You have spent countless hours in the studio, and the hard work is finally paying off. A record label is handing you a major deal. For a young artist, this is a dream come true. However, if that dream turns into an unfair business relationship, the fact that you...
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Entertainment Law
Image rights battles: Who really owns a celebrity’s likeness?
Florida is a global hub for entertainment, professional sports and digital media. From the music studios in Miami to the film sets in Orlando, the state is a magnet for high-profile talent. However, when a business uses a celebrity's image without permission, whose...
What to do when labels refuse to pay royalties
If a record label stops paying royalties, it usually isn’t a misunderstanding. It’s a signal that something has broken down. Maybe they’re delaying payments without explanation, or maybe reports have stopped arriving entirely. Either way, this isn’t a situation you...
When can labels modify contracts for minors?
Working with underage artists can create complex contract questions. Florida law protects minors from obligations they may not fully understand. This is true even for deals that seem standard in the music industry. Knowing when you can legally adjust agreements for...
Who owns master recordings and when to consider litigation?
Musicians pour their heart and soul into their work. Still, many do not fully understand who owns their music, especially after signing with a label. Master recordings are incredibly valuable, yet many artists give away these rights without realizing what that means...
Pop stars seeking insurance: Label contracts are often imbalanced
Making it big in the music industry usually requires the backing of a label and a team of specialized professionals. Aspiring musicians, singers and pop stars often seek exposure online and through local performances to gain the attention of fans, which can lead to...
Why did Drake sue his label, not Kendrick Lamar?
Rap beef can be very entertaining for music lovers. Watching professionals throw insults and accusations back and forth in lyrical form can be a very engaging experience. In early 2024, rap fans reveled in the dispute between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Both musicians...
How are bots affecting the music industry?
In the past, the number of singles or albums sold was a reliable way to evaluate a musician's commercial success. That has since changed dramatically. With the rise of consumers streaming music on demand using platforms such as Spotify, the number of times people...
What should musicians do when political campaigns use their songs?
For many musicians, their music is a representation of their creative expression. As such, when a political campaign uses a musician’s music without their permission, it can raise significant concerns. While some may welcome the exposure, others may not want their...
Can NDAs prevent entertainers from reporting misconduct?
Non-disclosure agreements are popular in the entertainment industry. Individuals filming a reality TV show, for example, often have to sign an NDA before the filming even begins. They are bound by that restrictive covenant and subject to a large financial penalty if...