Intellectual Property And Digital Media Legal Excellence
Specialist Intellectual Property and Digital Media Legal Advice

Blog For Empowering Creatives: IP and Digital Media Lawyers Insights

PAIL Solicitors IP and Digital Media Blog

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When I think of Frank Sinatra's "My Way," I see a connection to the main ideas behind intellectual property law. "My Way" embodies personal expression and an individual's journey through life, which parallels the concept of the ideas-expressions dichotomy in copyright law. It echoes the principle that music, literature, or art can be copyrighted while allowing others to explore the same ideas without infringing upon that particular expression. Sinatra's anthem also celebrates uniqueness, which is reflected in the definitions of all of the varying types of intellectual property.

The Purpose of This Blog

The articles on this blog are all written, reviewed, and edited by me, Mr Peter Adediran, the Digital Media and Intellectual Property Solicitor at PAIL Solicitors. They are intended to empower the new generation of business executives, professionals, business owners and creatives who want to keep up with intellectual property, digital media and entertainment law in the digital age. Most importantly, empower the community of creatives who want to create works "their way". In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying informed and increasing knowledge in specialised legal services is crucial for e-commerce and digital technology businesses. At PAIL® Solicitors, we understand the unique challenges start-ups, business owners, professionals, business executives, creatives, writers and talent face in protecting their intellectual property and navigating legal complexities. By reading this blog and engaging us as your legal representatives you can safeguard yours and your company's reputations, make informed financial decisions, and confidently expand into new markets by focusing on continuous learning and expertise in these areas.

This blog contains articles on the following themes:

  • Advice on Protecting Digital Content

Encouragement to Stay Informed and Protected

For creatives and businesses alike, staying informed about legal issues surrounding intellectual property is critical. Knowledge is a powerful tool for safeguarding one’s work from infringement or misuse. We encourage individuals to engage with our resources, participate in discussions, and keep abreast of developments in IP law. 

Narrow Your Focus

Discover Insights :

Music royalties

 

Music royalties

Music royalties and copyright are the music industry’s currency. Although the concept of copyright and music royalties might appear straightforward, in fact the development and adjustments of music copyright, and licensing systems has changed significantly over the years. And although much of the traditional legal framework is still in place the music industry has and is undergoing significant changes.

Music royalties and copyright are both complex and important. It has stopped law suits, and has also started many. Record labels, publishers, and the artists we know and love would not exist without it.

Indeed, it is difficult to overstate the importance of copyright and music royalties to the music industry. Not only should managers and artists understand how it works, they should consider continuously updating, and broadening their knowledge as it develops; particularly as a result of the rise of digital music.

The following 20 tips are a short review of the various ways to exploit music copyright, including but not limited to the licensing of the following:

1. The recorded melody and song.

2. The written melody and song (including the arrangement, hook, chords).

3. The different contributions to the melody and song (i.e. the bass player, guitarist and/or pianist, the drums and percussions).

4. The recorded vocals.

5. The recorded vocals added to the song (including the hook, verses and chorus).

6. The marketing of the finished track. How it is marketed?

7. Who is allowed to use the finished song with or without vocals?

8. Who can perform the song?

9. Who can use the artist’s images?

10. In what media can the song be made available?

11. Can the song be viewed in a TV commercial?

12. Can it be used as part of a video (e.g. You Tube)?

13. Can  it be used as a ringtone?

14. Can the song be sampled?

15. Is a mash up of the song permitted?

16. Can the song be remixed without permission?

17. Can the arrangement of the song be changed without permission?

18. Can it be streamed or downloaded?

19. Can the song be made available for friends to stream and download?

20. Can a legitimately purchased song be transferred to different devices for personal use?

In-fact, there are no bars to finding new and innovative ways to exploit copyright. The only limit is your business imagination and acumen.

In conclusion, copyright and music royalties are the music industry’s currency because the law of a country grants certain rights to the creator which all law-abiding citizens agree represents a certain value. The emergence of new technologies is allowing businesses of all sizes to exploit a new set of options that are improving profitability for those willing to evolve with the times.

The most important factor in unlocking the value of copyright is in clearly defining the opportunities and issues that may arise in your deals and contracts. Getting this right is the key differentiator between success and failure in a musician’s or music organisation’s strategy.

 

To obtain a quotation, please contact us at (020) 7305-7491 or at peter@pailsolicitors.co.uk. We would be delighted to assist you. Mr Peter Adediran is the owner and principal solicitor at PAIL® Solicitors.  Subscribe to our newsletter to get blog post updates and other information about the firm straight to your inbox.

Meet The Team: Peter Adediran; Maya El Husseini; Gabrielle Felix; Poppy Harston

 
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