New York is well known for its diverse range of musical talent. Record Labels, musicians, and studios of all sizes call the city home, and the influence that the area has on the worldwide music scene is substantial. An experienced talent attorney could provide valuable guidance to anyone in the industry to protect their music rights.
Our legal counsel at Rodriques Law, PLLC represents individuals and companies in the music industry, including motion picture and television producers, helping them with the acquisition and production of music for film, television, web video programs, video games and other interactive media projects and live theatrical productions. Allow our New York City music lawyer to handle the legal side of your art.
One of the most important reasons for hiring a music lawyer in New York is to draft or negotiate a contract. There are numerous types of agreements to consider.
One of the most common types of contracts in the industry is single song agreements. These allow a musician to license one of their songs to a publisher without assigning the rights to publish any of their other material.
Sometimes, a publisher might seek to gain an ownership stake in the music they market. A co-publishing agreement allows multiple parties the chance to own a musical piece. Often, these deals pay advances that must be recouped through sales after the music is released commercially. They typically last for a year with options to extend the arrangement further, but these limits are flexible.
These agreements are publishing deals that focus entirely on the administrative side of the business. The publishing company will not provide any creative services and will have no role in music production. Likewise, the artist retains complete creative control and owns the copyright. This arrangement is intended to relieve the stress of administrative tasks like collecting royalties or registering songs internationally.
Royalties play a much larger role in the music industry than most others. Depending on the terms, licensing a song could provide an artist with years of income or leave them with only a fraction of what they deserve.
Licensing terms can vary. While they might pay a small advance, they are generally based on net sales and are never guaranteed to provide meaningful compensation. An attorney can ensure the artist is paid fair royalties.
Music is a form of intellectual property, and hiring an attorney could be the best way to protect it. This includes every aspect, from lyrics to composition or even beats. A songwriter could protect key elements of a song through copyright protections, but navigating this archaic system can be challenging without help. A New York City music lawyer can assist with everything from investigating alleged violations to sending cease-and-desist letters to violators.
The unfortunate reality is that disputes can occur over intellectual property. Artists can use music without permission or even pass off the work of others as their own. Labels use music they do not have the rights for. Dealing with these conflicts is never easy, but a dedicated music attorney in New York City could protect an artist by providing music industry legal support.
Our client base includes:
We protect the interests of investors and technology companies. We help our clients in shaping capital structures and raising debt and equity financing for their music ventures.
Rodriques Law, PLLC’s areas of representation include:
You have worked hard to build your career in this business, and you deserve the support of a song licensing legal team that will help you protect it. From drafting contracts to navigating copyright issues, the right attorney can make a tremendous difference in your career.
If you are in the music industry, it is important to have legal counsel to protect yourself in business and entertainment deals. Contact our firm today to hire a New York City music lawyer and learn how we can help protect your rights and maximize your income.
