> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.royaltyport.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creative Approvals

> Extraction of creative control and approval rights over intellectual property

<Info>
  Structured data fields are by definition an abstraction of legal language. When in doubt, use [citations](/projects/contracts/contract-details/citations), the [AI chat](/projects/ai-chat), and the actual contract text to validate the structured data against your own interpretation.
</Info>

## 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.

### What IS Extracted

#### 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 |

### What is NOT Extracted

* **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)

<Note>
  An approval right must include explicit approval language ("approve", "consent", "veto"). Consultation requirements or blanket restrictions are not extracted.
</Note>

## What Gets Extracted

Each approval right is displayed as a card containing:

| 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:

1. **Title** indicates the creative area (remix, sync, artwork, etc.)
2. **Approval Party** shows who holds the approval right
3. **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

<Tip>
  To update an existing approval right, click the pencil icon next to it. The wizard opens pre-filled with the current title, approval party, and description so you can refine the scope without removing and re-adding the entry.
</Tip>