Category: Articles

Musicians and Producers – Get Your SoundExchange Money in Order

Musicians and Producers – Get Your SoundExchange Money in OrderBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. In a previous article, I explored what SoundExchange is and the types of income that this organization collects. While these royalties have always been a vital artist revenue channel, in recent years, due to the increased focus and importance of digital […]

10 Things You Should Legally Do As An Entertainer

10 Things You Should Legally Do As An EntertainerBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. While there are no real bright line rules that an entertainer must follow, there are some essential strategies that a musician should take into account when conducting their music business in the new year. As we have already explored, a musician should […]

Information on RFEs for DJs and Musician Visas

Information on RFEs for DJs and Musician VisasBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. and Pablo G. Velez, Esq. of Velez & Cipriano, PLLC After a musician, DJ or other artist submits a visa application for U.S. work authorization, the USCIS occasionally issues a “Request For Evidence” otherwise referred to as an “RFE.” (I-797E “Notice of Action”) […]

Consider these legal angles before forming a streaming organization

Consider these legal angles before forming a streaming organizationBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. The emergence of One True King (aka OTK) has evolved the traditional esports business model, from the organization’s deal with WePlay Esports, its partnership with a game developer to the team’s organizational partnerships and activations with brands such as Mountain Dew and Chipotle. OTK is an “influencer network and media […]

U.S. Visas for Foreign Professional Athletes – O1 and P1 Visas

U.S. Visas for Foreign Professional Athletes – O1 and P1 VisasBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. and Pablo G. Velez, Esq. of Velez & Cipriano, PLLC As a result of the global sports business, professional and amateur athletic competitors travel from countries across the world to compete in sporting competitions held within the United States or […]

NIL rights provide clear path for college esports pros

NIL rights provide clear path for college esports prosBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. The NCAA’s recent policy shift on a student athletes earning income and profiting off their “name, image and likeness” (NIL) while competing for a university has provided further clarity for current and aspiring pro gamers and content creators contemplating college esports. This change […]

Copyrights and Trademarks for Podcasting and Podcasters

Intellectual Property Protections: Copyrights and Trademarks for Podcasting and PodcastersBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. In addition to the licensing of music and content for a podcast and other related business considerations for operating a podcast, there are also a variety of intellectual property protections that a podcast operator could employ to efficiently manage and safeguard […]

COVID-19 Update on Talent Visas for Entertainers, DJs, and Musicians

COVID-19 Update on Talent Visas for Entertainers, DJs, and MusiciansBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. and Pablo G. Velez, Esq. of Velez & Cipriano, PLLC The last two years have been unpredictable, especially for live music, concerts, nightclubs, and any other large social gathering of people in any space. However, it is important for an entertainer […]