Learn more: Entertainment Law

What is entertainment law?

Entertainment law, also referred to as media law, is legal services provided to the entertainment industry. These services in entertainment law overlap with intellectual property law. Intellectual property has many moving parts that include trademarks, copyright, and the “Right of Publicity”. However, the practice of entertainment law often involves questions of employment law, contract law, torts, labor law, bankruptcy law, immigration, securities law, security interests, agency, right of privacy, defamation, advertising, criminal law, tax law, International law (especially Private international law), and insurance law.

Much of the work of an entertainment law practice is transaction based, i.e., drafting contracts, negotiation and mediation. Some situations may lead to litigation or arbitration.

When to hire an entertainment attorney

Consulting with an entertainment attorney is normally done to assist with contractual agreements. If you need a contract drafted, reviewed or negotiated, hiring an entertainment attorney may be in your best interest.

These attorneys are not only limited to contract matters, though. If you are, for example, a career musician, meeting with an entertainment attorney would benefit you if a manager stole money from you or a producer breaches contract.

Types of Entertainment Attorneys

transactional lawyers

Transactional attorneys are typically only involved in the process of drafting and/or negotiating contracts.

litigating attorneys

Litigators deal with fighting battles as opposed to dealing with contractual matters. These people typically represent actors, producers and venues and their lawsuits.

Shopping atorneys

Shopping attorneys are involved in selling business on the entertainer’s behalf. They are more akin to agents or managers, although they are formally trained lawyers.