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The Legal Beat: Katy Perry Loses Copyright Infringement Case
On July 29, 2019 a Los Angeles federal court jury held, in a unanimous verdict, that Katy Perry was liable for copyright infringement for copying (for her 2013 hit song ... -
The Legal Beat: New Taylor Swift Feud Over Her Masters
Taylor Swift once again finds herself in another feud, this time with her former label and Scooter Braun over the sale of her masters. By way of background, Swift convinced ... -
The Legal Beat: Social Media Companies License Music
What if you post a video on Facebook that you created and you want to include music from a famous recording artist’s album? Can you do it legally? Social media ... -
The Legal Beat: Music Publishers Sue Peloton Over Unlicensed Songs
Nine music publishers (including Ole, Peer and Ultra) have sued trendy fitness/technology company Peloton for copyright infringement. The lawsuit seeks $150M in damages from Peloton for allegedly using over a ... -
The Legal Beat: Streaming Companies Appeal Songwriters Royalty Increase
With physical album sales down, digital streaming income has become increasingly important for songwriters who have complained bitterly (and with good reason) that they were not getting their fair share. ... -
What's the Difference Between a Major Label and Independent Label Deal?
Clients often ask me if they should pursue a major label recording contract or an independent deal. The answer, of course, is it depends on many factors. There are certain ... -
Understanding Music Producer Agreements
Often a major label will enter into a contract with a production company (“Company”) for the services of a recording artist. The company will then engage music producers directly. Here ... -
A Close Look at Taylor Swift's New Deal With UMG
On Nov. 19, 2018, Taylor Swift announced she had entered into a new recording contract with Universal Music Group (“UMG”). The new deal provides that UMG will be her exclusive ... -
The Legal Beat: Chapman Sues Minaj for Copyright Infringement
During October of 2018 singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman sued rapper Nick Minaj for copyright infringement regarding the 1988 Chapman song “Baby Can I Hold You” (“Song”). Chapman alleges Minaj stole the ... -
The Legal Beat: What You Should Know About the Music Modernization Act
On Oct. 11, 2018 the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act (“MMA”) was signed into law. The MMA updates federal law having to do with copyright issues for music ...
