Name]
6.2 Credit placement: [ ] End credits [ ] In production body [ ] Per artist's standard credit
7. Restrictions
8. Performance Royalties
8.1 This Agreement does not include performance royalties arising from the broadcast or public performance of the Production. Such royalties shall be collected by IPRS (for the composition) and PPL India (for the recording) through normal licensing channels.
9. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of India. Disputes shall be subject to the courts at [City], India.
Signatures
Licensor
Licensee
SYNC FEE BENCHMARKS IN INDIA (2026 Indicative)
Note: These are illustrative ranges only. Actual fees depend on usage, territory, exclusivity, and negotiation.
DISCLAIMER: Template only. Not legal advice.
Free to use · Part of the Indie Music India toolkit · Updated September 2026