Musicians traveling in the US are fortunate that federal law provides rules that help them bring their valuable instruments into the cabin. However, musicians should remember that their instrument will use their carry-on baggage allotment and is treated the same as all other carry-on baggage.
Read MoreI bought a bird feeder and mounted it on a tall, narrow pole because I wanted to keep the squirrels away from the birdseed only to discover the squirrels had no trouble climbing the pole. So, I bought a cone-shaped device called a baffle that's supposed to limit how high squirrels can climb. But that didn't quite go as planned. The squirrels quickly learned they could jump on top of the baffle and use it like a springboard to launch themselves onto the feeder. Then, on a rainy day, I saw a very content squirrel was comfortably eating the birdseed that had fallen to the ground while staying completely dry under the “squirrel umbrella” I had unwittingly installed.
People are naturally optimistic when starting a new business relationship or band -- that’s the way it should be. Most people may not have to deal with talented squirrels, but the hard reality is that all relationships changes over time. By working with an experienced attorney who can ask the hard questions at the beginning of a relationship and help develop a solid agreement that can help future-proof the relationship through its successes and challenges.
Read MoreAn episode of Peacock's Cold War era spy show, PONIES, is set at an Elton John concert in Moscow. Peacock worked closely with Elton John's representatives and used his persona with permission, and everyone knows there is an actor impersonating Elton John. However, the same isn't true with AI generated images. AI is a valuable tool that can speed up many business processes, including speeding up the process of creating images for marketing materials. However, there's no transparency regarding the source of AI-generated images, and when those images resemble an actual individual, it raises right of publicity and copyright concerns. Read our article to learn about these legal concerns, what state laws apply when AI uses someone's image without authorization, and how the NO FAKES Act would create a national standard in this quickly developing area.
Read MoreThe NO FAKES Act, which recently cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee, would be a valuable tool in artists’ arsenal against AI replicas. However, the bill still must pass several hurdles before it becomes law. For now, except in the few states like Tennessee that have laws expressly prohibiting digital “clones,” artists need to continue to rely on state right-of-publicity laws, contract language, copyright and trademark claims, and platform takedown procedures.
Read MoreArtful contract drafting is best thought of as relationship design. The strongest contract is not the most one-sided, but rather, is one that considers both parties’ needs and goals and makes the relationship work.
Read MoreBringing an attorney onto a team during project development when more options exist not only minimizes risk but can result in a better final product.
Read MoreCrowdfunding is a popular form of fundraising for musicians and small business because it helps build a following while also raising money. However, it’s important to know when crowdfunding becomes subject to federal securities laws and what to do about it.
Read MoreDuring a collaboration, authors may get caught up in the creative process and not consider the legal implications of their work. However, it’s important to decide up front whether they intend to create a joint work or composite work and work with an attorney to document their intention.
Read MoreNearly five years after it was first proposed, the SEC appears to be returning its attention to the finder rule proposed during the the first Trump Administration.
Read MoreSync licensing can be a major income source for composers and songwriters. Businesses should be aware that any time they use non public domain music in their video content, they may need a sync license.
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