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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

- [7 Signs You Need to Hire a Music Lawyer Right Now](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/when-do-i-need-a-music-lawyer/) - When you’re at the point of your career where it’s time to bring on an attorney to help facilitate your goals and tasks, there are a few steps and questions to consider. However, even before it’s time to bring on a team, knowing the ins and the outs of the music business is an essential way to further your career, make strong choices in various situations, effectively negotiate, and gain respect among peers and labels. Combined with this personal knowledge, the help of a good attorney is the best way to strengthen your career and have someone on your side.
- [One Recoupment Word That Keeps Producers From Getting Paid](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/producer-agreement-recoupment-clause-release-vs-recording/) - One word in your producer agreement recoupment clause — Release or Recording — determines whether your royalties are measured against your single track or an entire album budget. This is how to find it, what it means, and exactly what to do about it.
- [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/) - Artists do not like discussing contracts, period, and one of the harder ones to address is the band member contract because it can feel like it acknowledges a certain level of distrust or at least a certain amount of realization that the band is going to end at some point. Usually, band members are also
- [Everything You Need To Know About Music Managers](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-music-managers/) - These days, artists must wear many hats. Along with making the music, up-and-coming artists are often their own publicists, labels, graphic designers, and more. However, at a certain point, this all becomes too much, so the artist is forced to delegate some of these responsibilities, usually first to a manager. Music managers come from all
- [Warning: Protecting Your Artist Stage Name From Theft](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/how-artists-can-protect-their-stage-name/) - Musical artists’ stage names or band names often end up as one of their most valuable assets, and the last thing an artist wants is to be forced to change his or her name just because he or she did not do his or her due diligence. Like “brand names,” stage names are used to
- [How to Legally Sample Music Without Getting Sued](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/entertainment-law-mythbusters-your-questions-about-legally-sampling-music-answered/) - The rules around sampling music have been mystifying musicians since the enactment of the Copyright Act of 1976. While copyright laws regarding how to clear a sample often seem straightforward when discussed in the abstract, the ability to tell wrong from right when you’re experiencing a situation first-hand seems to take a perplexing turn for
- [Music Publishing Deals Explained: What to Know Before You Sign](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/understanding-music-publishing-the-differences-between-co-publishing-deals-vs-publishing-administration-deals/) - Among the various types of publishing arrangements, the two most common are co-publishing agreements and administration agreements, and understanding the differences between these sorts of deals is essential for artists and musicians to maximize their earning potential.
- [SoundExchange Royalties Explained: A Guide for Music Producers](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/all-about-soundexchange/) - SoundExchange is the only rights organization in the US that collects royalties for the MASTER side of commercial music.
- [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
- [Record Deal vs. Distribution Deal: How to Choose the Right One](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/record-deal-vs-distribution-deal/) - We break down the differences between a record deal and a distribution deal, and determine which deal is the best one for you.
- [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 music generates significantly more revenue than just what you receive from your label or digital distributor. The purpose of this blog is to provide some guidance on the revenue streams associated with your music, empowering you with the knowledge needed to ensure you collect nearly every dollar that your music earns.
- [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
- [Navigating Your First Record Deal: What Artists Need to Know](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/navigating-your-record-deal/) - If you are considering signing with or releasing your music on a label, we highly recommend you hire a skilled entertainment lawyer to assist you throughout the process. However, understanding the components of the deal yourself is equally important and is essential to growing in your career as a musician or producer.
- [The Proven Collaboration Agreement Checklist for Music Artists](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/key-issues-to-address-in-your-collaboration-agreement/) - I'm sure you’ve heard of the expression “Two heads are better than one. Three better than two,” and so on. This is most likely the case when it comes to creative works. For example in music, most of your favorite jams have several writers, a vocalist and possibly several producers. It’s a team effort, and
- [Moral Rights in Music: What Every Artist Needs to Know](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/what-are-moral-rights/) - In the music industry, at least in the US, most producer agreements, session musician agreements, and other similar work-for-hire situations will contain language generally stating that you “hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waive all Moral Rights or droit moral.” Moral Rights are not tied directly to money, and they are not actually recognized in the United
- [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/) - For an up-and-coming artist, the first person they bring onto the team is usually a friend who believes in the music, and will do his or her best to help the artist however he or she can. That may come in the form of booking shows, advising the artist, etc. Most states in the US
- [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/) - Most professional musicians, artists, or other entertainers contract their services through a so-called “Loan-Out Company.” Nevertheless, I have discovered a lot of confusion amongst these same professionals about why they established a Loan-Out Company in the first place, or whether establishing a Loan-Out Company is even a good idea for their circumstances. What is a
- [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/) - If you have a placement that you haven’t been for, do not hesitate to contact us at the Law Office of Adam C. Freedman, PLLC to learn more about how we can help.
- [The Costly Mistakes Artists Make When Hiring an Album Cover Designer](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/know-this-before-hiring-someone-to-make-an-album-cover/) - When hiring someone to design an album cover art, having the designer sign an agreement stating that the artwork is a “work-for-hire” could save a ton of time and money. A piece of artwork being a “work-for-hire” means that the creator of the work has assigned copyright ownership of the work to the person paying
- [Buying and Selling Beats Online: What You Need to Know](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/important-considerations-behind-buying-selling-beats-online/) - DISCLAIMER: This article is not intended as legal advice, as an attorney specializing in the field should be consulted. Let’s face it, we’re living in a digital age, whether we want to accept it or not. There are plenty of pros and just as many cons, especially when it comes to producers. For example, the
- [Trademarking Your Artist Name: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/how-to-trademark-your-artist-name/) - By: Adam Freedman & Alyssa MinnecDISCLAIMER: This article is intended for informational purposes only, and is not intended to, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. The content provided here is not intended to communicate or imply any future results or success. I strongly recommend that you speak with an attorney regarding the specifics of
- [The Complete Music Industry Resource Guide for Independent Artists](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/2022-music-industry-resource-guide/) - These days, musicians/artists/producers really have so much access to information about the music business that generations before them did not. People have now written books and created newsletters doing deep dives on the subject. A-Level artists and executives have written books detailing their experiences in the industry, while even more are dropping gems on social media.
- [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?
- [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.
- [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/) - Recently, it has become common for people to think it’s a good idea to Trademark a celebrity’s name or famous phrase, to capitalize on its mainstream appeal and sell merchandise, or even sell it “back” to the celebrity in the future. However, as many of these people surely wish they knew sooner, a celebrity automatically
- [Can You Trademark a Hashtag? What Artists Need to Know](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/can-you-trademark-a-hashtag/) - Recently, hashtags have become important tools for driving online interaction between entertainers and consumers on social media. The law is still being developed in this area, but the increased use of hashtags has nevertheless gotten the attention of brands and companies, who have rushed to trademark hashtags in an effort to stake a claim to
- [Warning: Every Artist Must Register Their Copyright — Here's Why](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/why-register-the-copyright-to-your-song-or-beat/) - The value of music has steadily been increasing over the last decade. However, registering the Copyright to a song or beat is one of the most underappreciated ways of protecting an artist’s or producer’s assets. Of course, the logic makes sense, but it seems that far fewer people understand WHAT EXACTLY registering the Copyright to your music ACTUALLY does for you.
- [5 Reasons to Register Your Artist Name as a Trademark](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/benefits-of-registering-the-trademark-to-your-artist-name/) - Beyond serving as an identifier, your artist name is a powerful tool for building a brand that has the potential to grow your audience, improve your market appeal, and increase your visibility in the music industry. As you build your music career, it is important to think about how you can protect your musical identity using trademark protection.
- [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, but now, in 2026, they're still in court fighting to protect it – because they didn't register the trademark.
- [The Proven Tips for Negotiating a Better Producer Agreement](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/tips-for-negotiating-your-producer-agreement/) - If you don’t have a team, being able to effectively communicate with labels and artists is essential to your career as you start to get placements
- [Warning: IP Clearance Mistakes That Kill Music Video Projects](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/ip-clearance-in-motion-pictures-videos-and-other-audio-visual-works/) - The film industry has expanded well beyond traditional studios, as modern technology provides anyone with a phone, the ability to shoot and post videos online for online public consumption. At the same time, new financing methods have opened the door for more filmmakers to bring their projects to life. However, as more and more new
- [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/) - Are you a music producer, artist, or manager looking to better understand the contracts that shape your collaborations? We’re excited to announce the Producer Agreement Handbook: A Section-By-Section Guide - a free download from the Law Office of Adam C. Freedman, PLLC! Why the Producer Agreement Handbook Matters Producer agreements are the backbone of successful collaborations in the
- [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/) - Record labels are calling and opportunities are flooding in. Having the right representation can make the difference between a career opportunity and a mistake.
- [How Do Musicians Make Money From YouTube?](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/how-do-musicians-make-money-from-youtube/) - These days, it seems that YouTube is one of the most important platforms to have your music on. It’s been the biggest music streaming platform for years now! However, we keep hearing questions from artists and musicians about where this money comes from, and how can they collect the revenue generated from all of their YouTube streams.
- [How to Start a Record Label 101 (Part 1)](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/how-to-start-a-record-label-101-part-1/) - These days, the barriers to entry for starting a record label are practically nothing. Many labels have been formed by someone saying “Ok, I have a record label.” Ultimately, signing up for Soundcloud and creating a Facebook page technically makes you a record label. It’s obvious that the music industry is going through a lot

## 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.
- [Producer Protection Package](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/placementpackage/) - For $500, we’ll handle your producer agreement from start to finish. We make sure your rights are protected, and that you get paid – without the headaches.
- [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 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.
- [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 Artist Brand Protection Package](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/trademarkpackage/) - You've spent years building your brand. Your followers know your name. But if someone else files a trademark for the same name, you're in for a legal battle, even if you've been using the name for years. Complete trademark protection for everything you do as an artist: $2,300
- [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
- [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.
- [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.
- [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
- [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/)
- [RECORD DEAL SIMULATOR](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/simulator/)
- [Thank You](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/producer-agreement-guide/thank-you/)
- [About](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/about/) - The Law Office of Adam C. Freedman is a NYC boutique firm specializing in entertainment, IP, and business law for artists, creatives, and entrepreneur
- [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
- [Blog](https://acfreedmanlaw.com/blog/)

## 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/)