Version 1.0
Effective date: 13 October 2025
Last updated: 13 October 2025

This Royalty & Rights Policy (the “Policy”) explains how rights are defined, credited, and paid for music and audio content created, uploaded, or distributed through Crown Booth (the “Services”). It works alongside our Artist Upload Licence & Consent, Distribution Terms (Push to DSPs), Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), Listener Terms (Preview Streams), and Copyright & Takedown Policy.

Operator (UK Controller): Crown Booth Ltd, 86–90 Paul Street, London, England, United Kingdom, EC2A 4NE. Company number: 16719138.
Support: support@crownbooth.co.uk

1) What rights exist in a track

1.1 Sound Recording (Master) — typically owned by the artist/label/producer who finances the recording. Identified with ISRC per track and P‑line.
1.2 Musical Work (Publishing) — the composition and lyrics. Identified with ISWC (where assigned) and C‑line.
1.3 Neighbouring/Related Rights — performers’ and producers’ rights in certain territories.
1.4 Artwork & Visuals — cover art, images, video loops; separate rights may apply.
1.5 Name, Image & Likeness (NIL/voice) — personality rights that may require consent.

A single release may include all of the above. Splits and consents must cover each category you intend to exploit.

2) Credits & splits (how you tell us who gets what)

2.1 Split sheet. When you create or upload, you must enter contributors, roles, and percentages for Masters and (where relevant) Publishing. Use our split‑sheet UI or upload a signed split sheet (template in Schedule A).
2.2 Role taxonomy (summary). Examples: Primary Artist, Featured Artist, Producer, Mixer, Engineer, Songwriter (Composer/Lyricist), Performer (Instrument/Voice), Executive Producer. See Schedule B.
2.3 Percentages. Splits must sum to 100% per right type (Master and Publishing recorded separately).
2.4 Points & net shares. If you use “producer points” or net‑profit shares, convert them to a clear percentage of Net Revenues for the relevant right.
2.5 Conflicts. If multiple users claim inconsistent splits, we may place administrative holds and request evidence (see §10 and Schedule D).
2.6 Product enforcement. You cannot enable Post‑Pay or Push to DSPs until a complete split sheet is on file for the Master (and for Publishing where you collect or assert). Drafts save as Pending until splits reach 100% and all mandatory fields pass validation.

3) Sampling, covers & third‑party materials

3.1 Samples. You must clear both Master and Publishing for any samples before distribution or monetisation. Provide proof (licence or waiver).
3.2 Covers. You must secure the appropriate mechanical licence in territories where DSPs do not provide blanket coverage. We may restrict territories (§7.4) if clearance is missing.
3.3 Beats, loops, stems. Library licences must permit your intended use and distribution. If the licence is attribution‑based, list the supplier in metadata.
3.4 AI‑assisted content. Disclose where required by DSP policy. Do not imitate a living artist’s voice/likeness without consent and legal basis.

4) Royalty sources we account for (scope)

We account to you for the royalty streams we actually receive for your Approved Content, including:

DSP master recording revenues (streams/downloads);
UGC monetisation where enabled (e.g., Content ID clips, short‑video uses);
Direct sales/unlocks via Crown Booth (Post‑Pay personal licences) under the Artist Upload Licence;
Other platform receipts that flow to us for your content (e.g., TikTok/Instagram music libraries).

We do not collect or pay through publishing royalties (e.g., performance/mechanical) unless explicitly stated in an addendum. Songwriters should register with their CMO/PRO (e.g., PRS/MCPS, PPL for performers) and supply work data.

5) Our fee, statements & payout cadence

5.1 Take rate (Distribution). For DSP revenues, our standard fee is 15% of Gross Revenues unless otherwise agreed (see Distribution Terms §7).
5.2 Post‑Pay (direct unlocks). Payouts follow the Artist Upload Licence (§10), including set‑off and holds.
5.3 Statements. We provide periodic online statements and dashboards; reporting lags reflect platform schedules.
5.4 Payout cycle & threshold. We pay monthly once your payable balance is ≥ £25 and funds have cleared; balances roll forward.
5.5 KYC/AML & tax. Payouts require completed KYC and any required tax forms (e.g., W‑8/W‑9). Withholding may apply by law.
5.6 Operational checkpoints. See Schedule F for the in‑product gates (Upload, Rights, Splits, IDs, Review, Go‑Live) and error messages used to keep releases compliant.

6) Split payments & payees

6.1 Who we pay. By default, we pay the Account Holder who set up the release; they are responsible for onward payments to collaborators unless Crown Booth SplitPay is enabled.
6.2 SplitPay (where available). You may invite contributors to receive direct splits. All invited payees must complete KYC/AML; otherwise, their share reverts to the Account Holder until completed.
6.3 Minimums & rounding. We apply minimum payout thresholds per payee and may round to the nearest penny for each cycle.
6.4 Disputes. If a payee disputes their percentage, we may hold only the disputed portion while continuing to pay undisputed shares.

7) Territory, windows & restrictions

7.1 Territories. You choose territories at setup; we may apply geo‑blocks to comply with law or licensing.
7.2 Windows. Pre‑save, pre‑order, and timed exclusives are supported subject to DSP policy.
7.3 Age‑rating/explicit. Mark explicit content correctly to avoid takedowns or reduced reach.
7.4 Uncleared rights. If you cannot evidence sample/mechanical/publishing clearance in a territory, we may exclude or remove the content there.

8) Credits & moral rights

8.1 Credit lines. Provide accurate credits. We display credits where product UI allows; DSP display varies.
8.2 Moral rights. We respect moral rights where applicable. You consent to reasonable technical edits (e.g., loudness normalisation, formatting, preview clips) necessary to operate the Services.

9) Adjustments, chargebacks & fraud

9.1 Adjustments. DSPs may issue retroactive adjustments (fraud filtering, returns). We pass these through in the next cycle.
9.2 Chargebacks. For Post‑Pay unlocks subject to refund or chargeback, we may reverse previously shown earnings and hold related amounts.
9.3 Fraud & manipulation. Artificial streaming, bots, or play inflation may result in takedown, clawback, and account action.

10) Conflicts, evidence & holds

10.1 Conflicting claims. If we receive conflicting ownership/split claims, we may (a) pause distribution; (b) place payout holds on the disputed share; and (c) request evidence (contracts, split sheets, PRO registrations).
10.2 Evidence checklist. See Schedule D for examples (work‑for‑hire agreements, sample licences, email chains confirming splits, PRO work IDs).
10.3 Resolution. We may restore normal payments when (i) parties agree in writing; (ii) a competent authority orders a result; or (iii) we determine a claim is facially unsupported. We do not arbitrate legal ownership.

11) Indemnity & liability

11.1 Your indemnity. You indemnify Crown Booth from claims and costs arising from your content, splits, or failure to obtain rights/consents, except for our negligence or wilful misconduct.
11.2 Liability cap. To the maximum extent permitted by law, our aggregate liability under this Policy is limited to the greater of £100 or the Distribution fees you paid to us in the prior 12 months, excluding amounts due to you.

12) Governing law & disputes

12.1 Law & venue. For UK/EEA users, English law applies; venue is the courts of England & Wales (non‑exclusive). Elsewhere, see our Terms of Service.
12.2 Escalation. If you disagree with a decision under this Policy, email support@crownbooth.co.uk with subject “Appeal – Royalty & Rights” within 14 days. We aim to respond within 10 business days.

13) Changes to this Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. We’ll post updates with a new Last updated date and, where material, provide notice.

14) Operational implementation (product hooks)

To make these rules real, Crown Booth uses product hooks and validation:

Upload gate: audio + artwork must meet spec (see Distribution Schedule A); otherwise show inline errors.
Rights gate: declare whether you control Master and/or Publishing in each territory; if Publishing is unchecked, we treat it as not collected by us.
Splits gate: 100% total per right type with valid roles; unresolved conflicts → hold.
IDs gate: ISRC/UPC assigned or generated; PRO/CMO IDs optional but recommended.
Compliance gate: explicit/clean label; AI‑use disclosure; sample/cover attestations with evidence upload.
KYC/payout gate: SplitPay invitees complete KYC before receiving direct payments; otherwise funds route to the Account Holder.

Schedules

Schedule A — Split sheet (short form template)

Track/Project:
ISRC (if assigned):
Writers (publishing) & %:
Master participants & %:
Producer points → % of Net (if used):
Samples used & licence refs:
Collector societies (e.g., PRS/MCPS, PPL):
Signatures / emails confirming consent:

Schedule B — Roles (taxonomy examples)

Primary Artist, Featured Artist, Producer, Co‑producer, Songwriter (Composer/Lyricist), Performer (Instrument/Voice), Mixer, Mastering Engineer, Recording Engineer, Executive Producer.

Schedule C — Common scenarios (how we handle)

Producer points but no % stated: convert to agreed % of Net Revenues for Masters; capture in split sheet.
Beat lease with attribution: confirm licence scope permits commercial release; list supplier in metadata; include receipt.
Cover song: confirm mechanical coverage by DSP in territory; if not, obtain licence or exclude territories.
Multiple uploads of same track: we prioritise the earliest complete submission with evidence, or pause all until resolved.
Duo breakup, split dispute: hold only the disputed share; continue paying undisputed shares; request mediation evidence.

Schedule D — Evidence checklist

Signed split sheet or email confirmations from all contributors.
Work‑for‑hire agreements / producer agreements.
Sample licences / clearance emails.
PRO/CMO registrations (PRS/MCPS work IDs, PPL recordings).
Prior distribution takedown confirmations (if moving from another distributor).
Government ID/KYC (for payee verification).

Schedule E — Split sheet field schema (for product & CMS)

Right type: Master / Publishing (repeat block per type).
Contributor: name, email (account if on platform), role (enum from Schedule B).
Share %: decimal to two places; validation: totals = 100%.
Payee: Account Holder / SplitPay invite (ID).
Society IDs (optional): IPI/CAE, PRO (PRS/MCPS), PPL performer number.
Evidence (optional/required if disputed): file upload (PDF/IMG), text notes.
Attestations: “I have authority to submit these splits” (checkbox).

Schedule F — Onboarding checkpoints (UI copy)

Upload → Rights
“Tell us who controls Master and Publishing. If you don’t collect Publishing here, leave it off.”
Rights → Splits
“Add contributors and set percentages that total 100% for each right.”
Splits validation
Error: “Master splits total 92%. Add 8% or adjust existing shares to reach 100%.”
Evidence (if needed)
“Upload your split sheet or producer agreement to speed approval.”
KYC & payouts
“Invite collaborators via SplitPay. We’ll pay them directly after KYC; otherwise, funds go to you.”
Go‑Live check
“All good. Assign ISRC/UPC and choose territories to distribute.”

Schedule G — Policy notices (inline text)

Sampling: “Using samples? You must clear Master & Publishing before release.”
Covers: “Some countries require a mechanical licence even on DSPs.”
AI disclosure: “Tell listeners if AI assisted or generated parts, per DSP policy.”
Fraud warning: “Artificial streaming or play inflation can lead to takedowns and clawbacks.”