Music Business — Blog — Whitman Legal Solutions LLC

What a Cold War Television Drama Can Teach Us About Celebrity Impersonators

An 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.

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The NO FAKES ACT - Why It’s Important to the Music Industry

The 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.

Bach’s Coffee Cantata and Contracts as Relationship Design

Artful 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.

Business Law, Music Business, Music LawElizabeth WhitmanJune 9, 2026business law, contracts, music law

Leaving the Land of No

Bringing an attorney onto a team during project development when more options exist not only minimizes risk but can result in a better final product.

Mozart, Musician Crowdfunding, and Securities Laws

Crowdfunding 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.

Why it Matters Under Copyright Law Whether a Collaboration is a Joint or Composite Work

During 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.

Paul Anka and Matchmaking for Investors: the SEC’s Proposed Finder Rule May Be Getting a Second Chance

Nearly 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.

Why Businesses and Musicians Should Care About Copyright Sync Licensing

Sync 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.

How to Tell if Your Start-Up, Music, or Real Estate Financing is a Security – and What to Do About It

Whether it be for a startup, artistic endeavor, or real estate investment, you may have to comply with securities laws. Learn why securities law can apply in unlikely situations and how having an experienced securities attorney on your team can help you navigate the fundraising minefield.

Bach to Business

Our award-winning blog draws from Elizabeth Whitman’s background in and passion for music to illustrate how we find creative solutions for complex legal challenges.