Ask Music Lawyer

Uh oooh. Looks like Usher and Justin Bieber might be getting the Pharrell/Robyn Thicke treatment in court, except in their case, it could actually be warranted. I don’t know though. I just hope they didn’t do what it appears they may have done. The lines might not be so blurred in this lawsuit. Plaintiffs, Devin “the Dude” Copeland and Mario Overton, brought suit against Usher and Bieber last year sometime for alleged copyright infringement of Bieber’s hit song “Somebody to L

New York, NY - June 16, 2015 - The Songwriters Hall of Fame announced today that Legendary Songwriters and Co-Creators of the iconic "Sound of Philadelphia," Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, have been elected by the Board of Directors as the new Co-Chairmen of the organization. In this role, Gamble & Huff will serve to link their visibility, commitment, achievement and artistic contributions to the public worldwide in the best interests of the organization and of songwriting and

When I say the labels take advantage of their artists, I mean it in a purely economic sense. But interestingly enough, it appears as though the labels are physically taking advantage of their artists as well. Or at least Sony is, according to pop star Kesha. Kesha initiated a lawsuit against Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, music producer and label owner, whom she alleged drugged her, forced himself on her, and threatened to take away her publishing rights, among other things. The

As compelling as Jay Z’s B-Sides concert freestyle was, we’re having a hard time feeling bad for rich artists who want more money. On March 30, celebs like Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Usher, Kanye West, Jay Z and Beyonce assembled at Skylight at Moynihan Station in New York City for a press conference which resembled, more than anything, an Illuminati meeting of the highest rank. The group of industry elite was made up of those selected to be at the forefront

Now. This. Is. Funny. The subject matter is only tangentially related to music law, but I just could not, not share this story. Now I know everybody has watched at least one episode of Fox’s new hit series “Empire” featuring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henderson. The series, which is fictional in nature, is based on a music label (Empire) and the family that built it from the ground up. This show has been instrumental in showcasing music artists, both new and established,

Don't miss Doublexxposure's Star Studded Book Sigining Gala for Renowned Attorney of Law & Author Kendall Minter hosted by The Legendary Songstress Dionne Warwick. Wednesday June 17, 2015 Sugar Bar 254 W 72nd Street New York NY 10023 Doors Open at 6.30pm Signing Begins at 7.30pm RSVP Doublexxposure Media on 201-224-6570

Pandora has been no stranger to legal disputes these last few years, engaged in settlements and litigation with Performing Rights Organizations (PRO) and publishers surrounding the ownership and licensing of their digital rights. With the way music has been transitioning into the online and digital platforms, digital royalties have become a large source of income for rights holders, which in turn, invites battles over who should be getting what and when. Publishers and songwr