Broadcast Law Blog

APRIL 28, 2021

Last week, the NY Times ran an interesting article, here , about how many old TV programs now available on streaming services are missing music that was featured on the original broadcast. That series took forever to get to digital outlets, and still does not appear to be on any subscription streaming service, reportedly because of music rights issues. The same issues apply to any video production using music. Some producers commission their own music.

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Video Streaming Issues License 59

Music Technology Policy

MARCH 13, 2021

Venues employing fewer than 50 full-time (also known as every music venue I know of) can apply for a share of a $2 billion of the fund to cover payroll, rent, utilities, and insurance. What’s even more bizarre than the SBA not having an application process in place (or bridge loans or something ) is that the City of Austin has managed to distribute millions to the Austin music community while waiting for the legislation, which Rep.

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Music Economics Industry Congress 76

Music Technology Policy

DECEMBER 9, 2020

Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act and the significant benefits this new legislation is expected to deliver to music publishers and songwriters, we intend to move our licensing and royalty administration for Apple Music to the MLC starting from January 1, 2021.

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Apple Agreement Music Affiliates 78

Gordon P. Firemark

AUGUST 13, 2019

I'll be outlining the various ways in which music can be used by podcasters, where the music may come from, and the complex web of copyright and licensing issues that have historically made using commercial music both difficult and costly. Thursday afternoon, I'll be presenting my talk at Podcast Movement in Orlando.

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Los Angeles Music Commercials New Media 155

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

DECEMBER 6, 2016

Dueling antitrust claims could shake the music industry. Music Music THR Onlineread more. THR, Esq.

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Antitrust Industry Music Rights 86

Gordon P. Firemark

SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

What are the rules for using music (even your own music) in a podcast. So, one of the most common questions that comes up when I talk to podcasters about their legal obligations and rights, has to do with music. Sometimes, they want to use pre-existing music, and don't understand why it's so hard or impossible. And sometimes, they're actually creating their own music, and still have concerns and questions. VIDEO: [link].

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Music Law Los Angeles Streaming 139

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

AUGUST 2, 2017

The lawsuit centers on revenue from the Disney star's music. Music Television Music THR Onlineread more. THR, Esq.

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Disney Revenue Meeting Lawsuit 84

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

FEBRUARY 6, 2018

The exec's attorney wants music industry blogger Bob Lefsetz to retract his statements. Music Music THR Online nsfsread more. THR, Esq.

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Statement Industry Music 84

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

JULY 10, 2018

Music Music Business THR OnlineCash Money may have settled with Lil Wayne, but its legal problems — now Universal's — aren't over. read more. THR, Esq.

Music 86

Music Judge Lawsuit 86

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

JANUARY 26, 2018

Business Music Tech Spotify THR Weekly Magazine InternationalThe Swedish streaming giant plots world domination, but it must navigate the obstacles that result from cutting corners in its quest for rapid growth. read more. THR, Esq.

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Streaming Music International 87

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

OCTOBER 7, 2016

Music Music THR OnlineTrial was originally set to begin Oct. read more. THR, Esq.

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Original Music 86

Music Technology Policy

DECEMBER 11, 2020

Here’s an update on the bizarre saga of Apple Music and The MLC. And remember that the notice from Apple includes this language: [W]e intend to move our licensing and royalty administration for Apple Music to the MLC starting from January 1, 2021.

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Apple License Screen Capture Music 78

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

JANUARY 31, 2017

The sports network sued BMI in February 2016, claiming that licensing demands for broadcasting ambient music were unreasonable. The Business Music Business THR Onlineread more. THR, Esq.

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ESPN License Broadcasting Music 79

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Music Music THR Online nsfsLefsetz's piece was essentially a series of questions," writes Power Lawyer Howard King. Maybe your client answered them and didn't like the answers." read more. THR, Esq.

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Music 83

Gordon P. Firemark

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

Scott asks a tricky question about music rights for video of a stage production… Hi, I’m attorney Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer your entertainment law questions, to help you take your career and business to the next level. We tour internationally and in every contract the producer or venue pays the ASCAP or other performing rights society fee for the music that is used in our performances. Use the music. AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: [link].

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Video Music Rights License 158

Gordon P. Firemark

SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

Jamie wrote in with an interesting question about music licensing in theatre… Hi, I am Gordon Firemark and this is asked and answered, where I take your entertainment law questions so you can get your career and business in entertainment to the next level. Here’s Jamie’s question: “I am researching the licensing needed for rehearsals, as well as recording live performances, for a children’s musical theater group, set up as an LLC, with monthly fees.

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License Music Law Los Angeles 197

Music Technology Policy

AUGUST 30, 2019

Chris Castle discussion of Eight Mile Style lawsuit against Spotify under Music Modernization Act (driving with dogs series). MTP Podcasts Music Modernization Act Uncategorized Eight Mile Style litigation Reachback Safe HarborEight Mile Style v. Spotify Complaint.

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Lawsuit Music Litigation 84

Gordon P. Firemark

MARCH 7, 2014

In this video, Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark answers a question about the rights to copy sheet music for use in a school setting. It deals with the rights to copy sheet music for use in a school setting. Q: Phil is a school vocal music instructor, who asks: If I purchase 30 pieces of choral music for use in my classroom, am I allowed to make 30 copies of that music to distribute to students so that they can annotate and edit according to our performance practices?

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Music Social Network Video Infringement 157

Gordon P. Firemark

AUGUST 30, 2013

In this video, I answer a question about using music in the theatre. This question and answer brought to you by: Asked & Answered – Music in theatre is a post from: Law Offices of Gordon P. This is intended as general information only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It is not a substitute for a private, independent consultation with an attorney selected to advise you after a full investigation of the facts and law relevant to your matter.

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Music New Media TV Film 130

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

Music Music THR Online"This matter is the very epitome of litigation paranoia." read more. THR, Esq.

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Litigation Music Lawsuit 57

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

MARCH 19, 2015

The music service Inflight claims the label “changed its tune” after permitting use of its songs for years. The Business Music Earshot THR Online THR, Esq. Universal Music Publishing Group Universal Music Group Business read more.

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Music Universal Music Group Service 60

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

FEBRUARY 3, 2017

“Spinrilla specializes in ripping off music creators by offering thousands of unlicensed sound recordings for free," says the RIAA. Music Music THR Onlineread more. THR, Esq.

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RIAA Streaming Industry Music 74

Music Technology Policy

MARCH 23, 2018

The 2nd Draft of Music Modernization Act 3/22/18 was released publicly today. The first thing I noticed is that the tragic demonstration of the raw lobbying power of Big Tech: The litigation reach back safe harbor seems to still be in there which is designed to deny due process and other Constitutional protections to songwriters whose works are infringed prior to the enactment of the Music Modernization Act. Music Modernization Act

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Music Board Design Constitution 67

Music Technology Policy

MAY 27, 2018

This time it’s about preserving a subsidy for Music Choice’s cable music service. If you still have cable, you’ll probably find Music Choice in the highest numbered channels. Music Choice (like Pandora) gets to take advantage of the statutory license created by the Congress in 1998 for the use of your recordings in “noninteractive” digital services. Three of those preexisting services still exist today: SiriusXM, Musak and Music Choice.

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Music Technology Policy

MARCH 18, 2020

In the case of Austin in particular, the city has long branded itself as the “Live Music Capitol of the World”. It is well to consider the larger impact on the wider music business if venues start getting shut down, tours cancelled and festivals sidelined. Digital music services would have us believe that the artist data they can generate helps with routing tours and that benefit makes up for low royalties. Pandemic Force majeure Music business insurance

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Force Majeure Contract Day and Date Music 69

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

NOVEMBER 6, 2017

Music Music THR OnlineThe 1977 song is still actively licensed, according to the complaint, and has recently appeared in everything from 'The Simpsons' to Toyota commercials. read more. THR, Esq.

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Commercials License Music 72

Gordon P. Firemark

DECEMBER 6, 2013

In this video, Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark answers a question about licensing music on a shoestring. This question and answer brought to you by: Asked & Answered – How to license music for low budget film is a post from: Law Offices of Gordon P. Is it wise to get a “Festival only license?” ” Or, should filmmakers get more comprehensive licenses. And, how the licensing request is made.

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License Film Music New Media 192

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

JANUARY 24, 2018

Business Music Business THR OnlineThe Latin superstar alleges he's getting a small fraction of the 50 percent royalty rate he believes is dictated by contract. Expect more lawsuits on this front. read more. THR, Esq.

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Streaming Ratings Contract Lawsuit 86

Music Technology Policy

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

If you live outside of New York, Nashville or Los Angeles, how much do you really know about the needs of your local music community? (And, Even if you live in one of those “centers” ) Artists, songwriters, producers, live music–and all of the folks who make up our local business and contribute to the local economy. The Austin Music Office has commissioned a real census to get a meaningful handle on who contributes to the $1.6

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Music Industry Economics Los Angeles 83

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

MAY 21, 2015

Music Music Business THR OnlineEighty albums of recorded Nina Simone performances are said in new court papers to have been put on iTunes and other digital venues without authorization. read more. THR, Esq.

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iTunes Piracy Music Authorization 87

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

APRIL 25, 2017

Music Music Business THR OnlineHe's no longer the CEO of Kemosabe Records and the company asserts he no longer has authority to act on its behalf. read more. THR, Esq.

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Authorization Music Company 88

Gordon P. Firemark

MARCH 12, 2012

This Friday, I’ll be presenting a webinar on music rights and licensing in theatre, Admission is free, and space is limited to 50 attendees. I’ll explore the various ways in which music is used in theatrical entertainment, from traditional- and jukebox musicals, to incidental, scene-change music, to concert and cabaret performance.

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License Theatrical Music Rights 164

Music Technology Policy

DECEMBER 11, 2019

Title I of the Music Modernization Act is clear about a few things, one of which is the creation of the “musical works database.” ” That database is for a specific purpose-it is to be used by the mechanical licensing collective in fulfilling its statutory mandate to “collect and distribute royalties from digital music providers for covered activities” under the new blanket license. Who Can Get a Copy of the Entire Musical Works Database?

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Congress Music Ownership License 64

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

APRIL 10, 2018

Business Music Tech Business THR OnlineA federal judge concludes that Wolfgang's Vault lacked requisite license to stream hundreds of iconic songs. read more. THR, Esq.

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Streaming License Judge Music 87

Gordon P. Firemark

FEBRUARY 1, 2018

TRANSCRIPT: Ben has a question about music rights for a live show he's planning… Hi, I'm attorney Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer common entertainment law questions, to help you take your career and business to the next level. Ben wrote in with this: I am “planning” a musical variety show next year, with a variety of genres – the genres include- Country, Broadway, Gospel, Pop, Patriotic, Opera, Jazz and who knows what else.

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Music Law License Los Angeles 100

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

JUNE 22, 2015

The Business Music Business THR OnlineThe winning streak ends for Flo & Eddie of The Turtles. read more. THR, Esq.

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Music Lawsuit 87

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

NOVEMBER 12, 2015

The Business Music Tech Business THR OnlineThe dispute centers on webstreams of rock concerts. read more. THR, Esq.

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Defamation Music Lawsuit 83

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

JULY 6, 2016

The music major responds that the suggestion of antitrust violations are "nothing but speculation and conjecture" and pretext for avoiding $17 million claims plus allegations of fraud. The Business Music Tech Business THR Onlineread more. THR, Esq.

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Antitrust Streaming Music 63

Music Technology Policy

NOVEMBER 10, 2014

One of our friends created this survey to get some information on how you hear about, listen to and enjoy music. Given that Taylor Swift has focused the world’s attention on this issue, we thought it would be a good time to post this survey. Click here to take the survey on Survey Monkey

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Music Issues 65

Music Technology Policy

NOVEMBER 11, 2018

If you’ll be in Dallas, Texas on November 28, I will be discussing the Music Modernization Act at a luncheon sponsored by the Dallas Bar Association Entertainment & Sports Law Section. The talk will focus mostly on the Music Licensing Collective and Digital Licensee Coordinator in Title I, but will also cover the Wyden Loophole in Title II for pre-72 recordings. Music Modernization Act Speaking in Public

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Licensee Meeting License Music 73

Gordon P. Firemark

JULY 27, 2015

If you’ve wondered how composers and songwriters get noticed, and have their music licensed for use in movies, on television, in video games, and other media, you’re not alone. They asked a group of folks from the Guild of Music Supervisors to give their advice. Check out what they said here: Music Supervisors Sound Off on Getting Your Music into Film/TV. The post How to get your music into film, TV, Video Games, etc.

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Video Game Games Los Angeles Guild 145

Gordon P. Firemark

JANUARY 13, 2012

I am often consulted by film and stage producers who tell me they’re ready to start work on raising the financing for their films/ plays/ musicals, or what-have-you, but often as not, as we get to work, it becomes clear that they’re not as ready as they think. You’re selling not just an opportunity to invest in any old business… You’re selling the chance to be a part of a film, play, musical or whatever.

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Film Music Production Law 205

THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog

JULY 8, 2015

The lawsuit also claims a contract breach in the way Tony Bennett's music was used on PBS and an Earth, Wind & Fire song for the the 2012 film "The Intouchables." Music Music Business THR Online Laborread more. THR, Esq.

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Guild Contract Film Lawsuit 88