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
Tagged with music business …
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
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
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
This Sick Trademarked Beat
I know. We ALL love Taylor Swift. Whether you really love her or you love to hate her, the truth is what she does in media and music gets attention. And, I love when stuff like this happens. My Twitter feed and phone blew up yesterday when the news story was released that Taylor had, … Continue reading
Top 5 Tips for Licensing Film Content
You’ve finally done it. You have financed, filmed and are busy finalizing your first independent film. Congratulations! All that is left for you to do is finish the edit, license these few pesky photos and music and color correct. Then, you’ll be on your way next year to the Academy Awards. Before you start writing … Continue reading
Entertainment Law Predictions for 2014
Happy New Year! I hope your year is off to a GREAT start. A new year brings all types of new predictions. Here, it is no different. As I gaze into my disco ball into the future, these are what I see as the main points that will come to light in the realm of … Continue reading
Feature Friday – Susan Marshall
My Feature Friday for this week is vocalist and performer Susan Marshall! Susan has over 100 albums to her credit and has performed with the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, North Mississippi Allstars, and Lucinda Williams – just to name a few. She also was the songwriter for one of the songs on Katharine McPhee’s debut album. … Continue reading
FREE Music Licensing for Film
Nothing quite takes a film to that next level like great music. Last week GRAMMY® winning artist Moby announced the re-launch of Moby Gratis. The site will function to seamlessly license Moby’s music to independent filmmakers, student projects and non-profit film productions. Click on the video below for details from Moby himself. This is great … Continue reading
Statute of RyAnne 