Avoid the legal pratfalls musicians often fall into when navigating the rough waters of the music industry. Attorney Michael Aczon delivers common-sense understanding to his readers by explaining what to sign, what not to sign, what common music and other entertainment contract language means (in plain English) and when to seek the advice of a qualified music industry attorney. Whether you are new to the music business, or an experienced professional, The Professional Musician's Legal Companion will teach you something you don't know, confirm what you do and help you avoid legal headaches so you can concentrate on your music (business!).

Don't sign a recording contract before reading this book! The Musician's Legal Companion, Second Edition gets to the core of the legal issues you need to know about, in clear, straightforward language. Here you'll find easy-to-comprehend explanations of the four main contracts used in the music business: recording artist, songwriter, artist management, and performance. You'll also discover how to make the relationship with your current or future attorney more fruitful and cost-effective. This new edition includes expanded coverage of topics such as the use of independent producers, 360° agreements, distribution and marketing agreements, how radio and other media fit into an artist's career, film and television agreements, digital distribution, name and likeness agreements, merchandising agreements, and much, much more. With more than 25 years in the music business as a lawyer, educator, and writer, interacting with many musicians both personally and professionally, Michael A. Aczon shares the many lessons he's learned and takes you on a journey to a better legal understanding of the entertainment industry and your music career.

"To compete effectively in digital business markets, you need to understand how the law affects your digital technology business. The contents include detailed plain English business and legal guidance on: Securing Intellectual Property for Digital Business; Digital Contract Fundamentals; Open Source Rules and Strategies, Development, Consulting and Outsourcing; Software as a Service; Business Software Licensing, Partnering and Distribution; Web and Internet Agreements; Privacy on the Internet; Digital Multimedia Content Clearance and Distribution; IT Standards; Web and Mobile Technology and Content Deals; Video Game Development Deals; International Distribution; User-Created Content, Mash-ups, MMOGs and Web Widgets; And Much More ."--Publisher's website.

You're the trustee. Now what?Living trusts are popular estate planning tools, but when you're chosen to serve as a trustee, you might wonder where to begin. The Trustee's Legal Companion has everything you need to get organized, get started, and get the job done.You'll learn how to: decide whether to take on the job of trustee set up ongoing trusts for surviving spouses, children, or beneficiaries with special needs invest trust assets get help from lawyers, financial planners, and other experts handle taxes and prepare accountings work effectively with beneficiaries, and distribute trust property. The authors--attorneys who have helped many a bewildered trustee--show you, step by step, how to administer a living trust with confidence.

This volume provides guidance on information acquisition, including copyright and contract matters.

Whether you’re writing, recording, or distributing music, you need solid information to make the right legal and business choices. Music Law is the all-in-one guide you need. Written by musician and lawyer Rich Stim, it explains everything you need to: • use samples and do covers • sell and license your music • get royalties for streaming and downloads • get gigs and get paid • protect your copyrights • write a partnership agreement • buy, insure, and maintain equipment • deal with taxes and deductions • find the right manager and write a fair contract • deal with legal issues in the recording studio, and • negotiate record contracts. This is the most useful business and legal guide for bands and independent musicians. Completely updated to provide the latest in the law and current business practices, it covers music licensing, streaming revenue, and other ways of making money from your music.