Intellectual Property and Legal Issues Every Content Creator Should Understand

Creating content has never been easier—but publishing online comes with legal risks that many creators overlook. From copyright claims and Fair Use disputes to trademark issues and rights of publicity, content creators face a growing number of legal challenges as their audiences expand. This article explores the most common legal issues creators encounter and how to reduce risk while building a digital brand.

Read More

Fair Use and YouTube: Why a Disclaimer Will Not Protect You from Copyright Claims

Many creators think "If I put a Fair Use disclaimer in my video, I'm protected." Unfortunately, that's not how copyright law works. Many creators mistakenly believe that phrases like Copyright disclaimers automatically shield them from copyright claims. In reality, Fair Use is a legal defense that depends on a fact-specific analysis—not a disclaimer. This article explains how Fair Use actually works for YouTube videos.

Read More

Who Gets Paid by SoundExchange? Understanding Featured Artist Royalties Under U.S. Copyright Law

Many artists understand publishing royalties. Few understand SoundExchange. Every year, millions of dollars are generated from digital performances on services like Pandora, SiriusXM, and internet radio. Federal law requires those royalties to be distributed among record labels, featured artists, and non-featured performers—but who gets paid, and why? This article breaks down the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act.

Read More

Should You Form a New LLC for a Joint Venture? Legal Risks, Liability, and Structuring Considerations

Should two companies form a new LLC before launching a joint venture? While many businesses prefer the simplicity of operating through a contractual arrangement, doing so can create significant legal, tax, liability, and intellectual property risks if not properly structured. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of operating a joint venture without a separate entity and outlines practical strategies for reducing risk while preserving flexibility.

Read More

The Tax Implications of Selling a Music Catalog

Music catalog sales can generate life-changing wealth — but without proper planning, taxes can dramatically impact the final proceeds. As catalog acquisitions continue to dominate the music industry, artists, songwriters, producers, and rights holders are increasingly evaluating the tax implications of selling music rights. We break down the major legal and tax concepts behind modern music catalog transactions.

Read More

¿No te están Pagando Regalías Musicales? Guía Práctica para Reclamar, Auditar y Demandar (PR/EE. UU.)

Si tu música se está explotando pero tus regalías no llegan (o los reportes “desaparecen”), esto no es solo frustración: puede ser un caso legal. Aquí te explicamos a quién reclamar, qué documentos reunir, y qué remedios existen para recuperar pagos y exigir contabilidad.

Read More

Cómo Funcionan los Fondos de Derechos Musicales (y Por Qué están Comprando Catálogos)

Los fondos de derechos musicales no compran “canciones”. Compran flujos de ingresos respaldados por propiedad intelectual: streaming, PROs, mecánicas y sync. Esta guía te explica cómo funcionan, cómo se financian (equity vs. deuda) y qué miran en debida diligencia antes de comprar un catálogo.

Read More