There is something about listening to an old song that sparks a memory and takes people back to a long forgotten time. Most musicians create music for the joy it brings to them and their listeners. However, when the hobby becomes a business, the musician needs to take the proper steps to protect his or her interests. J. Lopez Law is able to represent composers, performers, recording artists, record labels and publishing companies in negotiating their agreements and protecting their property rights.
Protection of property rights generally includes the researching, registration and filing suit for infringement (or defense of an alleged infringement suit) for copyright and trademark.
Generally, most serious musicians will utilize the services of a manager who handles various day-to-day and business related issues. J. Lopez Law is able to represent either the musician or the manager in the negotiation of such arrangements. When representing an artist, J. Lopez Law works together with the manager to advise on all business and legal matters affecting the artist.
The ultimate goal of many musicians is to get “signed” by a record label. In the most basic of terms, the artist is responsible for recording compositions and the label is responsible for promoting the artist and distributing those recorded compositions. J. Lopez Law is able to negotiate the various agreements typically associated with a record contract, such as licensing, recording, distribution, publishing, merchandising and touring, and the so called “360 Deals”.
There are many other revenue sources for compositions and sound recordings. Surely everyone has either watched a movie or television show, and many people have played a video game. Generally, films, television shows and video games are not complete without adding an original score or music to the soundtrack. J. Lopez Law will represent the composers and owners of compositions and sound recordings in the licensing of such rights to a producer or production company. J. Lopez Law will also represent the producers and production companies in the acquisition of such rights.