The world of entertainment law is an intricate maze, and music law stands as one of its most nuanced subdivisions. Our Music Attorneys at Walter J. Pink & Associates will help guide you through every facet of music law, from copyright to licensing agreements, ensuring that your creative pursuits are not only rewarding to your dreams but also legally sound and financially prosperous. If you are a singer, composer, songwriter, lyricist, recording artist, recording studio, music publisher, website music streamer, record label, or any other title in the industry do not hesitate to call your team of Houston music lawyers at Walter J. Pink & Associates.
Music law governs the legal aspects surrounding the creation, distribution, and performance of music. It encompasses various legal areas including intellectual property, contracts, and royalties. Our Houston Music Attorneys offer you a protective framework for musicians, producers, and other stakeholders in the music industry.
Copyright law is the cornerstone of music law. “Who owns the masters and Who owns the royalties” are the two questions you should be able to answer for every music recording. When you compose a song, create an arrangement, or write lyrics, you automatically acquire common law copyright ownership. Most people assume that to acquire a copyright over your works you have to register the work with the U.S. Copyright Office, however, registration is voluntary but highly recommended. A common law copyright grants you exclusive rights, including:
While copyright protection is automatic upon creation, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office grants additional protections, allowing you the ability to take legal action against copyright infringers. Another benefit of registering your work is that you have an authentic and irrefutable claim to your works through a certificate of registration. Some companies in the past would often attempt to copyright other people’s works and try to sell them their copyrights for money. Do not allow this to happen and call our Houston team of music lawyers to help you register your copyrighted works.
Types of Music Licenses
Organizations such as BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC collect performance royalties and distribute them to songwriters and publishers. Joining one of these PROs (Performance Rights Organizations) ensures that you rightfully receive your royalties.
A record deal outlines the terms between the artist and the record label, detailing revenue sharing, ownership of recordings, promotional responsibilities, and expenditures. It's essential to consult a music law attorney to negotiate the best terms for you.
Many people have heard the horrors of a “360 deal” and almost any deal can be “good” depending on what you as an artist are looking for and how much you are willing to trade. Please refer to our video in which one of the partners breaks down a 360 deal in depth.
These agreements define the relationship between an artist and a manager. Terms often cover the length of the contract, the manager's commission, and the scope of the manager's duties. A good manager helps to monetize your art while you have the liberty of focusing just on your art without having to worry too much about the business and money-generating aspects.
Music attorneys focus on providing legal guidance within the music industry, often negotiating contracts, offering intellectual property advice, and representing clients in court.
Services Offered
Music law is an essential aspect of the entertainment industry that safeguards artists' rights and revenue streams. With elements like intellectual property, licensing, and contractual agreements, a solid understanding of music law is indispensable for any artist singer, composer, songwriter, lyricist, recording studio, music publisher, website music streamer, record label, or any other person seeking to make their mark in the industry. Do not hesitate to call your team of Houston Music Attorneys, Walter J. Pink & Associates to ensure your rights are protected to the fullest extent of the law.