Legal Aspects of the Music Industry

This course introduces students to the core legal principles and frameworks that govern the music industry. Topics will include intellectual property law (with a focus on copyright and trademark), contracts, licensing, and the business and legal considerations involved in setting up and operating a music business. Students will also study related legal concepts such as the right of publicity, which protects an individual’s name, image, and likeness and plays an increasingly important role in the industry. Core areas of focus will include exclusive rights under copyright, the licenses derived from them, and how these licenses connect to revenue streams. Students will examine the fundamentals of contract law and key agreements across recording, publishing, licensing, and performance. Additional topics will include band agreements, registering a name,  trademark, copyright, tax implications for artists, and the evolving impact of emerging technologies—such as generative AI—on ownership, authorship, and likeness. This course equips students with the essential knowledge needed to navigate the legal and business landscape of the music industry.