Recent Articles

Podcast: Business and Employment Issues for Bands

Howie Cockrill
April 14, 2009 18:14

Today's podcast answers a question from Paul, a member of a tribute band whose theater-style shows involve numerous singers and musicians, as well as a great deal of interstate travel. Paul asks how he can find out how income is...Today's podcast answers a question from Paul, a member of a tribute...

Podcast: What Royalties can I get for someone Sampling my Beats?

Howie Cockrill
February 27, 2009 06:09

Today's podcast features BEAT-Law associate Mark A. Pearson answering a question from Robert, of Superstarz Ent. Robert says, a record label wants to use some of his beats for a major recording artist. What royalties is Robert entitled to? If...Today's podcast features BEAT-Law associate Mark A....

Will the PRO-IP Act Prove to be PRO-blematic?

Howie Cockrill
February 20, 2009 22:08

by Shana DinesDespite much controversy, President Bush signed into law the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008, affectionately known as the PRO-IP Act, on October 13, 2008. The usual suspects were characteristically divided over the PRO-IP...by Shana...

Fair Use: Judge Protects Rights on YouTube

Howie Cockrill
February 06, 2009 08:12

by Shana DinesAs many YouTube enthusiasts know, takedown notices have become a standard operating procedure for many creative, young internet-video clip-makers. The most common and successful defense to these notices is a claim of fair use.Recent litigation initiated by the...by Shana DinesAs many...

Podcast: Can I Post Music on a Website?

Howie Cockrill
November 21, 2008 20:46

Today's podcast answers a question from Stacie. Stacie asked, I'm a web developer and a client of mine would like to use an artist's song on their website. What is the law regarding this? If you have a question you'd...Today's podcast answers a question from Stacie.  Stacie asked, I'm a web ...

UPDATE - Events: Music Business Seminar

Howie Cockrill
October 31, 2008 18:22

California Lawyers for the Arts is holding its annual Music Business Seminar on Saturday, November 15, 2008, from 9am - 5:30pm. -- UPDATE --BEAT-Law's Tony Berman will be the co-keynote speaker, along with lawyer and agent Elliot Cahn, former guitarist...California Lawyers for the Arts is holding...

Tech News: The More Things Change, Royalties Still Remain the Same

Howie Cockrill
October 24, 2008 18:45

by Shana DinesThe debate over royalty rates for online music continues, but digital music is safe … for now.Last week, the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) established, for the first time, an industry-wide royalty rate for digital downloads of songs. They...by Shana DinesThe debate over royalty rates f...

Events: Music Business Seminar

Howie Cockrill
October 20, 2008 22:10

California Lawyers for the Arts is holding its annual Music Business Seminar on Saturday, November 15, 2008, from 9am - 5:30pm. BEAT-Law's Tony Berman will be participating in a panel discussion on social networking, viral marketing, and internet resources. This...California Lawyers for the Arts is...

Podcast: Why Should a Band Become a Business?

Howie Cockrill
October 14, 2008 22:52

Today's podcast answers a question from Adam in Berkeley. Adam asked, Why should a band incorporate and become a business? Which type of business entity is best for a band? Is it easy to manage one's own band? If you...Today's podcast answers a question from Adam in Berkeley.  Adam asked, Why...

Tech News: Veoh Sails into "Safe Harbor"

Howie Cockrill
October 03, 2008 18:33

by Shana Dines In a previous article, we explained the Digital Millennium Copyright Act's "notice and takedown" and "safe harbor" provisions that were meant to insulate certain internet services from copyright infringement committed by their users. Viacom sued YouTube in...by Shana Dines In a...