What Does a Music Lawyer Do?

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There’s more to the music industry than just glitz and glamour. The industry involves a complicated legal network that only professionals can weave through. Music law affects everything and everyone in the music industry, from record labels, distributors and to producers, songwriters, and artists

Music lawyers specialize in the intricacies of music law. Though they may share some of the same qualifications as lawyers in other fields, they are more familiar with how the industry itself operates. have a greater level of expertise in this field and can understand minute details that anyone else might miss.

But what exactly does a music lawyer do? Let’s take a closer look at the specifics of the job and see why having a music lawyer is important for your career.

What is A Music Lawyer?

A music lawyer is a specialized attorney who deals with legal issues surrounding the music industry. They are trained to handle a wide range of legal issues, like contract management, copyright claims, trademark disputes, artist representation, and many more.

While their duties are similar to those of other lawyers, it must be emphasized that entertainment law requires deep specialization. Music law, in particular, requires attorneys to know the ins and outs of the music industry, from the handling of brands and artists to dealing with recording studios and licenses.

Here are some of the services you can expect from a music lawyer:

Facilitate Recording Agreements

Signing a recording agreement is a big step in any artist’s career, especially for the ones who are new to the industry. However, artists may unknowingly agree to terms that might not be favorable to them in the long run, like selling their rights to a record label.

For example, the “360 Deal” types of contract agreements promise artists continued support in exchange for near-complete control of their careers. While it’s one way to guarantee publishing and, perhaps pave the road to fame, it comes at the cost of an artist’s freedom. Such deals are also more favorable for the label in question, as most of the profits will go to them instead of the artist.

Music attorneys can help draft and present terms that are beneficial for both parties. This will prevent artists from being exploited for their talents while creating a steady flow of income for the label. Attorneys can also help artists find better opportunities elsewhere, in case talks with one recording label goes awry.

Intellectual Property Licensing

Music lawyers can also help songwriters get sufficient compensation for their work. Authors of songs and music have innate legal ownership over their creations, thanks to intellectual property laws. If they wish to sell their music, having a music attorney handle the terms of agreement can prevent possible exploitation or financial losses.

When negotiations regarding the buying or selling of intellectual property is concerned, music lawyers can act as the brokers for the parties involved. This can help ensure that the fullest extent of music law is observed during the process and that the interests of their clients are protected.

Broadcasting Rights

The broadcasting and performance of music is one area that’s also regulated by music law. To protect copyright owners, the law requires would-be broadcasters and performers to obtain a license before they can show copyrighted music to their audience.

Copyright law isn’t easy to navigate, however. There are some hurdles related to purchasing a license, such as a difference in pricing relative to audience count, broadcasting coverage, frequency of which music is played, and more.

Music lawyers can give their clients more insight regarding license requirements and copyright laws. They would also be able to detect any unlawful broadcasting of a client’s copyrighted work and demand proper compensation from those responsible.

Contact ChaseLawyers® for Legal Success in the Music Industry

There are several other responsibilities that music lawyers must perform to help protect clients and ensure their success. To know more about music law, find and talk to a music lawyer near you.

ChaseLawyers® is an entertainment law firm comprised of veteran attorneys with considerable experience in the music industry. Our team of legal experts can help make sure that you’ll get fair treatment and protection in all business dealings and assist you in resolving legal issues.

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.

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