Resources and Links

  1. Intellectual Property Resources

    Intellectual property is a legal concept that includes copyright, trademark and patent, and related rights. Under intellectual property law, the holder of one these abstract "properties" has certain exclusive rights to the creative work, commercial symbol, or invention which is covered by it. The following links will provide basic information on these concepts answer to many of your questions.

    United States Copyright Office

    United States Patent and Trademark Office

  2. Entertainment Contracts Resources

    Entertainment contracts can take on many forms, such as a recording contract, management agreement, co-publishing deal or a producer declaration. The terms differ based on the parties involved and an artist or a company should never take one of these agreements “off of the shelf” and consult with an attorney before executing any agreement. The following links will help provide a basic understanding of these agreements as well as inform you artists out there what to be on the lookout for.

    For the basics of a recording contract

    For Artist Education

  3. Business Law and Corporate Formation Resources

    Business law encompasses the law governing contracts, sales, commercial paper, agency and employment law, business organizations, property, and bailments. Business law includes issues such as starting, selling, or buying a small business, managing a business, dealing with employees, or dealing with contracts, among others.

    There are many different types of corporate entities recognized in the state of New York and throughout the country. It is important to consult with an attorney regarding which corporate entity will best suit your business purposes, the tax implications of each entity and the state requirements that your company must abide by. The following links will allow you access to all the forms required to start your own business and answer many of your questions.

    To search for a company name and access to all relevant business forms check out the New York Department of State

    NYC Small Business Resource Center