Pertinent information on Music Laws

Everybody associated with the music industry has to abide by certain laws governing the professional conducts, ethics and business affairs of the concerned industry, as well as, the entertainment industry. These laws are known as the Music Laws, and they are often associated with the Entertainment Laws, as well. The music industry is a vast and multidimensional arena that comprises of the music composers and publishers, record labellers, merchandisers, producers and distributors, live performance section, performers and artists. The Music Laws take care of the legal aspects associated with such a multifaceted business industry. Some of the important laws that come under consideration of the Music Laws are the Intellectual property Law, the Bankruptcy Law, the Competition Law, laws regarding legal contracts, the Defamation Law, the Immigration Law, Health and Safety Law and laws regarding licensing.

Music Laws – And Concerns

Among all the above mentioned laws, the laws protecting the Intellectual Property of a lyricist, songwriter or music composer is of immense importance. The Intellectual Property Laws include some other related legal rights and laws such as the Copyright Law, the rights concerning the publicity of the image of any artist, performer or music director, the Design Rights, and of course, legal issues concerning trademarks. The Music Law takes care of the publishing rights since publication of one’s own music compositions is the primary source of income for any musician who writes and composes his/her own music. Hence, the major amount of money accumulated from the sale has to go to the music writer-composer. Here, the writer-composer is the sole copy right holder for the published songs. There is a good deal of difference between the copy right of compositions and the copy right of sound recording. In case of sound recording, the recording artist may become the copy right holder of the recorded musical tracks.

However, any artist, composer, music director, or lyricist should have proper knowledge about the Music and Entertainment Laws before committing to any legal contract with any music publisher or sound recording company. They should give special attention to the laws and rights regarding the protection and security of their intellectual properties. Protection of intellectual property is of dire necessity because that testifies the originality and authenticity of the creations and their creators. Any discrepancy in understanding the laws or any lack of transparency on the part of any of the two parties concerning the contracts might lead to unwanted legal hazards and, therefore, harassments. It may also lead to loss of money and fame. In the present scenario, there are a number of independent law firms across the world who offer legal and relevant advice on the music and entertainment laws and rights to their clients. Music album producers, performers, artists, lyricists, music publishers, choreographers, stage designers, merchandisers and distributors should seek opinion and advice from these efficient and experienced advisors beforehand to avoid any legal problems in their professions, in the near future. Music Laws keep the music industry disciplined by making the associated sectors law bound.

Music Law