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Michael Jeffers Hoisington's Answers

Michael Jeffers Hoisington
San Diego Intellectual Property Law Attorney.
Contributor Level 6

3

Attorney answers:

  1. Pamela Koslyn
  2. Michael Jeffers Hoisington
  3. Maurice N Ross

I'm looking for a song agreement, like a Music Publishing Agreement.

Asked by a user in Sacramento, CA - about 1 year ago.

There are a number of good self-help publications available to get you educated about what kind of agreement you need and what terms you might want in the agreement. "Music, Money and Success" by the Brabec Brothers is a good place to start. "This Business Of Music" by Krasilovsky and Shemel is very good, and comes with a CD with agreements. "All You Need To Know About The Music Business" by Passman is a must read. Finally, if you really want to dig deep, "Kohn On Music Licensing" is useful....

3

Attorney answers:

  1. Pamela Koslyn
  2. Daniel Nathan Ballard
  3. Michael Jeffers Hoisington

Do I need to file multiple copyright regs for a single album if the songs are authored by band members in different proportions?

Asked by a user in Seattle, WA - about 1 year ago.

As with most legal issues, the answer to your question is "it all depends." Copyright office Circular 50, which you can find at http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ50.pdf, will probably answer all your copyright questions. Similarly, check the publishing rights organization's (PRO) websites for information on how to get your fair share of the publishing for your songs. If you are a member of one of the PROs, you can call them with any questions and they will be happy to answer. The forms...

4

Attorney answers:

  1. Steven M. Shape
  2. Daniel Nathan Ballard
  3. Michael Jeffers Hoisington
  4. Maurice N Ross

Can I sell my own artwork depicting a celebrity?

Asked by a user in Chicago, IL - about 1 year ago.

As always with all legal issues, the answer is it depends. Your paintings are copyrightable and you absolutely have the right to sell them. The question then becomes, what is your liability if you do sell them? Is a celebrity going to come after you for violating their right of publicity? It depends on how you sell your paintings. If you are selling in a private sale to a private buyer, then the chances of a celebrity coming after you are slim to none. However, if you ramp up and are...