This course is meant to give attendees an overview of music copyright law concepts but drilling down when necessary to discuss the sources of revenue songs can generate and other pertinent areas.
The course covers the basics of music copyright law, including how to establish and register a copyright for your music, and what is a copyright and how to get one. Attendees will also explore the exclusive rights you get when you have a copyright and what those basic rights mean under federal law. Further, attendees will learn the basic of music licensing and the two copyrights in every song. We will explore how the music industry has changed over the years and how that affects the law. At the same time, we listen to music and audio clips to elaborate on the law.
All the while, we will follow the career of Led Zeppelin, one of the most seminal rock bands, in a seminar.
We will also focus on some of copyright infringement cases. You will learn the basic rules regarding proving a copyright infringement case, along with defenses such as fair use, and damages in a copyright action. Then we will focus on Zeppelin’s many copyright issues, including a full analysis of the “Stairway to Heaven” case.
The course focuses on the unique issues faced when representing an organization with both The Beatles and Rolling Stones as clients. Attendees will learn all the overlap between the two bands that contributes to ethical dilemmas. Specific emphasis is placed on the ABA’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct 1.7 (conflict of interest—current client); 1.13 (organization as a client); 1.14 (client with diminished capacity); and 2.1 (role as advocate).
AGENDA:
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09:00 a.m. – 09:30 a.m.
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Intro to Copyright Concepts and the Legal Framework of the Beatles and their Music Publishing
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09:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
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What is a Copyright and How to Obtain One
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10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
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Overview of The Six Exclusive Legal Rights You Get with Your Copyright
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10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
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Exclusive Rights: Reproduction
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10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
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Break
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11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
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Exclusive Rights: Distribution
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11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
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Exclusive Rights: Derivatives and Sampling
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11:45 a.m. – Noon
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Music Licensing
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12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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Lunch
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12:30 p.m. – 01:00 p.m.
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Exclusive Rights: Public Performance
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01:00 p.m. – 01:30 p.m.
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Exclusive Rights: Digital Transmission and Streaming
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01:30 p.m. – 01:45 p.m.
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Exclusive Rights: Public Display and Wrapping Up the Exclusive Rights
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01:45 p.m. – 02:45 p.m.
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Led Zeppelin and Copyright Infringement
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Randy Craig Wolfe Trust v. Led Zeppelin (and a host of others), 905 F.3d 1116 (9th Cir. 2018), or “Taurus” by Spirit v. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
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02:45 p.m. – 03:00 p.m.
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Break
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03:00 p.m. – 04:00 p.m.
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Ethical Issues in Representing a Band with the Beatles and Rolling Stones as a Case Study
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Ethical Issues Regarding Band Representation and
Organization/Diminished Capacity MRPC 1.13, 1.14
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Ethical Issues and Conflict of Interest in Representing Competing Interests in a Group MRPC 1.7, 2.1
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Jim Jesse is the founder of Rock N' Roll Law, and his passion is spreading music law through continuing legal education.
Prior to starting Rock N' Roll Law, Jim was the General Counsel for Cool Music Network (THE COOL TV), a 24-hour-a-day music video television network. He has been licensed as an attorney for 25 years and has been a full-time Music Law presenter since 2013.
Jim is also a singer/songwriter who has released two albums: Down on the South Side and Better Late Than Never. He is a member of BMI and has run his own record label distributing his music. He has written songs for more than 30 years and has more than 200 songs he has never released. In addition to studying the law, Jim is music history buff.
Jim is the author of The Music Copyright Law Manual and The Musician’s Guide to Music Copyright Law. Jim consults and practices in areas regarding intellectual property, licensing, and music law.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be received by the LBA 24 hours in advance to receive a credit or refund. Substitutes will be allowed. This is a LIVE program and any post-event recordings will be subject to the On-Demand fee(s).
