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# The Law Office of Adam C. Freedman

Music attorneys representing artists, producers, songwriters, managers, labels, and other industry pros

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Warning: Every Artist Must Register Their Copyright — Here's Why](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/why-register-the-copyright-to-your-song-or-beat/) - Registration is what lets you sue and collect statutory damages up to $150,000. What registering your song or beat actually gets you, and when.
- [Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Music Lawyer: A Practical Guide for Artists](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/questions-to-ask-before-hiring-a-music-lawyer-a-practical-guide-for-artists/) - What to ask a music lawyer before hiring one: how they bill, who else they represent, and what happens if a deal falls apart mid-negotiation.
- [Introducing the Producer Agreement Handbook: Your Essential Guide to Music Producer Contracts](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/introducing-the-producer-agreement-handbook-your-essential-guide-to-music-production-contracts/) - A free section-by-section guide to producer agreements. What every clause does and where the money is decided, from an entertainment attorney.
- [Before You Hire a Music Manager, Read This First](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/before-you-hire-a-manager-read-this/) - So, you’ve reached the point in your career where you think it would be beneficial to hire someone to manage your project. Where do you start?
- [Warning: Why Artist Trademark Protection Matters More Than Ever](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/artist-trademark-protection-why-outkast-is-still-fighting-for-atliens-in-2026/) - OutKast created ATLiens in 1996. In 2026 they are still in court fighting to protect it, because they never registered the trademark.
- [The Complete Music Industry Resource Guide for Independent Artists](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/2022-music-industry-resource-guide/) - Books, newsletters and tools for independent artists and producers who want to understand the music business without paying for a course.
- [Co-Publishing vs Admin Deals: What's the Difference](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/understanding-music-publishing-the-differences-between-co-publishing-deals-vs-publishing-administration-deals/) - Songwriters often sign away publishing without realizing it. How co-publishing and administration deals differ on ownership, term, advances, and fees.
- [The Tax and Legal Benefits of a Loan-Out Company for Artists](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/benefits-of-establishing-a-loan-out-company-for-a-music-artist/) - What a loan-out company does for a working musician, when it makes financial sense to set one up, and the tax and liability questions to settle first.
- [Warning: Why Trademarking Someone Else's Catchphrase Is a Proven Mistake](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/why-trademarking-someone-elses-nickname-or-popular-catchphrase-is-a-bad-idea/) - Filing a trademark on someone else's famous phrase rarely works. How common law rights arise from use alone and why these applications get opposed.
- [What to Do If You Haven't Been Paid for a Music Placement](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/what-to-do-if-you-havent-been-paid-for-a-placement/) - Steps to take when a placement goes unpaid: confirming what you are owed, building the paper trail, and the leverage available before anyone files suit.
- [One Recoupment Word That Keeps Producers From Getting Paid](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/producer-agreement-recoupment-clause-release-vs-recording/) - One word in a producer agreement recoupment clause decides whether a hit pays you. What to look for and how the wording changes what you take home.
- [Warning: Protecting Your Artist Stage Name From Theft](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/how-artists-can-protect-their-stage-name/) - Your stage name is often your most valuable asset. How artists establish rights in a name, and what happens when another act claims the same one.
- [Warning: The Legal Difference Between an Artist's Agent and Manager](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/can-you-be-an-artists-agent-and-manager-at-the-same-time-a-look-at-ca-and-ny-talent-agency-law/) - New York and California regulate who can book shows for an artist. What separates a manager from a licensed agent, and the risk of blurring the two roles.
- [How to Protect Your Music Rights When a Band Breaks Up](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/what-happens-when-your-band-breaks-up-why-you-need-a-band-agreement-and-major-issues-to-address/) - Who keeps the band name, the masters, and the publishing when a band ends. The questions a band agreement answers before anyone needs it to.
- [The Proven Collaboration Agreement Checklist for Music Artists](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/key-issues-to-address-in-your-collaboration-agreement/) - Most sessions produce no paperwork until money appears. The splits, ownership, and credit terms to settle with collaborators while everyone still agrees.
- [Buying and Selling Beats Online: What You Need to Know](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/important-considerations-behind-buying-selling-beats-online/) - What producers and artists should settle before buying or selling beats online: licensing terms, exclusive versus non-exclusive rights, and the paperwork.
- [The Costly Mistakes Artists Make When Hiring an Album Cover Designer](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/know-this-before-hiring-someone-to-make-an-album-cover/) - Paying a designer does not make the artwork yours. Why album cover agreements need work-for-hire language and what happens to your release without it.
- [Navigating Your First Record Deal: What Artists Need to Know](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/navigating-your-record-deal/) - A record deal is a long contract with real obligations. The terms that shape the rest of your career and the questions to ask before you commit to any.
- [Maximize Your Music Royalty Earnings: A Complete Artist Guide](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/maximizing-your-earnings-a-guide-to-collecting-all-your-royalties-as-an-artist-or-producer/) - Your distributor pays one of several royalty streams. Where the rest sit, who holds them, and how artists and producers register to start collecting them.
- [How to Start a Record Label 101 (Part 1)](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/how-to-start-a-record-label-101-part-1/) - Starting a record label takes more than a name and a SoundCloud. The structure, agreements, and ownership decisions to settle before your first release.
- [Warning: IP Clearance Mistakes That Kill Music Video Projects](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/ip-clearance-in-motion-pictures-videos-and-other-audio-visual-works/) - The rights you need to clear before releasing a music video or short film: music, footage, artwork, locations, and the people who appear on camera.
- [Everything You Need To Know About Music Managers](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-music-managers/) - What a music manager actually does, what commission rates are normal, and the contract terms that decide whether you can leave when the fit stops working.
- [Can You Trademark a Hashtag? What Artists Need to Know](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/can-you-trademark-a-hashtag/) - Hashtags can be registered as trademarks, but only under conditions most applicants miss. What the USPTO requires and why most hashtag filings fail.
- [How to Legally Sample Music Without Getting Sued](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/entertainment-law-mythbusters-your-questions-about-legally-sampling-music-answered/) - Sample clearance explained plainly: why you usually need two permissions, what happens if you skip them, and how producers get caught years after release.
- [5 Reasons to Register Your Artist Name as a Trademark](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/benefits-of-registering-the-trademark-to-your-artist-name/) - Registration turns your artist name from a label into an asset. Five reasons to file, plus what changes when someone else claims the same name first.
- [Trademarking Your Artist Name: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/how-to-trademark-your-artist-name/) - How to trademark your artist name with the USPTO: searching for conflicts, filing the application, responding to office actions, and what it actually costs.
- [Moral Rights in Music: What Every Artist Needs to Know](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/what-are-moral-rights/) - Why producer and session agreements ask you to waive moral rights, what those rights actually cover, and how US law treats them differently from Europe.
- [Record Deal vs. Distribution Deal: How to Choose the Right One](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/record-deal-vs-distribution-deal/) - Record deal or distribution deal? What each one costs you in ownership, royalties and control, and how to tell which you are being offered.
- [7 Signs You Need to Hire a Music Lawyer Right Now](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/when-do-i-need-a-music-lawyer/) - Seven signs it is time to hire a music lawyer, from your first contract offer to a royalty dispute. What to expect, and what it typically costs.
- [The Proven Tips for Negotiating a Better Producer Agreement](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tips-for-negotiating-your-producer-agreement/) - How to negotiate advance, royalty, publishing and credit on a producer agreement, including what to say when they tell you the terms are standard.
- [How Do Musicians Make Money From YouTube?](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/how-do-musicians-make-money-from-youtube/) - Where YouTube money actually comes from: ad revenue, Content ID, and the mechanical and performance royalties most artists never get registered for.
- [SoundExchange Royalties Explained: A Guide for Music Producers](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/all-about-soundexchange/) - SoundExchange collects digital performance royalties on the master side. How producers register, why you need a Letter of Direction, what it pays.
- [What Does a Music Lawyer Actually Do? A Complete Guide](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/what-does-a-music-lawyer-do/) - A music lawyer handle contracts, copyrights, trademarks, and royalty disputes for artists and producers. Here's what they actually do day-to-day
- [Your Publishing Administration Deal Just Auto-Renewed. Here's How Long You're Locked In](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/your-publishing-administration-deal-just-auto-renewed-heres-how-long-youre-locked-in/) - Publishing admin deals auto-renew when you miss the termination window. Here's how the clause works, how long you're locked in, and how to get out
- [3 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Record Deal](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/three-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-you-sign-the-deal/) - Signing a deal is a decision that can impact your artistic freedom, financial stability, and long-term success. Here are three questions to ask before you sign.

## Pages

- [Homepage](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/) - The Law Office of Adam C. Freedman is a New York City-based boutique firm specializing in entertainment, IP, and media law.
- [Privacy Policy](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/privacy/) - Your privacy is important to the Law Office of Adam C. Freedman. Please read the terms of this Privacy Policy in order to understand what information we collect via the Website (the “Website”), how that information is used, how we protect your information, and other matters related to your use of the Website. Collection of Information The
- [About](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/about/) - Meet Adam Freedman, a New York entertainment and IP attorney handling producer deals, record contracts, trademarks, and royalty disputes for music clients.
- [New York EDM Lawyers | Law Office of Adam C. Freedman](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/edm-attorney/) - Flat-fee EDM and dance music lawyer for DJs, producers, and labels: contracts, trademarks, AI and voice rights, sample clearance, and getting paid. NYC.
- [Clients](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/clients/) - The Law Office of Adam C. Freedman represents creatives and entrepreneurs in music, film, and digital media. See our diverse client roster in entertainment law.
- [Producer Protection Package](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/placementpackage/) - Producer contract lawyer in New York. Flat fee of $500 to review, redline, and negotiate your producer agreement from first draft to signature.
- [Intellectual Property](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/intellectual-property/) - Intellectual property lawyer in New York for artists, brands, and creative businesses. Copyright registration, trademark filings, licensing, and IP disputes.
- [New York Music Attorneys | Law Office of Adam C. Freedman](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/music-attorney/) - New York music attorneys for artists, producers & labels. Contracts, trademarks, royalties & dispute resolution. Book a strategy call today.
- [Blog](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/blog/) - Plain-English legal guides for musicians, producers, and labels: contracts, royalties, trademarks, and publishing from a New York entertainment lawyer.
- [The Artist Brand Protection Package](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/trademarkpackage/) - Flat-fee trademark registration for artist and label names. Clearance search, USPTO filing, and office action responses for $2,250, agreed up front.
- [Producer Agreements, Explained: Your Free Section-by-Section Guide](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/producer-agreement-guide/) - Free attorney-written guide to your music producer agreement. Understand royalties, recoupment, publishing, and the red flags before you sign. Download the PDF.
- [The Ultimate Trademark Guide for Artists](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/trademarkguide-2/) - Free guide to trademarking your artist, band, or DJ name: USPTO walkthrough, search steps, and a filing checklist, from an experienced entertainment attorney
- [Contact](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/contact/) - Contact the Law Office of Adam C. Freedman to schedule a consultation.
- [Complete Music Contract Vault](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/music-contract-vault/) - The Complete Music Contract Vault gives you the contracts you need to protect yourself BEFORE problems happen – all for less than a single studio session.
- [Thank You #2](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/trademarkguide-2/thank-you-2/)
- [Thank You](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/producer-agreement-guide/thank-you/)
- [Business/Corporate Law](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/business-corporate-law/) - Get expert business and corporate law services in NYC. Formation, contracts, compliance, and more. Partner with Adam Freedman Law for your success

## Testimonials

- [808Plug](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/oes-testimonials/808plug/) - "In the entertainment industry, your network and representation are crucial. A misstep in these areas can be devastating. Choosing Adam to represent you is a decision you will not regret. His attention to detail and the feedback he provides are unmatched. He doesn't shy away from difficult conversations, which is refreshing in an industry where
- [Based1](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/oes-testimonials/client-name-2/) - “I’ve been working with Adam and his team since the beginning of my career in 2019, and they’ve always gone above and beyond what's expected. Adam is not just a great entertainment attorney, he’s a trusted partner who genuinely looks out for his clients. His expertise, guidance, and support have played a major role in
- [Jazzfeezy](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/oes-testimonials/jazzfeezy/) - "Since 2018, Adam has always made sure I got paid on time, understood all contracts, and protected all my business moves and ventures. He always explains my rights and options, and makes sure we get the most value in each deal. I couldn't ask for a better lawyer and highly recommend him, if your ready
- [DJ Cam](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/oes-testimonials/dj-cam/) - "Been working with Adam and his team for about 2 years now. I was recommended to them by another music producer that I know. As my first time using an entertainment lawyer ever, they've been more than amazing to work with. Very knowledgeable, friendly, and gets the job done. Great communication, great service, very reliable,
- [King AD](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/oes-testimonials/kingad/) - "Five Stars! I was struggling to get paid on a music project and decided to drop my previous lawyer. Hiring Adam Freedman was the best move I made—he was professional, efficient, and got me paid on time. Huge thanks to Alyssa as well for being on top of everything and making sure things got done.
- [Shemar Lyles](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/oes-testimonials/client-name-3/) - “Adam is not only prompt in his communication but also adept at holding his ground when needed. He knows how to assert our position firmly while delivering to other parties with a soft touch when required. We had a complex, international music project involving collaborators from around the globe, and throughout the process, I felt
- [Oliver Obolgogiani](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/oes-testimonials/client-name-4/)
- [Londonbridge](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/oes-testimonials/client-name/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Blog](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/category/blog/)
- [Producers](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/category/producers/)
- [Record Deals](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/category/record-deals/)
- [Publishing Deals](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/category/publishing-deals/)
- [Intellectual Property](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/category/intellectual-property/)
- [Trademarks](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/category/trademarks/)
- [Royalties](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/category/royalties/)
- [Music Law](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/category/music-law/)

## Tags

- [entertainment law](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/entertainment-law/)
- [Entrepreneurship](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/entrepreneurship/)
- [Music](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music/)
- [Music Industry](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-industry/)
- [Record Labels](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/record-labels/)
- [intellectual property](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/intellectual-property/)
- [Music Business](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-business/)
- [Music Law](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-law/)
- [Music Production](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-production/)
- [trademark](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/trademark/)
- [copyright](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/copyright/)
- [Internet](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/internet/)
- [Law](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/law/)
- [Social Media](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/social-media/)
- [music producer](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-producer/)
- [music royalties](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-royalties/)
- [youtube](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/youtube/)
- [music education](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-education/)
- [royalties](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/royalties/)
- [record deals](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/record-deals/)
- [publishing deals](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/publishing-deals/)
- [pub deals](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/pub-deals/)
- [music publishing](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-publishing/)
- [publishing admin deals](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/publishing-admin-deals/)
- [pub admin](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/pub-admin/)
- [co-publishing](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/co-publishing/)
- [music publishers](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-publishers/)
- [publishing royalties](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/publishing-royalties/)
- [music attorney](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-attorney/)
- [trademarks](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/trademarks/)
- [IP law](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/ip-law/)
- [trademark lawyer](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/trademark-lawyer/)
- [ASCAP](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/ascap/)
- [music lawyer](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-lawyer/)
- [questions for music lawyer](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/questions-for-music-lawyer/)
- [entertainment lawyer](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/entertainment-lawyer/)
- [nyc music attorney](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/nyc-music-attorney/)
- [new york city music lawyer](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/new-york-city-music-lawyer/)
- [Publishing](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/publishing/)
- [Music Contracts](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/music-contracts/)
- [recoupment](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/recoupment/)
- [producer royalties](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/producer-royalties/)
- [Songwriting](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/songwriting/)
- [publishing admin](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tag/publishing-admin/)

## Types

- [Producer](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/test-type/producer/)