chatsimple

Miami Entertainment Lawyers on Music Copyright

Our NYC and Miami Entertainment Law Firm advises and represents clients in all legal matters related to music, sports, television/film, visual and literary works, modeling, online matters, and intellectual property.

As a musician, the lyrics and songs you compose are your livelihood and should be protected. As your music career grows, you should be aware of copyright laws and licensing in order to increase your earning potential and protect your work. We previously wrote about the three ways you can profit from your recorded work, including licensee permissions.

But before you can create a plan on how to gain the largest return on your music, you should know at what point your song becomes “property.” Under the Copyright Act, as soon as your song is “fixed in any tangible medium of expression,” the music is copyrighted. The word “fixed” refers to your song staying in one form for a long enough stretch of time to be established as permanent or stable so that an individual can enjoy the piece.

This means that as long as the lyrics or musical notes are only in your head, the material is not copyrighted. However, as soon as you lay the composition onto paper or a digital recording, you now have a new piece of “intellectual property.” So how much time must pass before your music is considered “fixed?” The first time your music is recorded or written, it is instantly considered “fixed” and therefore becomes your intellectual property.

To gain even greater legal protection, you should record your copyright in the Library of Congress. There is a $35 fee for the service.

Chase Lawyers is a boutique entertainment law firm that advises and represents clients in legal matters related to music, sports, television/film, visual and literary works, modeling, online matters and intellectual property. If you are planning a music career and have questions about copyright laws, contact our Miami entertainment lawyers today to ensure your path to stardom is a smooth one!


Barry Chase

Barry Chase, Esq., Senior Partner at ChaseLawyers®, is a distinguished figure in the realm of sports and entertainment law, offering Harvard-level representation that is both cost-sensitive and exceptional. An honors graduate of Yale College (Phi Beta Kappa) and Harvard Law School, Chase's illustrious career commenced at a prominent Washington, D.C. law firm, now known as Wilmer Hale. Here, he honed his expertise in Communications and First Amendment law, representing media titans such as CBS, the Times-Mirror Company, and Time, Inc. in pivotal Federal Communications Commission (FCC) matters.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

The entertainment industry can be a complicated field to navigate. As a trusted leader in Miami entertainment law, ChaseLawyers can help. With over 40 years of experience, Our Miami based lawyers have helped individuals in nearly every area of entertainment law in Miami, including sports, music, film, television, modeling, literature, and more. We understand the unique challenges you face as a creative, and we’re prepared to protect your interests.

As an artist in Miami, you must navigate the intricacies of copyright law, trademarks, contractual agreements, and much more. It is critical you choose a qualified Miami entertainment lawyer with expertise in the nuances of the entertainment world. ChaseLawyers has built a stellar reputation among our clientele for honest, professional representation that produces effective results. We have extensive experience in the unique legal elements you must navigate as an artist, and our attorneys can provide you with indispensable career advice and expertise over the course of your entertainment career.

When you work with ChaseLawyers, you are more than just a client. We care about your well-being and can provide essential advice on the issues you face in the Miami market, such as intellectual property issues, negotiating service agreements, publicity rights, and much more. We also have an extensive network of resources available for our clients to connect with, and those connections can enrich your career in countless ways. Our team understands the complex world of entertainment law and will take care of your legal needs so you can focus on doing what you do best—sharing your talent with the world!

When you’re ready to take the next step in your career, our Miami entertainment lawyers are ready to help you. We are passionate about helping creatives with all of their legal needs, and you won’t find a team more dedicated to your success in all of Miami. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!