Reversion Clause

In the music business, a reversion clause is part of a contract between a songwriter and a music publishing company. The clause dictates the amount of time that a publisher owns the rights to the songwriter’s work. In addition, the clause usually states that if the publisher is unable to get the song sold and recorded, the rights revert back to the songwriter. The length of time specified in a reversion clause is commonly a year or two, although as long as the songwriter and publisher agree, longer or shorter time periods may be chosen.