Senior Manager, Business Legal Affairs

At Sony Music Publishing (SMP), we believe every voice matters. We are the #1 global music publisher, advancing the artistry of the worlds greatest songwriters and composers for over 25 years. We keep songwriters at the forefront of everything we do, and design our suite of services to amplify opportunities, build connections, and defend their rights. Our roster benefits from an international team committed to providing support at every career stage. From classic catalogues to contemporary hitmakers, history is always being written. We are a part of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about SMP here .

About the Department

Expanding to India its footprints in 2020, Sony Music Publishing India has been instrumental in overseeing the worldwide publishing endeavours of major entities, including Sony Music India, Tips, Divo Music, Anand Audio, Panorama, White Hill Music & Merchant Records . Our vision to introduce and cultivate international best practices, developing and creating avenues for Indian songwriters, and fostering relationships with industry partners including collection societies.

About the Role

This newly created role will provide Legal and Business Affairs support to Sony Music Publishing India with a focus on drafting and negotiating music publishing agreements with local songwriters and record labels.

What Youll Do: (job responsibilities )

• Focus primarily on drafting and negotiating music publishing agreements (including exclusive songwriter agreements, admin agreements and single song agreements) with local songwriters and record labels.
• Assisting with acquisitions of music publishing catalogues including, conducting and supervising legal due diligence with respect to catalogue acquisitions, and drafting and negotiation acquisition agreements.
• Drafting synchronization licenses.
• Drafting sample / adaptation agreements.
• Attending negotiation meetings. Ensuring deals are concluded in a professional and timely manner.
• Conducting research on Indian case law on music publishing as required.
• Handling any requirements for boards/resolutions and other corporate maintenance documentation.
• Managing copyright infringement claims with Senior Director Legal and Business Affairs International.
• Providing general legal support for matters arising as a result of Sony Music Publishing Indias membership of IPRS.
• Responding to Ad-Hoc legal requests from various other departments.
• Coordinating external counsel as required.
• Providing regular updates to the Senior Director Legal and Business Affairs International on the status of current deals.

Who You Are: (skills/experience/qualifications in order of importance)

Essential requirements

• Education: LLB. Admitted to practice in India
• Post qualification experience of a minimum of 5 years.
• Experience in a similar role either in the music or media and entertainment industry.
• Thorough knowledge of intellectual property, copyright, entertainment and media laws.
• The ability to analyse complex legal problems quickly and concisely.
• Solution-oriented approach to problems.
• Prides oneself on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Able to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team to achieve shared objectives / deadlines.
• Prioritises workload, manages self and follows through on tasks so that deadlines are met in the most efficient and effective way.
• Excellent communication skills, able to interact confidently and effectively at all levels of the business.
• Able to communicate ideas/information in a clear and constructive way, especially legal information.
• Consistently looking for improvements and motivated to recommend changes to processes and procedures.
• Good time management and ensure that deals close in agreed timelines.
• Fluent in English.