HOW TO SET UP AN ESTATE TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MUSIC CATALOGUE: LESSONS FROM MICHAEL JACKSON
Michael Jackson was not just one of the most influential artists of all time, he also built one of the most valuable music estates in history. Years after his passing, his catalogue continues to generate significant revenue through licensing, publishing, and brand-related deals.
This didn’t happen by accident.
It was the result of ownership, structure, and long-term planning. Here are the key principles behind it and how they apply to any serious creative.
1. Know What You Own
Before you can protect or transfer your assets, you need clarity on what you actually own. This includes:
- Master recordings
- Publishing rights
- Trademarks and likeness rights
- Unreleased works
In Michael Jackson’s case, ownership extended beyond his own music, including stakes in other catalogues.
Clarity of ownership is the foundation of any estate plan.
2. Use a Holding Company
Michael Jackson’s intellectual property was not held casually in his personal name. Instead, it was structured through corporate entities. A music IP holding company can:
- Centralize ownership
- Simplify licensing and deal-making
- Provide liability protection
- Make transfers of ownership more efficient
3. Establish a Trust
One of the most important elements of Jackson’s estate planning was the use of a trust. A trust allows you to:
- Control how assets are managed after your lifetime
- Avoid probate delays
- Maintain privacy over your estate
- Clearly define beneficiaries and distribution
This ensures continuity, especially for assets that continue generating income.
4. Appoint the Right Executors
After his passing, Jackson’s estate was managed by experienced professionals, including John Branca and John McClain. This highlights a critical point:
Your estate is only as strong as the people managing it.
Executors should have legal understanding, industry experience, and commercial awareness. They are responsible for protecting, negotiating, and growing the value of your catalogue.
5. Plan for Monetization
A music estate is not static. It is an active commercial asset. Michael Jackson’s catalogue continues to earn through:
- Sync licensing
- Posthumous releases
- Merchandise
- Brand partnerships
A proper estate plan should define:
- What types of deals are permitted
- How unreleased material can be used
- How your image and likeness can be commercialized
Building a music estate is not just about preserving assets. It is about preserving value.
Michael Jackson’s legacy shows that with the right structure, a catalogue can continue to generate income and cultural relevance long after an artist’s lifetime.
For creatives, the takeaway is clear:
Own your rights. Structure your assets. Choose the right people. Plan for the future.
Because your catalogue is not just your work - it is your legacy.
