Entertainment & Intellectual Property Law

Film & Television Law

We represent both individuals and companies in the film and television industry and have served as production counsel for Academy Award‑winning films and award‑winning TV shows. Whether you would like a consultation to review an agreement or would like more in‑depth assistance with negotiating the deal‑making process, we can assist in every step of the way. Our film and television services encompass a wide variety of assistance including, but not limited to, producer agreements, news producer agreements, literary option and purchase agreements, life rights agreements, SAG‑AFTRA agreements, crowd releases, reality television talent agreements and more.

Moreover, it is important to protect your film or television production's intellectual property by utilizing copyright and trademark registration and licensing. However, sometimes the process involves multiple steps and can be complicated, so it is important to follow the lead of an experienced attorney to ensure your production is protected. The United States Copyright Office's ("USCO") registration requirements and processes differ depending on the type of work being registered. For instance, registration for a motion picture or audiovisual work is separate from registration of other digital content, music, plays, and visual arts. It is important to register correctly in order to obtain all the benefits of registration, such as a presumption of validity, notice of publication, and ability to collect significant statutory damages from anyone who infringes on your copyright.

Music Law

We are ready to assist you as an individual songwriter, musician, singer, composer, manager or as a record company, distribution company or other business in the music industry. For instance, if you are starting a band and know you need help with your intellectual property but are not sure what that entails, we can assist. We can help you register your songs with the USCO. If you have a band name or logo or plan to create one, we can help you register those with the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO"). If you believe your copyright or trademark has been infringed or your copyright or trademark license violated, we can also assist with cease and desist letters, demand letters and litigation.

Another example of how our entertainment attorneys can help you is through drafting and negotiating contracts and offering guidance. Examples of agreements we have helped our previous clients with include publishing agreements, management agreements, producer agreements, 360 deals, collaboration contracts, distribution agreements, touring agreements, composer and music supervisor agreements, side artist or featured artist agreements, administration agreements, sync licenses and any other copyright licenses. For instance, if you are a new artist and are not sure if negotiating a 360 deal with a record label or hiring a manager is best for your career, our experienced attorneys can assist you with those decisions.

Live Performance & Theatre

Whether you are a performer, director, manager or agent, writer, composer or production company, we can provide you with the skills you need to succeed. For instance, if you are interested in pursuing a career as a stand‑up comedian, we take care of everything from talent agreements to protecting your original jokes. Our live performance and theatre services also include theatrical performer and crew contracts, stage play adaptation agreements, intellectual property licensing agreements, collaboration agreements, agent contracts, employment agency license applications, producer agreements, director services agreements, option contracts, literary option and purchase agreements, writing agreements and life rights agreements.

Art Law

Artists also fall under the entertainment law umbrella. Whether you are an artist yourself, a buyer or seller of artistic work or an art merchant, our attorneys understand the well‑developed governing body of law. We assist with intellectual property protection, implied warranty of title, due diligence, regulations for warranty of authenticity, the relationship between an artist and a merchant, and the damages and liability involved with breach of contract.

Social Media Influencers

Media laws are ever‑changing and growing, especially with the rise of social media, and we adapt our practices with the field. Staying informed with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines and regulations, especially as an influencer, is crucial in this industry because the laws are constantly updated as technology expands. We ensure your content and social media channels remain in the confines of the law while assisting you with creation, maintenance, and protection of your brand. Moreover, social media influencers are often offered deals that involve service agreements or sponsorship agreements, an area our attorneys are well versed in.

Sports Law

We provide legal counsel to various professionals in the sports industry. For instance, we work with current and retired athletes, e‑sports players, sports reporters, sports industry manufacturers, managers, coaches, and companies involved with sports events or teams. Our attorneys will ensure your professional soccer career, your newly acquired soccer team, or your FIFA career is achieving your goals, by assisting with all related legal matters such as athletic representation agreements, stadium and venue licenses, intellectual property assignments, team agreements, endorsements, and sponsorship agreements and employment agreements.

Publishing

Whether you are an author looking to publish your first book, a seasoned writer, an illustrator, or a publishing company, we can provide the essential tools for success. Our services in the publishing industry include publishing agreements, writing agreements, ghostwriter agreements, illustrator contracts, photographer contracts, literary agent contracts, collaboration agreements, and adaptation agreements, such as translations or film, television, and stage adaptations.

Intellectual Property

Both Copyright and Trademark law intersect with all divisions of entertainment law. Whether you are an artist, fashion designer, entrepreneur, athlete, influencer, business owner or creative individual seeking to protect your creations or branding, license your intellectual property, utilize intellectual property owned by another or demand a third party cease and desist infringing on your intellectual property rights, we are here to assist.

We help with copyright and trademark registration, including every step of the application process, maintenance of registration, licensing agreements, fair use legal analysis of creative works, copyright and trademark infringement, and other disputes. Our attorneys are also well‑versed in trademark and copyright litigation in the case that infringement issues cannot be resolved through demand letters or negotiations.