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Take a look at our
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From Inception,

we have excelled in nurturing new businesses and ensuring smooth operations for music entrepreneurs. Our team is dedicated to delivering top-notch legal services with a commitment to professionalism, pragmatism, and fairness.

 

 
  • HighTower Solicitors & Advocates passionately advocates for bankable talents and investors, shaping a dynamic and secure future for the music industry in Africa. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, integrity, and collaboration sets them apart. Whether it’s record label formation, licensing, royalty disputes, or intellectual property issues, HighTower delivers top-notch legal services with professionalism and pragmatism.
    Chidi Obi
  • Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, a senior associate at HighTower, breathes, drinks, and eats music law. His representation of recording artists, songwriters, producers, and talent managers is unparalleled. Akinyemi’s past experience as a songwriter and performer gives him unique insights. He’s also designed educational resources for record producers and beatmakers, emphasizing the value of intellectual property rights.
    Amina Kamara
  • HighTower Solicitors & Advocates empowers clients to secure their bag. With hit-making producer clients from Afrobeats and a focus on intellectual property rights, they’re shaping the music industry’s future. Akinyemi Ayinoluwa’s zeal for education extends to the “Secure the Bag Program,” benefiting record producers and beatmakers. Trust HighTower for music law expertise!
    Kwame Osei

Our Expertise

Record Label Formation

Record labels play a crucial role in the music industry. When forming a record label, artists need to consider legal aspects such as business structure (e.g., LLC, corporation), contracts with artists, distribution agreements, and intellectual property rights. Music lawyers assist in drafting and negotiating these contracts, ensuring fair terms for both parties.

Licensing

Licensing is fundamental in music. It involves obtaining permission to use copyrighted music in various contexts (e.g., radio, streaming platforms, live performances). Music lawyers help artists secure licenses for their compositions and sound recordings, ensuring proper compensation and compliance with copyright laws.

Sample Clearance

Sampling existing music in new compositions requires clearance. Music lawyers navigate the complex process of obtaining permissions from original copyright holders. Proper sample clearance avoids legal disputes and ensures artists can use samples without infringement.

Performing Rights Organization

Royalties are essential income streams for artists. Music lawyers resolve disputes related to royalty calculations, unpaid royalties, and contractual disagreements. They advocate for artists’ rights and ensure fair compensation from record labels, streaming services, and performance rights organizations.

Intellectual Property Issues

Music lawyers handle intellectual property matters, including copyright infringement claims, cease-and-desist letters, and defending artists’ rights. They advise on fair use, transformative works, and digital distribution.

Business Formation

Establishing a music-related business involves legal considerations. Whether it’s a music publishing company, a recording studio, or a concert promotion agency, artists and entrepreneurs must choose the right legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation). Music lawyers guide them through registration, compliance, and tax matters.

Copyright Trademark Registration and Maintenance

Artists should protect their creative works through copyright registration. Music lawyers assist in registering compositions and sound recordings with the U.S. Copyright Office. Additionally, they handle trademark registration for artist names, logos, and merchandise, safeguarding brand identity.

Royalty Disputes

Royalties are essential income streams for artists. Music lawyers resolve disputes related to royalty calculations, unpaid royalties, and contractual disagreements. They advocate for artists’ rights and ensure fair compensation from record labels, streaming services, and performance rights organizations.

Drafting, Reviewing, and Negotiating Contracts

Contracts are the backbone of the music industry. Music lawyers assist in drafting and reviewing contracts, including recording agreements, publishing deals, management contracts, and licensing agreements. Their expertise ensures artists’ interests are protected.

Soundtrack Contracts for Film and TV and much more..

Music in film and TV requires specific contracts. Music lawyers negotiate synchronization licenses, ensuring music fits seamlessly with visual content. These contracts cover fees, duration, and rights.

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