Did you know that "Don't Mess With Texas" is a federally-protected trademark? So is "Remember the Alamo". That means only the State of Texas (the trademark owner) can use these slogans or anything similar to these trademarks. This is an important piece of trademark law! And you don't need to be a trademark lawyer to know it. Read More >
One of the most timeless issues in copyright law involves the most popular song in the world: “Happy Birthday.” Is it true that “Happy Birthday” is protected by copyright? Do you need to get a music license to use “Happy Birthday”? We always thought so but a new lawsuit seeks to prove us wrong. Read More >
Consulting with an entertainment attorney before using products in a film is crucial. Make sure to consider rights clearance for your independent film project. Don’t just take it from me; this article covers the basics. Read More >
Most musicians know to register with a performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI) to collect royalties for public performances of their music. Too few know about registering with SoundExchange to collect for online performances. It's not necessarily an entertainment lawyer or music lawyer's job to counsel their clients on registering for SoundExchange, but check out this valuable article on doing just that! Read More >
Creative Law Network attorney Dave Ratner will be a member of the Denver Post Underground Music Showcase Panel: How to Be a Rockstar in 365 Days. Dave Ratner is the entertainment law and music attorney chosen to be on the panel with artists, educators, and other music industry professionals. Come see what it's all about this Saturday July 21 at 3:00pm at South Broadway Christian Church at 23 Lincoln Street in Denver. Read More >
I explain the importance of trademark registration to all my clients, whether they are in music, film, or any other industry. My friends James Trigg and Ashford Tucker (both experienced entertainment and intellectual property attorneys) explain it well in this interview/article. Check it out! Read more>
The music industry is full of legal myths. As entertainment lawyers we try to debunk these myths for our clients. This blog post tells the truth about some myths in copyright law and music law. Read More >
Fair use is an exception to the rule that you cannot use or exploit another's copyrighted work. Many artist's rely on fair use to reuse, comment upon, criticize, or parody a copyrighted work. In Cariou v. Prince, Richard Prince had made artwork by painting over some of Patrick Cariou's published photographs. Years of litigation followed and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals recently handed down its decision. Read More >
The Imagine 2020 project is a survey and development effort designed to give Denver a renewed sense of direction in the promotion of arts, culture and creativity. It is a collaborative effort that seeks to engage all citizens. By documenting the thoughts and input of Denverites, Imagine 2020 will inform an effort to provide resources and collaborative efforts to support arts and culture in our city. A six-month study period will be followed by an evolving, multiyear program to engage citizens, build creative economies and provide an appreciation for the creative works around us.
You can contribute! Take the survey HERE
Want to sell that old book or CD you have lying around? If you bought it (or even if it was manufactured) overseas, a recent court case could have made that illegal. The Supreme Court ruled that you can resell a copyrighted work and that has important implications.. Read More >