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Ed Sheeran just scored a landmark win in the recent appeal filed by Ed Townsend's heirs, co-writers of Marvin Gaye’s classic ‘Let’s Get It On’—this case is a reminder for creators and their legal teams to be well-versed in copyright’s finer points—knowledge that can save years of costly litigation. Sheeran’s attorneys demonstrated that his syncopated chord progression, while recognizable, was common in many compositions long before Gaye’s hit. See how ‘Thinking Out Loud’ overcame the lawsuit and what this decision means for artists everywhere! #CopyrightLaw #EdSheeran #LetsGetItOn #MusicLaw #EntertainmentLaw #IntellectualProperty #Songwriting

This week, Universal Music Group (UMG) hit Believe and TuneCore with a $500 million lawsuit, alleging that sped-up versions of their tracks are being distributed without permission. For those of you creating, remixing, or distributing altered tracks, this lawsuit sends a strong message—your content could be at risk if it’s not legally clear.  What does this mean for artists, labels, and digital creators? Original or Cover? The Copyright Line is Blurry: UMG is trying to protect their original sound recordings, but here’s where it gets tricky. Some of these sped-up tracks could be re-recorded covers, not the original recordings at all. If that’s the case, UMG might have no standing over the sound recording rights, though publishers might still claim song rights. This happened to me personally: my label’s track was uploaded in a sped-up version. Initially, I thought it was the original recording. But after reaching out, the uploader showed me that it was actually a re-recorded cover. This changed everything legally. What’s the Takeaway? Verify Before You Post: If you’re altering popular songs, like speeding them up or remixing them, it’s essential to know if it’s an original recording or a cover. Unintentional copyright violations can lead to costly claims, so consider consulting an IP attorney or using music licensing platforms for verification. For Indie Labels and Artists: This lawsuit underscores the importance of being proactive with licensing and copyright agreements for digital use, even for remixes. Taking the time to clarify your rights could save you from unexpected legal battles down the road. Let’s see how this case shakes out and what it means for artists, creators, and distributors in the streaming era. Protect your work, your rights, and your wallet by knowing where you stand on these issues. #CopyrightInfringement #EntertainmentLaw #MusicIndustry #DigitalRights 

In this article, we break down the recent $71 million verdict in favor of the OMG Girlz, who sued MGA Entertainment for copying their unique style in the LOL Surprise OMG Dolls. The case sheds light on the power of trade dress law, a crucial but often overlooked aspect of brand protection. You’ll learn why protecting your brand’s look and feel is just as important as trademarks and copyrights—and how to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to costly legal battles. Perfect for creatives, entrepreneurs, and brands looking to safeguard their identity and stand out in the market. #TradeDress #BrandProtection #OMGGirlz #IPLaw #EntertainmentLaw #LegalInsights #Branding #IntellectualProperty #CreativeRights #EntrepreneurTips #LinkedInLearning #MGAEntertainment #LegalNews

In honor of National Paralegal Day, celebrated on October 23, (a Little Late, but worth it!) I want to take a moment to recognize the invaluable role paralegals play in the legal profession. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary paralegal who not only enhances our practice but is also committed to elevating the paralegal profession. As an attorney, I see firsthand the dedication, expertise, and diligence paralegals bring to their work every day. They’re the backbone of legal teams, carrying out essential research, organizing complex case files, and managing client communications—all of which enable attorneys to focus on case strategy and representation. Paralegals are truly indispensable, and I’m thrilled to support my paralegal in launching a new Facebook group geared toward helping paralegals, aspiring legal professionals, and legal assistants on their journeys. This community is a fantastic opportunity for members to share insights, resources, and support as they navigate the challenges and rewards of this field. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, this group is here to encourage growth, learning, and genuine connection. 👉 Join us here! https://lnkd.in/eJiA5Yr9 Happy belated National Paralegal Day to the unsung heroes of the legal world!