colabel

Colabel, also written co-label, is a term used in media and consumer industries to describe a product released under a joint branding arrangement between two or more labels or brands. The colabel arrangement entails shared ownership of the intellectual property, co-production, mutual marketing, and revenue sharing, with each partner contributing assets such as catalog, artists, distribution networks, or marketing resources. The designation is most common in the music industry, where two labels collaborate to release a track, album, or compilation. In such cases, the release may bear the logos of all participating labels, and rights and royalties are negotiated to reflect each party's contribution. Colabel releases can help smaller labels access larger markets and allow artists to benefit from combined promotion.

Similar arrangements occur in publishing, film, and consumer products, where two brands co-release a book, apparel line, or gadget under the combined label and co-branding. Terms of collaboration, territory rights, licensing, and accounting are typically arranged in a contract or agreement.

History and context: The practice emerged as digital distribution expanded and cross-promotional marketing became common, though the concept has roots in earlier forms of co-publishing and joint ventures in media. See also co-branding, joint venture, licensing.

Notes: While not a formal industry standard, colabel is widely understood in contexts where joint branding is used. Alternative spellings include co-label.