When Can You Use An Entertainment Lawyer’s Help?

People are often unsure when they might be able to use the help of an entertainment lawyer, especially if they have never worked with one before. Here are a bunch of different situations where contacting a lawyer is probably the right move.

 

As a Band or Performing Artist:

  • When you are negotiating with a label or publisher to release your music.
  • When you are trademarking your band’s name or symbol.
  • When you feel you are not being paid appropriately, by your label, manager, a venue, or otherwise.
  • When you have been offered a license for the use of your work.
  • When you are using samples in your music that need to be cleared.
  • When you are being offered to work with a PR or other promotion company.
  • When you are deciding how each band member will be paid.
  • When you are incorporating as an LLC or another entity.

As a Photographer:

  • When you are contracting for the license, purchase, or another use of your work.
  • When you notice your work being used without your permission.
  • When you run into a dispute over the use of your work.
  • When you are working with advertisers or being contracted at a pay rate.

As a Writer:

  • When you are signing a contract with a new employer.
  • When you see your work being used inappropriately.
  • When you are not being paid correctly or on time.
  • When you are considering working with a publisher or agency.
  • When you fear your work is being copied, misrepresented, or infringed upon.

As a Filmmaker

  • When you are contracting with other workers on a project.
  • When you are dealing with producers and investors.
  • When you are licensing your work to an advertiser or another entity.
  • When you are dealing with possible samples or uses of other companies’ intellectual property.

As a Employee (whether in a creative industry or not):

  • When you are signing a contract including employment agreements for a new job
  • When you are negotiating for a raise from your employer

As an Artist Manager:

  • When signing a contract with an artist or client.
  • When your client needs legal advice for an offered contract.
  • When you feel you are not being paid appropriately.
  • When you have a question about a legal term or copyright concern.

As a Record Label:

  • When you are signing an artist.
  • When there has been an issue with artist payment.
  • When you have been offered a license for your music.
  • When you are organizing your label as a business.
  • When you are hiring employees, or contracting with work for hire freelancers.

As a Small Business or Startup Company:

  • When you are incorporating as an LLC, or Corporation.
  • When you are contracting with freelancers, employees, independent contracts or other companies.
  • When you are coming up with Terms of Service for a product, a Liability waiver, or a Privacy Policy.
  • When you need standardized contracts for your clients or purchasers.