Copyright Law: Key legislation including Copyright Act of 1976, Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), Music Modernization Act of 2018, and Sound Recording Act. These laws govern the creation, protection, and exploitation of musical works and sound recordings.
Intellectual Property Rights: Covers work for hire doctrine, rights assignment provisions, and publishing rights. Essential for determining ownership and control of the produced music and related materials.
Labor Laws: Including Fair Labor Standards Act, state-specific labor laws, and contractor vs. employee classification. Critical for establishing working relationships and compliance with employment regulations.
Contract Law: Encompasses state-specific contract laws, Statute of Frauds requirements, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). Forms the basic framework for the agreement's enforceability and interpretation.
Entertainment Industry Regulations: Includes American Federation of Musicians (AFM) guidelines, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) standards, and state-specific entertainment laws. Ensures compliance with industry-specific requirements.
Royalty and Payment Regulations: Covers digital performance royalties, mechanical royalties, and requirements from performance rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC). Essential for structuring compensation and revenue sharing.
Privacy Laws: State-specific privacy laws and federal privacy regulations that protect personal information and data rights of parties involved in the production process.
Tax Considerations: Internal Revenue Code provisions, state tax regulations, and international tax treaties if applicable. Ensures proper tax treatment and compliance for all parties involved.
