Whether you are a performing artist, writer, producer or other member of the entertainment industry, it’s inevitable that you will at some point face legal issues. An agent or manager can assist you with publicizing your talent and getting you work, but you still need someone to protect your legal interests. That is the role of the entertainment lawyer.

People on the creative side of the entertainment world are typically not trained in the business elements, which include compensation and rights to intellectual property. What appears to be a lucrative opportunity can have strings attached that might make the venture unprofitable. There are also numerous legal regimes that affect media origination and distribution, both in the U.S. and worldwide.

An entertainment lawyer with specialized knowledge can be indispensable in dealing with the business aspects of the industry, notably the following:

• Negotiating contracts — In other fields, the parties on both sides of transactions are usually business people, with relative familiarity with contracts and contractual terms. However, the expertise is often one-sided when the transaction involves entertainers. An entertainment lawyer can even the playing field, helping you understand the details of the contract and working to get you the best compensation and other terms possible under the circumstances.
• Monitoring compliance with contract terms — The lawyer can take steps when other parties to a contract appear to be in violation of their obligations. This might include resolving disputes with agents or managers about their commissions or other contractual rights.
• Protecting your intellectual property — Your lawyer can assist you with obtaining and protecting copyrights and trademarks and with protecting them against infringement. The lawyer can also represent you in negotiations with buyers, licensees and other parties seeking use of those properties.
• Negotiating rights to use other people’s creations — There are multiple instances when the content of other artists or writers is sought to be used, and there can be various terms and conditions. It may be best to purchase a limited right to use at first, for less money, with an ability to renegotiate a more elaborate deal later on. Some arrangements call for the licensing party to earn royalties on future performances.
• Maintaining relationships with creative partners — You may have a partner, such as a co-performer or writer, who at some point wants to change part of the arrangement, usually as concerns their compensation. A lawyer can find solutions so that everyone can keep working together with minimal disruption.

Overall, a skilled entertainment lawyer can minimize problems and work out solutions when disputes come up. The lawyer can also provide connections to other media professionals that may be valuable collaborators in projects and ventures that arise.

The Skinner Law Firm, P.C. in Bridgeview, Illinois represents artists and other members of the entertain industry throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Contact us online or call 312-635-6459 to arrange a free initial consultation.