What’s the one thing that can send chills down the spine of any copyright attorney? A $5 million judgment against your client for a music copyright case. This past week, the video depositions of Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke were released for public consumption. The case represents the reason why you do not want to … Continue reading
Filed under Music Business …
Returning to My Radio Roots
Imagine it if you can – a six-year old brunette little girl with a heavy southern accent, dressed up in all the frills and red taffeta her mother could find taking part in her very first beauty pageant and answering her very first question on stage. I remember being so very scared to talk in the … Continue reading
Taylor Swift’s Not So Bad Blood with Ryan Adams
We are finally starting to see a few glimpses of fall here in Mississippi, by way of the changing leaves and cooler temperatures in the morning. Fall means gourds, colorful leaves, and holiday cornucopias. This past week brought to mind several copyright issues – a cornucopia of copyright. My social media feeds have billowed news … Continue reading
The Eye of Music Copyright Law
There is this urban myth I hear all the time. “If I just “use a few seconds” of a song then it is fair use, and I do not need a license.” I deliberately chose the word “myth” because it is just that – a myth. As a very general rule, most use of music requires … Continue reading
Part 2: Copyright and Trademark Law for the Wedding Industry
What is a wedding without music? To me, not a wedding at all. Outside of the photography, the other important aspect for us was music. The negotiations that took place over our first dance song would rival those over nuclear weapons. There were lists submitted, responses requested and terms outlined. To say we are a … Continue reading
Confessions of an Aspiring Intellectual Property Attorney: What I Learned, Hope to Learn and What I Wish My Creative Friends Knew
For the first time, this week’s post is written by a guest author. KeNosha Robinson is a rising 2L law student at Mississippi College School of Law who will enter into her first official intellectual property classes in a few days. I had the pleasure of working with her this Summer while she served as … Continue reading
Blowing Out the Candles on “Happy Birthday” Dispute
Have I mentioned litigation takes a long time? It does, in case you have any doubts. Over two years ago, I wrote about the case filed to determine if the song “Happy Birthday” was in the public domain. Thus, not subject to copyright protection and free for all of us. See more, Happy Day for Good … Continue reading
All Good Things: Graduating with the National Association of Broadcasters
All endings are bitter sweet, but this one was especially more sweet than bitter because my classmates selected me to give the remarks on behalf of our class during our graduation ceremony. What an honor! Continue reading
Should Radio Broadcasters Pay a Performance Tax?
I have been on a “vision quest” the past three months. A quest for knowledge. A quest for lessening the tension created in my mind over three things I love dearly – the Copyright Act, broadcasting and music. This past GRAMMY® awards in 2015 saw The Recording Academy ban together with other interested parties to … Continue reading
What is BMI, ASCAP or SESAC? Why Should My Bar/Gym/Event Care?
“I received this letter from some group called BMI saying I owe money for the music I play in my restaurant/gym/community 5k raising money for a good cause/concert venue. Is this a real thing and should I respond?” Yes, emphatically and soon! Over the past several weeks I have had several conversations regarding performance rights … Continue reading
You Can Tell Everyone This is Your Work Made for Hire
I can barely contain myself. I am going to see Sir Elton John in Las Vegas! For those that do not know, I am a huge Elton fan. I am such a big fan this might be my 14th Elton concert. No judgment. Growing up, my parents enrolled me in piano lessons. While Chopin, Mozart … Continue reading
Trusting Your Music Copyright Case to a Jury
I know you all heard about the $7.4 million verdict for the Marvin Gaye family over the popular tune “Blurred Lines” penned by Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams. The story has been everywhere – on the morning news, in the newspapers, in the Twitter feeds and all over Facebook. Here is a mash-up someone put … Continue reading
Statute of RyAnne 