what we do
Recording Contracts
Management Agreements
Band Agreements - Partnerships
Distribution Agreements
Royalty Disputes
MCP/PRS Licence and Music
Licensing Issues
Copyright
Trademarks
Design Rights
Licensing
Privacy
As a group, CMLG are able to provide advice and assistance
on a wide range of issues relating to media and
entertainment Law.
If you require advice on any matters that are not specifically
referred to on this page please contact Owain at
owain@cmlg.co.uk with any specific queries.
(Click the headers to the left for more information)
At CMLG we can offer advice and representation to the artist or
record company. In addition to drafting and advising on specific
contracts, we are able to represent our clients in negotiating the best
deal in the circumstances. We have a wealth of experience in this
field and can advise not just on the legal aspects but also on the
practical implications.
Recording Contracts
The purpose of a management agreement is to formalise the
relationship between the artist and the manager or management
company.
In our experience, agreements between a manager and an artist can
often be as individual as the artist themselves.
Our approach at CMLG is to work closely with the client to ensure any
agreement truly reflects the relationship and is legally sound.
Management Agreements
The working relationship within a band is a partnership and a band
agreement is therefore a partnership agreement.
In our experience it is important that the relationship between each
member of the band is set out in a formal agreement. This serves to
protect members’ rights and hopefully avoid misunderstandings and
disputes arising in the future.
Band Agreements - Partnerships
Distribution agreements incorporate the terms, conditions and
obligations between a distribution company and artist. These types of
agreement, known as ‘distribution deals’ can be particularly relevant
for acts who are planning to release an album on their own label. We
are able to advise our clients on both the structure of such an
agreement and its legal implications.
Distribution Agreements
Royalty disputes can arise when there is an issue between the artists
regarding each member’s contribution to a particular song or, on
occasion, between a record company and the act. In addition, issues
can arise with regard to royalty collection and ensuring a client has
received the proper amounts due to them.
At CMLG we have experience in resolving royalty issues and an
understanding of how the various collection agencies operate.
Royalty Disputes
Most authors are also members of a royalty collection agency such as
the Performing Rights Society. The intellectual property copyright in
their product is thereby assigned to the PRS for the purpose of
issuing licences for performance by other artists.
We have recent litigation experience in this area, which is generally
heard by the Copyright Tribunal.
MCP/PRS Licence and Music
Licensing Issues
At CMLG we can offer advice on all copyright-related issues. Our
experience has enabled us to provide our clients with a broad range
of guidance and support on issues ranging from copyright
assignments to licensing agreements. As well as advocacy, we are
also able to provide guidance, drafting and proof-reading prior to
publication. We are committed to working with our clients not only to
safeguard their material but to ensure that they get the best
opportunities for exposure.
Copyright
For the protection of any brand a trademark is vital. We advise on
both trademark registration and protection and offer guidance on the
preservation of unregistered trademarks.
Trademarks
Design right law covers intellectual property rights. At CMLG we can
offer advice to clients in the creative industries on registered and
unregistered design rights, which ranges from protecting and
promoting design rights to taking action against a third party for
infringement.
Design Rights
With the recent expansion in the use of technology, licensing deals
and contracts have become an increasingly integral part of the
entertainment industry. Members of CMLG have specialist
knowledge in this area and frequently advise upon and negotiate such
licensing contracts.
Licensing
Privacy is a major topic in context of media law. In a number of
recent cases, individuals have won the right to prevent the publication
of information about their private lives and companies are becoming
increasingly aware of the steps they can take to protect their assets,
either under the media’s regulatory codes or through the law of
intellectual property. The law relating to confidential information has
been undergoing considerable review since the introduction of the
Human Rights Act 1998.
Privacy
