Music
The music industry is continually changing and adapting to new technologies as it moves from analogue to both digital and live. As a firm we have been and continue to be at the forefront of this evolution.
Our team has extensive and in depth knowledge and experience of the music industry. Members of our team have worked in record labels, publishing companies, radio stations, live event production companies and music and talent agencies.
We act for the whole spectrum of the industry from labels, publishers and PROs, promoters, event organisers and agents to digital platforms, streaming services and MCNs. We advise start-ups and some of the world’s largest players in the industry. We also advise a range of industry organisations and associations on current and future challenges to the industry
On the talent side we represent both upcoming and established artists, song writers, producers and rights owners on all related legal and business affairs.
Our work in the industry includes:
- advising on digital strategies (and their implementation)
- “traditional” deals such as label deals, production, recording and publishing/song writing
- physical/digital distribution
- joint ventures
- catalogue acquisitions
- all issues in relation to live performances (tours and one off events)
- global broadcast
- sponsorship
- merchandising
We also advise on a range of disputes including copyright ownership and infringement and disputes between former members on trade mark issues.
We conduct due diligence and audits for copyright owners (and parties seeking to lend to or acquire those rights) in order to identify assets and track global royalty income flows. We can analyse these results and assist in ensuring future accurate reporting and distribution of royalty income.
For those looking to use music within their business we devise cost effective and efficient strategies for clearing rights in music and artist’s rights in performance whether in advertising, live events, theatre or broadcasting.
View our recent music insights below:
Related items
AI and the impact it will have on the future of the music industry - Cliff Fluet writes for UK Music’s 2023 Economic report
14 November 2023Cliff Fluet contributes a piece on AI and the impact it will have on the future of the music industry. The piece highlights the importance of understanding the benefits and tackling the downsides of AI, as well as ensuring that laws look to protect image, personality and other economic rights that attach to creatives.
Lewis Silkin has advised NME Networks on the sale of Uncut magazine to Kelsey Media
26 May 2023The deal, which includes the brand’s print publications and social and digital assets, completed earlier today. All Uncut’s staff also transferred with the sale.
Cliff Fluet chairs panel ‘Are You Getting Yours? Public Performance Explored’ presented by Audoo
15 March 2022Cliff Fluet joins some of the music industry’s biggest names to discuss royalties. This forms part of the SXSW Conference & Festival (March 11-20, 2022).
Cash ‘gifts’ and strong-arm tactics: music’s problem with NFTs: Cliff Fluet comments for The Guardian
07 April 2021Blockchain technology makes non-fungible tokens unique, but uncertainty surrounds how the rights and ownership of songwriters, producers and session musicians apply in sales.
Counsel to step up anti-piracy efforts after copyright win: Neil Parkes comments for Managing IP
12 March 2021In-house lawyers in the music industry say two court rulings that ordered internet service providers to block access to stream-ripping websites will encourage them to target other services that have slipped through the net, and will add weight to their demands for legislative changes.
New issue of Music & Copyright with Australia country report: Cliff Fluet comments for Music & Copyright
07 December 2020Why are financial investors so interested in music publishing as a financial asset? Cliff Fluet provides his thoughts on the matter in Music & Copyright.
Nicholas Buckland comments for Music Week: Euro Parliament rejects copyright reform, full debate set for September
10 July 2018In an article for Music Week, Nicholas Buckland comments on the European Parliament voting against beginning negotiations on the Copyright Directive including Article 13.
CDM 2015: Who is the Principal Designer?
01 August 2017By now, everyone is familiar with The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (“Regulations”). However, there still seems to be confusion as to who should fulfil the role of the Principal Designer (“PD”).