How many high school kids get together and make music in their parents’ garages or basements? In the beginning, most of those kids likely expect they will make it big, cut a record and play their songs in front of stadium crowds. A few of the lucky ones achieve their dreams, and others may see success on a smaller scale. However, before introducing their art to the world, New York musicians are advised to take steps to protect their most important asset: their intellectual property.
Intellectual property is often thought of in reference to software and business information. However, anything that is created is the intellectual property of the creator. By protecting those rights, a musician or artist ensures that no one else will profit from his or her ideas. For example, before a band can cover another artist’s copyrighted song in public, the owner of the establishment must acquire a performing license from the appropriate society.
Bands and musicians can protect their interests by copyrighting their songs, trademarking their band name and registering their album artwork. Additionally, there are methods of protecting copyrighted material from exploitation on user-generated platforms such as YouTube. A band just starting out will benefit from having a written agreement covering contingencies such as distributing assets from copyrighted material and what will happen to that property if the band should break up.
Starting out in the world of music is exciting and full of possibilities. However, without careful protection of one’s intellectual property, a new musician runs the risk of being taken advantage of and losing control of his or her most precious commodity and rights. Seeking advice from an New York attorney with experience helping new artists is highly recommended by those who work in the world of entertainment.
Source: ipwatchdog.com, “How New Musicians Can Protect Their Music’s Intellectual Property“, Amanda G. Ciccatelli, Accessed on July 14, 2017