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Welcome to THE HOLLYWOOD LAWYER We are a leading law firm in the entertainment and media industry Contact Now

Welcome To

THE HOLLYWOOD LAWYER

We are a leading law firm in the entertainment and media industry

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About THL

Established in 2014, we are Los Angeles entertainment attorneys that practice in the following areas of entertainment and business law:

  • Film
  • Television
  • Music
  • Social Media
  • Podcasting
  • Licensing
  • Talent Representation

We provide superior legal services and strategic advice to a broad spectrum of entertainment and media clients. Our attorneys are committed to assisting:

  • All talent (actors, singers, writers, directors, producers, editors, and executives)
  • Entertainment businesses (studios, record labels, management companies, agencies, publishers, & distributors)
  • Start-up businesses
  • Filmmakers
  • Entrepreneurs

Legal Practice Areas

Film & Television

We represent clients on the talent side and industry side, across the motion picture, television, and video-on-demand industries.

Music

Our music practice provides clients with legal guidance in all aspects of the music business.

Social Media, Licensing & Branding

We work with social media influencers and brands across all digital media platforms.

Talent Representation

We represent a broad spectrum of talent in negotiations with studios, networks, streaming platforms, record labels, and publishing companies.

Book Publishing

We represent book publishers, authors, and writers in the publishing industry.

Intellectual Property

We advise clients with respect to copyright, trademark and other intellectual property issues and matters.

Why Do Clients Choose Us?

The Hollywood Lawyer provides legal representation that is custom-tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to serve as a cost-efficient alternative to operating a full-time legal department or hiring costly entertainment attorneys.

Based in Los Angeles, The Hollywood Lawyer assists clients across the entire U.S. and internationally. We are committed to assisting a wide variety of talent, media companies, start-ups, small businesses, content creators, and social media influencers. We negotiate deals, review and draft contracts, and offer day-to-day assistance with business and legal affairs.

Even if your specific situation or legal need is not listed here, we can help – contact us to see how our experience and detail-oriented approach can benefit your career or business needs.

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    Entertainment Lawyers: 7 things you should know

    Whether you are an actor, musician, screenwriter, dancer, or director, entertainment professionals often need an entertainment lawyer’s services. 
    An entertainment lawyer can help you protect your work and get ahead in the industry. What you may not know are some of the more specific ways an attorney with expertise in entertainment law can help you move toward career success.
    We’ll answer some common questions about how an entertainment lawyer can help with your career.

    1. What is an entertainment lawyer?

    Entertainment lawyers provide legal assistance and protect the interests of creatives and companies working in the entertainment industry.

    An entertainment lawyer specializes in various legal areas specific to the entertainment industry, which includes film, television, music, publishing, and licensing, among others. 

    They also have a broad understanding of the entertainment business and its many facets. This is why hiring an entertainment lawyer can be essential for creatives and entertainers. Lawyers are well-positioned to assist anyone from actors, musicians, writers, directors, and producers, as well as companies and studios.

    We’ll also discuss how an entertainment lawyer, like the Hollywood Lawyer, can cater to your individual needs.

    1. What does an entertainment lawyer do?

    The scope of an entertainment lawyer’s work is wide. Some of their most common duties include negotiating, protecting a client’s intellectual property, advising on legal matters, and connecting their clients with others in the industry. 

    Here are a few examples of these common duties: 

    • Negotiating: Contracts in the entertainment industry can be complex. That’s why an entertainment lawyer is vital for protecting your interests. An entertainment lawyer can advocate for you by negotiating fair terms for a project. This is especially crucial to ensure that you’re compensated fairly when other parties are involved, such as a production company, talent agency, or a studio because contract terms and conditions go through multiple revisions. 
    • Guarding Intellectual Property: Intellectual property, or IP, in the U.S. is valued at over $6.5 trillion. It’s big business and sometimes the largest source of income for creatives. That’s why protecting your IP is often another reason to retain an entertainment lawyer. Whether you’ve written a song or a script, an entertainment lawyer can protect your interests by setting terms when others want to license, option, or buy your work. A lawyer can also further protect your interests by advising you on legal action if your work is infringed upon.
    • Advising: Entertainment lawyers can be a tremendous resource, especially when it comes to matters that are beyond a client’s expertise. Since entertainment lawyers are also familiar with business and legal issues that arise in the industry, they can help you navigate these issues and answer questions about issues like labor laws, including child labor laws, payroll, union and guild matters, and more. 
    • Connecting you to other clients: Aside from the handling of legal issues, attorneys working in the entertainment industry have contacts. That makes them well situated to help connect clients to managers, agents, companies, or others in the industry who can further your career. 
    1. Do I need an entertainment lawyer?

    The answer to this question depends on several factors. There are specific instances when you should consider hiring an entertainment lawyer and perhaps wait until you begin working on larger projects.

    For example, let’s say you are an aspiring screenwriter and have only worked on small independent films, then you may not need an entertainment lawyer at this stage. 

    But let’s also consider times when hiring an entertainment lawyer is necessary. If you are collaborating on a large project with someone or negotiating a contract with another party, an entertainment lawyer can be vital during the negotiation process. 

    If you suspect your work has been plagiarized or used without your authorization, seeking advice from an entertainment lawyer could also be beneficial. A lawyer can help you understand the ins-and-outs of copyright law, as well as recommend further legal steps.

    Another, and more urgent, reason that may necessitate hiring an entertainment lawyer is if you are facing a lawsuit or other legal issues, such as allegations of breaking a contract or allegations of copyright infringement.

    1. Why are entertainment lawyers different from other lawyers?

    Not all lawyers are the same. While a corporate law attorney may have some understanding of laws surrounding contracts or intellectual property, an entertainment lawyer has a deeper knowledge of cases, laws, and regulations that are relevant to the industry. 

    Because entertainment lawyers also work with clients in the industry, they also have a better pulse on business practices. They are often up-to-date on the latest trends and technology and how they may impact areas of the entertainment industry. 

    Their background and familiarity with issues that commonly arise in the industry also makes them better equipped at spotting potential risks or opportunities. 

    1. How is an entertainment lawyer different from a manager or agent?

    Though a manager or agent can help foster and grow your career through their connections and expertise, neither have the same legal experience as an entertainment lawyer. 

    An entertainment lawyer is often better versed in negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts. Although your manager or agent can still offer input, an entertainment lawyer would be best equipped at explaining the conditions and answering your questions.

    More importantly, an entertainment lawyer can provide services that protect your interests if you ever face potential litigation or legal disputes.

    1. How do I find a good entertainment lawyer?

    If you work in the entertainment industry, you likely know others who have hired an entertainment lawyer. That is why, generally speaking, finding a lawyer to fit your needs tends to begin with word-of-mouth recommendations.

    But referrals are just the beginning—your specific needs for an entertainment lawyer may not match those you’ve been recommended. When looking for an entertainment lawyer on your own, consider also their professional background, experience level, specific accomplishments, and cost.

    1. Do entertainment lawyers give free consultations?

    Most entertainment lawyers will give you a free consultation, but it’s important to remember that these sessions are not about getting free, one-time legal advice. Rather, the purpose of the meeting is to see whether that particular attorney would be a good fit for your current and future legal needs.

    An important thing to also consider is your goals and to assess a potential lawyer’s background and whether they’ve handled similar cases to yours.

    Why contact the Hollywood Lawyer?

    If you’re searching for an entertainment lawyer that can become an integral part of your team, you may contact us today at (323) 300-4184 and see if we are able to help you. 

    Our law firm has many years of experience representing and protecting talent across Hollywood Hills and beyond. Whether you’re on-the-rise talent, an established creative, or a new studio manager, the team at The Hollywood Lawyer is ready to talk to you about your needs and concerns.

    Entertainment Lawyers: Things you should know

    Whether you are an actor, musician, screenwriter, dancer, or director, entertainment professionals often need an entertainment lawyer’s services. 
    An entertainment lawyer can help you protect your work and get ahead in the industry. What you may not know are some of the more specific ways an attorney with expertise in entertainment law can help you move toward career success.
    We’ll answer some common questions about how an entertainment lawyer can help with your career.

    What is an entertainment lawyer?

    Entertainment lawyers provide legal assistance and protect the interests of creatives and companies working in the entertainment industry.

    An entertainment lawyer specializes in various legal areas specific to the entertainment industry, which includes film, television, music, publishing, and licensing, among others.

    They also have a broad understanding of the entertainment business and its many facets. This is why hiring an entertainment lawyer can be essential for creatives and entertainers. Lawyers are well-positioned to assist anyone from actors, musicians, writers, directors, and producers, as well as companies and studios.

    We’ll also discuss how an entertainment lawyer, like the Hollywood Lawyer, can cater to your individual needs.

    What does an entertainment lawyer do?

    The scope of an entertainment lawyer’s work is wide. Some of their most common duties include negotiating, protecting a client’s intellectual property, advising on legal matters, and connecting their clients with others in the industry.

    Here are a few examples of these common duties:

    • Negotiating: Contracts in the entertainment industry can be complex. That’s why an entertainment lawyer is vital for protecting your interests. An entertainment lawyer can advocate for you by negotiating fair terms for a project. This is especially crucial to ensure that you’re compensated fairly when other parties are involved, such as a production company, talent agency, or a studio because contract terms and conditions go through multiple revisions.
    • Guarding Intellectual Property: Intellectual property, or IP, in the U.S. is valued at over $6.5 trillion. It’s big business and sometimes the largest source of income for creatives. That’s why protecting your IP is often another reason to retain an entertainment lawyer. Whether you’ve written a song or a script, an entertainment lawyer can protect your interests by setting terms when others want to license, option, or buy your work. A lawyer can also further protect your interests by advising you on legal action if your work is infringed upon.
    • Advising: Entertainment lawyers can be a tremendous resource, especially when it comes to matters that are beyond a client’s expertise. Since entertainment lawyers are also familiar with business and legal issues that arise in the industry, they can help you navigate these issues and answer questions about issues like labor laws, including child labor laws, payroll, union and guild matters, and more.
    • Connecting you to other clients: Aside from the handling of legal issues, attorneys working in the entertainment industry have contacts. That makes them well situated to help connect clients to managers, agents, companies, or others in the industry who can further your career.

    Do I need an entertainment lawyer?

    The answer to this question depends on several factors. There are specific instances when you should consider hiring an entertainment lawyer and perhaps wait until you begin working on larger projects.

    For example, let’s say you are an aspiring screenwriter and have only worked on small independent films, then you may not need an entertainment lawyer at this stage. 

    But let’s also consider times when hiring an entertainment lawyer is necessary. If you are collaborating on a large project with someone or negotiating a contract with another party, an entertainment lawyer can be vital during the negotiation process. 

    If you suspect your work has been plagiarized or used without your authorization, seeking advice from an entertainment lawyer could also be beneficial. A lawyer can help you understand the ins-and-outs of copyright law, as well as recommend further legal steps.

    Another, and more urgent, reason that may necessitate hiring an entertainment lawyer is if you are facing a lawsuit or other legal issues, such as allegations of breaking a contract or allegations of copyright infringement.

    Why are entertainment lawyers different from other lawyers?

    Not all lawyers are the same. While a corporate law attorney may have some understanding of laws surrounding contracts or intellectual property, an entertainment lawyer has a deeper knowledge of cases, laws, and regulations that are relevant to the industry. 

    Because entertainment lawyers also work with clients in the industry, they also have a better pulse on business practices. They are often up-to-date on the latest trends and technology and how they may impact areas of the entertainment industry. 

    Their background and familiarity with issues that commonly arise in the industry also makes them better equipped at spotting potential risks or opportunities. 

    How is an entertainment lawyer different from a manager or agent?

    Though a manager or agent can help foster and grow your career through their connections and expertise, neither have the same legal experience as an entertainment lawyer.

    An entertainment lawyer is often better versed in negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts. Although your manager or agent can still offer input, an entertainment lawyer would be best equipped at explaining the conditions and answering your questions.

    More importantly, an entertainment lawyer can provide services that protect your interests if you ever face potential litigation or legal disputes.

    How do I find a good entertainment lawyer?

    If you work in the entertainment industry, you likely know others who have hired an entertainment lawyer. That is why, generally speaking, finding a lawyer to fit your needs tends to begin with word-of-mouth recommendations.

    But referrals are just the beginning—your specific needs for an entertainment lawyer may not match those you’ve been recommended. When looking for an entertainment lawyer on your own, consider also their professional background, experience level, specific accomplishments, and cost.

    Do entertainment lawyers give free consultations?

    Most entertainment lawyers will give you a free consultation, but it’s important to remember that these sessions are not about getting free, one-time legal advice. Rather, the purpose of the meeting is to see whether that particular attorney would be a good fit for your current and future legal needs.

    An important thing to also consider is your goals and to assess a potential lawyer’s background and whether they’ve handled similar cases to yours.

    Why contact the Hollywood Lawyer?

    If you’re searching for an entertainment lawyer that can become an integral part of your team, you may contact us today at (323) 300-4184 and see if we are able to help you. 

    Our law firm has many years of experience representing and protecting talent across Hollywood Hills and beyond. Whether you’re on-the-rise talent, an established creative, or a new studio manager, the team at The Hollywood Lawyer is ready to talk to you about your needs and concerns.

    Entertainment Lawyer Los Angeles
    Intellectual Property Basics for the Entertainment Industry

    The success of nearly every aspect of the entertainment industry depends on intellectual property, including merchandising, film, television, book publishing, music, and licensing. An experienced entertainment law firm, like The Hollywood Lawyer, can strategically advise musicians, authors, entrepreneurs, and corporations about how they can protect these assets and monetize them.

    The entertainment lawyer Los Angeles trusts can represent industry clients with all of their intellectual property needs, such as registering trademarks and copyrights, acquiring trademarks and copyrights, protecting trademarks and copyrights, negotiating licensing agreements, enforcing manufacturing agreements, and documenting distribution agreements.

    Copyright Issues in the Entertainment Industry

    Governed by the U.S. Copyright Office and protected by the U.S. Constitution, copyright is a way to protect intellectual property in original works of authorship. It covers original dramatic, musical, literary, and artistic works. When the United States issues a copyright, there are other countries around the world that will honor the copyright but not everywhere. The types of intellectual property that copyright law protects include:

    • Poems
    • Photographs
    • Paintings
    • Drawings
    • Sculptures
    • Movies

     

    entertainment attorney in New York
    The Chicks
    • Television programs
    • Songs
    • Books
    • Short stories
    • Screenplays
    • Architecture
    • Computer programs

    The owner of the copyright has the exclusive right to make and sell copies of the work, create derivative works based on the original, license and transfer ownership rights in the work, and perform or display the work. In most situations, the copyright on intellectual property that is created in 1978 or later will last for the creator’s lifetime, plus an additional 70 years.  

    The creator of a work eligible for copyright protection is protected as soon as they fix the work in a tangible form that others can perceive directly or with the assistance of equipment. While copyright law does not protect processes, systems, facts, or ideas, an entertainment lawyer California relies on may be able to find ways to seek copyright protection for how these things are expressed.

     

    Reasons to Register for Copyright Protection

    You do not need to necessarily register with the U.S. Copyright Office for your intellectual property to be protected, but registration is required if you need to file a lawsuit against someone who infringes your copyright.

    When you register for copyright protection, the information regarding your intellectual property will be in the official public record. Additionally, if you need to file an infringement lawsuit with regard to something for which you own the copyright, you may be eligible to collect attorney’s fees and statutory damages if you succeed in the intellectual property litigation. 

    Parties Who May Claim Copyright

    In general, the creator of the original work may claim copyright. If there is more than one creator for the same piece of work, the creators may claim copyright jointly. The one exception to this, which often arises in the music industry, is works that are made for hire. In this case, one party hires another to create work on their behalf, either as an employee or in an express written agreement. To clarify any issues that may arise, a music attorney Los Angeles relies on can guide you on how to best craft a work-for-hire agreement.

    Entertainment-Related Trademark and Service Mark Issues

    Trademark law protects the logos, phrases, words, designs, and symbols that are used to identify the source of goods and distinguish them from others in the marketplace. Service marks are logos, words, phrases, designs, or symbols that distinguish the source of services from others in the marketplace. Oftentimes, the term “trademark” is used for both. In the United States, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office oversees everything relating to trademarks. 

    Filing for a trademark is beneficial because it provides public notice and evidence of the trademark’s ownership claim, as well as protection from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to prevent foreign goods that infringe upon your trademark from being imported into the country. Additionally, federal trademark registration allows the owner to file lawsuits for infringement in federal court.

    Trademarks only expire when the party holding the rights stops using them, and the registration for a trademark continues as long as the owner fulfills the requirements for paperwork and fees.

    How an Entertainment Lawyer Can Help

    If you own intellectual property within the entertainment industry, The Hollywood Lawyer can work with you to determine how you can best protect those assets as well as contract with others to maximize monetization opportunities relating to them.

    Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our seasoned entertainment lawyers.

     

    Testimonials
    • Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts.

      John Dowson
      CEO Of iFin, Financial Corp.
    • I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now. When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary,

      Janete Jones
      CFO Of Apple
    • Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country.

      Jame Gordon
      Accountant

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