Structured data fields are by definition an abstraction of legal language. When in doubt, use citations, the AI chat, and the actual contract text to validate the structured data against your own interpretation. Overview
The Creative Approvals extraction identifies provisions where parties retain explicit approval rights over creative decisions regarding intellectual property. This focuses on material creative control - the rights that determine how music and visual assets are created, modified, and used.
Visuals & Image
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Artwork/Photography | Album covers, packaging, liner notes, press photos |
| Logos/Branding | Artist logo, specific branding materials |
| Biographical | Official biography, press release copy |
| Music Video | Director selection, storyboard, concept, final edit |
| Other Visual | Graphic design, illustrations, print design |
Audio (Creation & Modification)
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Mixing/Mastering | Final mix approval, master recording approval |
| Remixing/Editing | Remixes, radio edits, club mixes, mash-ups, clean versions |
| Personnel | Producer selection, mixer selection, featured artist approval |
| Sequencing | Track listing, album sequence, creative flow |
| Sampling | Approval to sample or interpolate the work |
Strategic Usage
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Sync Licensing | Approval for film, TV, ads, video game placements |
| Sync Context | Scene or context approval (e.g., “no violence/sex”) |
| Brand Association | Endorsements, commercial tie-ins, premiums |
| Compilations | Third-party compilations, “Greatest Hits” inclusion |
| Side-Artist Waivers | Artist needing label’s approval to record for others |
- Legal matters - Litigation, settlements, warranties, indemnification, cure periods
- Financial/admin - Audits, accounting, budgets, payment direction
- Operational - Manufacturing quality, logistics, inventory
- Blanket prohibitions - “May not be used in…” (restrictions, not approvals)
- Consultation only - “Shall consult with…” without actual approval right
- Initial grants - Permission grants for name/likeness (not ongoing approval)
An approval right must include explicit approval language (“approve”, “consent”, “veto”). Consultation requirements or blanket restrictions are not extracted.
| Field | Description |
|---|
| Title | Concise name for the approval (e.g., “Remix Creative Approval”) |
| Approval Party | Who must approve: Assignor, Assignee, or Both Parties |
| Description | What creative element requires approval and who has final say |
Approval Parties
| Party | Typical Role |
|---|
| Assignor | Artist, writer, licensor - the party granting rights |
| Assignee | Label, publisher, licensee - the party receiving rights |
| Both Parties | Mutual approval required from both sides |
Reading Approval Cards
When interpreting approval rights:
- Title indicates the creative area (remix, sync, artwork, etc.)
- Approval Party shows who holds the approval right
- Description explains the scope, timing requirements, and any conditions
Example
A remix approval right might show:
- Title: “Remix Creative Approval”
- Approval Party: Assignor
- Description: “Licensor has the right to approve the selection of any remixer and the final creative direction of any remix version before release. Approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.”
Use Cases
- Pre-release workflow: Know which approvals to obtain before releasing content
- Creative planning: Understand boundaries when commissioning remixes, videos, or artwork
- Sync opportunities: Check whether artist approval is required for licensing requests
- Conflict prevention: Reference approval rights when creative disputes arise
Editing Approvals
Click the edit icon to:
- Add missing approval rights
- Modify approval parties
- Update descriptions and scope
- Remove approvals that don’t apply
