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The Standard Music Publishing Agreement is a fundamental document in the Malaysian music industry that establishes the legal relationship between music creators and publishers. It is used when songwriters or composers wish to assign their publishing rights to a professional publishing company for exploitation and administration. The agreement, governed by Malaysian law including the Copyright Act 1987 and Contracts Act 1950, details rights assignment, royalty arrangements, territorial scope, and exploitation terms. It accommodates both traditional and digital publishing models while ensuring compliance with local regulations and international copyright conventions. This document is essential for protecting both parties' interests and establishing clear parameters for the commercial exploitation of musical works in Malaysia and, where specified, internationally.

1. Parties: Identification of the Publisher and Songwriter/Composer with full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the agreement, brief description of the parties' business, and general purpose of the agreement

3. Definitions: Detailed definitions of key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Musical Works', 'Publishing Rights', 'Territory', 'Royalties', etc.

4. Grant of Rights: Specific rights being transferred to the publisher, including reproduction, distribution, and adaptation rights

5. Term and Territory: Duration of the agreement and geographical scope of the rights granted

6. Publisher's Obligations: Publisher's duties including promotion, exploitation, and administration of the musical works

7. Songwriter's Obligations: Songwriter's responsibilities, warranties, and ongoing obligations

8. Royalties and Payments: Detailed breakdown of royalty rates, payment schedules, and accounting procedures

9. Moral Rights: Recognition and handling of the songwriter's moral rights

10. Warranties and Indemnities: Representations and warranties regarding ownership and originality of works

11. Assignment and Sub-Publishing: Terms regarding the publisher's right to assign or sub-publish the works

12. Termination: Conditions and procedures for terminating the agreement

13. Notices: Procedures for formal communications between parties

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Specification of Malaysian law as governing law and jurisdiction for disputes