This article is the second of a six-part series released in tandem with a great nonprofit organization geared toward independent musicians, Music Neighbors. The series is meant as a legal checklist for musicians as they plan to release their music. In this second article, I try to provide a glimpse into how copyright law works. In this article, you will learn: When is your copyright protected? What benefits do you gain from your copyright protection? What are the benefits o

In this newsletter: Learn how a court determines what is considered copyright infringement; East Nashville's favorite artist Diamond Carter dedicates his single to East Nashville's favorite dive bar, Dino's What is copyright infringement? - Trying to focus through the "Blurred Lines" of the Marvin Gaye-Robin Thick case. The line to cross for infringement was certainly blurred for the three appellate judges (Ninth Circuit) ruling on the Marvin Gaye/Robin Thicke case. The jud

In this Newsletter: Key Aspects of the Music Modernization Act, including: DSP's (e.g. Spotify) can't get sued for prior infringement; A new registration is required to get paid royalties from DSP's or you can lost your unclaimed royalties; and What details are missing from the Act WGE Spotlights Kelly Hoppenjans as she makes her Road to Roo Debut! THE MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT – MY TAKE Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Industry Insights discussion of the Music Mod