What is Entertainment Law?

entertainment law

So far, we’ve learned about different areas of law like intellectual property law and administrative law. Hopefully, now you’re more familiar with several different types of law and you’re more comfortable with what you’ll be studying in law school or practicing in the future. But how about entertainment law? Sounds glamorous, doesn’t it? Of course it does! So, if you’re asking yourself, “What is entertainment law?” Find out about it here:

What do entertainment lawyers do?

In entertainment Law, A.K.A. media law, attorneys basically protects the rights of a variety of people within the entertainment industry. A firm’s clients might include “record labels, celebrities, reality TV talent, production companies, authors, film and television production companies, recording artists, songwriters, music producers, artist managers, promoters and other entertainment industry entrepreneurs.” Because entertainment law covers such a wide variety of people, it overlaps with many other categories of law. Some of these types of law might be less glamorous than we’d hope. They include intellectual property, employment law, contract law, immigration, and more. Nevertheless, the drier types of law make this important specialization whole.

Why Are Entertainment Lawyers Needed?

One of the many reasons entertainment law exists is to help ensure the best outcomes for those working in the entertainment industry. Issues that often pop up include contract negotiations, protecting copyrights, and litigation.

A recent news case that you might have heard of involves the singer Kesha. “Two years ago, the singer Kesha rattled the pop world when she filed a lawsuit seeking to end her recording and music publishing contracts with Dr. Luke, one of the industry’s most successful producers.” Although Kesha alleged emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her producer, she couldn’t get free of her contracts. Keep in mind that Kesha was discovered when she was only 18, and many entertainers get their starts at a young age. These young performers seriously need excellent counsel, and as an entertainment lawyer, you might be able to provide that.

Courses You Might Take for Entertainment Law

Entertainment law is comprehensive and involves many other types of law. In law school, you may find yourself taking courses like:

  • Contracts
  • Copyright Law
  • Music Industry Law
  • Intellectual Property
  • Motion Picture Distribution
  • Labor Law
  • Business Torts
  • Property
  • Constitutional Law

So if you’re intrigued about pursuing entertainment law, check out some of the more popular schools like UCLA Law and USC Gould School of Law. You might find yourself rubbing elbows with some pretty famous clients!

Author

  • Deborah

    Deborah earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University in 2010 and MBA from Salve Regina University. She scored in the 96th percentile on the LSAT and loves finding better ways to understand logic and solid arguments. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys volunteering, reading adventure fiction, and adding tech skills to her toolbox.

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