Entertainment Law

The Importance of a Music Lawyer in Negotiating Music Producer Agreements

The Importance of a Music Lawyer in Negotiating Music Producer Agreements

Entertainment Law, Entertainment: Resources

Introduction The music industry is a dynamic and complex field where creative talent meets intricate legal frameworks. Music producers play a pivotal role in shaping the sound and success of musical projects, yet their contributions often hinge on well-crafted agreements. Music producer agreements are essential documents that outline the terms and conditions of the relationship […]

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A professional meeting between a young music artist and a legal advisor in a modern office setting. The advisor is showing legal documents to the artist.

The Legal Aspects of Production Deals: What Artists Need to Know

Entertainment Law

In the ever-evolving music industry, production deals play a crucial role in shaping an artist’s career. These agreements outline the relationship between an artist and a production company, determining the terms of their collaboration. Understanding the legal aspects of production deals is essential for artists to protect their interests and ensure a fair partnership. This

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music contract

Beware of Trademark Issues With Recording Contracts

Contracts, Entertainment Law

At Cordero Law, we strongly advise our music industry clients to file for registration of trademarks related to their band, music compositions, and other artistic works. Trademark is another word for “brand.” Every band and musician has a unique and valuable brand — trademark — and creating, popularizing, and defending a brand usually involves great

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Copyright Infringement Filing in Ninth Circuit

Another New Rule Announced by Ninth Circuit Likely to Cut Music Copyright Infringement Filings

Copyright, Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property

Thousands of copyright infringement lawsuits are filed every year related to allegations of copying music or lyrics. To win a music copyright infringement case, the person filing the case must prove some sort of actual copying. In legal terms, the plaintiff must show “substantial similarity” between the plaintiff’s alleged original and the alleged copy.  One

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The Kanye West record deal was released on twitter for everyone to see

The Kanye West Record Deal – Understanding His Tweets and Criticisms of the Music Industry

Contracts, Entertainment Law

In September 2020, “Kanye West Record Deal” started trending. Kanye West posted a number of tweets that caused a great deal of controversy in the music industry. See BBC report here. West made about a 100 posts and shared screenshots of pages from his recording contract. West complained that his record label was not allowing

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music pirating statutory damages

Understanding Actual and Statutory Damages for Music Pirating

Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property

Under the US Copyright Act of 1976, 17 USC § 101 et seq., there are two categories of damages that can be collected to punish music piracy. “Piracy” is known legally as “infringement.” The two categories of damages are: The copyright owner’s “actual damages and any additional profits of the infringer…” (Section 504(a)(1)) or An

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective goes live January 2021.

Music Industry News: Update on the Mechanical Licensing Collective

Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property

As many know, the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) is set to “go live” on January 1, 2021. Despite many worries that were expressed in 2018 when the MLC was authorized and despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it appears that there will be no significant delays or requests to Congress for more time. It

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trademarking for musicians is important to protecting your brand

Trademarking for Musicians: What are International Classes?

Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property, Trademarks

As a musician and artist, the thought of trademarking for musicians might have come across your radar. That is because building your trademark is essential for protecting your songs and performances from being used or rebroadcast by others. It may take time to build your brand, but once established, your trademark should be registered with

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