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Stay informed with the latest insights on music law, industry trends, contract tips, and legal guidance for artists and creatives.

21 articles
Featured Article
Should I Trademark My Artist Name? A 2026 Guide
Copyright & IPJan 22, 202614 min read

Should I Trademark My Artist Name? A 2026 Guide

Music is no longer just about sound — it's a brand economy. In 2025 alone, more than 820,000 trademark applications were filed with the USPTO, and a growing share came from independent artists. Learn when and why trademarking becomes essential.

Randy Ojeda

Entertainment Attorney

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Latest Articles
Trademark Artist Name Cost: A Detailed Look for Musicians in 2026
Copyright & IP
Jan 15, 202618 min read

Trademark Artist Name Cost: A Detailed Look for Musicians in 2026

The cost of trademarking an artist name isn't fixed — it shifts with classes, filings, and mistakes along the way. Over 40% of first-time applications face re-filing fees. This guide breaks down every dollar from first filing to renewal.

Randy Ojeda
Can I Break My Record Label Contract?
Contracts
Jan 12, 202614 min read

Can I Break My Record Label Contract?

Artists often ask, can I break my record label contract? The answer isn't simply yes or no. Contracts with a record company are binding legal agreements that may allow exits only in certain situations.

Randy Ojeda
How to Trademark an Artist Name in 2026
Copyright & IP
Jan 8, 202616 min read

How to Trademark an Artist Name in 2026

More than 11 million artists are tracked on music platforms today. Spend years building a following under your artist name, and someone else could use that exact same name tomorrow. Learn the complete process for trademark protection.

Randy Ojeda
How to Copyright an Album in 2026
Copyright & IP
Jan 5, 202622 min read

How to Copyright an Album in 2026

Over 500,000 albums get released every year, but a huge chunk never get properly copyrighted. Learn the complete process including GRAM registration, the difference between musical works and sound recordings, and why registration matters for licensing.

Randy Ojeda
How Much Does It Cost to Copyright an Album in 2026?
Copyright & IP
Jan 2, 202614 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Copyright an Album in 2026?

Getting an album copyrighted isn't as straightforward as most musicians think. The U.S. Copyright Office processed over 480,000 sound recording claims in 2024 alone. Learn the real costs from $45 single filings to GRAM registration and when professional help is worth it.

Randy Ojeda
What Is a Fair Music Publishing Deal in the USA?
Royalties
Dec 30, 202515 min read

What Is a Fair Music Publishing Deal in the USA?

A fair music publishing deal sits at the intersection of money, control, transparency, and exit rights. This guide explains what music publishing is, how it works, what a music publisher does, and how to judge whether a deal is truly fair.

Randy Ojeda
What to Look for in a Record Label Contract
Contracts
Dec 29, 202516 min read

What to Look for in a Record Label Contract

Understanding what to look for in a record label contract can shape the entire future of an artist's career. This guide explains ownership, income, creative control, and career mobility in record deals.

Randy Ojeda
How to Negotiate a Music Contract in 2026
Contracts
Dec 28, 202516 min read

How to Negotiate a Music Contract in 2026

88% of recording artists never see a dime beyond their initial advance. The difference between artists who build sustainable careers and those who struggle isn't always talent—it comes down to understanding contract negotiation.

Randy Ojeda
How to Get Out of a Bad Record Deal
Contracts
Dec 26, 202515 min read

How to Get Out of a Bad Record Deal

Signing a record deal is often treated like a finish line. For many artists, it turns out to be the starting point of years of frustration. This guide explains realistic legal and strategic options for artists who want to exit or renegotiate a bad record deal.

Randy Ojeda
What Is a Good Record Deal Percentage?
Royalties
Dec 22, 202518 min read

What Is a Good Record Deal Percentage?

A good record deal percentage depends on what that percentage measures, what the label pays for, and how the contract calculates royalties after recoupment. This guide covers USA benchmarks, contract math, and red flags.

Randy Ojeda
Are 360 Deals Bad for Artists?
Contracts
Dec 9, 202517 min read

Are 360 Deals Bad for Artists?

The discussion over whether 360 deals are bad for artists has strengthened as major labels depend on these contracts to secure revenue from every corner of an artist's career. This guide unpacks how 360 deals work, who they benefit, and what to consider before signing.

Randy Ojeda
What Is a 360 Deal in Music: Complete Guide for U.S. Artists
Contracts
Dec 4, 202518 min read

What Is a 360 Deal in Music: Complete Guide for U.S. Artists

A 360 deal in music is a wide-reaching agreement where a record label collects earnings from several parts of an artist's career, far beyond recorded music. This guide explains what a 360 deal means, its key features, and what U.S. artists should examine before signing.

Randy Ojeda
How to Copyright Your Music in 2026
Copyright & IP
Dec 2, 202518 min read

How to Copyright Your Music in 2026

The global music copyright market hit $47 billion in 2026, beating out movie box office sales. Yet tons of musicians still don't understand how to copyright their music properly. This guide covers registration, protection levels, and modern challenges.

Randy Ojeda
How Much Does a Music Lawyer Cost in 2026?
Contracts
Nov 28, 202514 min read

How Much Does a Music Lawyer Cost in 2026?

Streaming brought in over $14.2 billion last year, yet many musicians still get blindsided by legal costs. This guide breaks down hourly rates, flat fees, retainers, and percentage deals so you know what to expect.

Randy Ojeda
How to Trademark a Band Name and Logo
Copyright & IP
Nov 19, 202520 min read

How to Trademark a Band Name and Logo

Securing your band's name and logo through trademark registration is the most reliable way to protect your creative identity. This guide walks you through the exact legal path from conducting a clearance search to final registration.

Randy Ojeda
How to Trademark Your Rap Name: A Clear U.S. Guide for 2025
Copyright & IP
Nov 5, 202516 min read

How to Trademark Your Rap Name: A Clear U.S. Guide for 2025

Every year, thousands of artists lose their brand rights because their stage names were never registered. Learn the step-by-step process to trademark your rap name, including USPTO search, filing, specimens, and costs.

Randy Ojeda
Why Flat-Fee Legal Services Make Sense for Indie Artists
Guides
Nov 3, 20256 min read

Why Flat-Fee Legal Services Make Sense for Indie Artists

Navigating the music industry as an independent artist is tough enough—so why should legal help make it harder? We've replaced unpredictable hourly billing with transparent flat-fee services.

Randy Ojeda
The Smarter Way to Stay Protected in Music
Guides
Nov 2, 20255 min read

The Smarter Way to Stay Protected in Music

Think of it as having a lawyer on speed dial—without breaking the bank. Our subscription plans were built specifically for artists, producers, and creatives who need ongoing legal help.

Randy Ojeda
Hourly Legal Fees Are Out. Here's What Artists Should Do Instead.
Guides
Nov 1, 20256 min read

Hourly Legal Fees Are Out. Here's What Artists Should Do Instead.

The traditional legal model wasn't built for music professionals—it was built for corporate clients with deep pockets. Our flat-fee and subscription options were created with indie artists in mind.

Randy Ojeda
How Long Do Record Contracts Last?
Contracts
Jan 16, 202512 min read

How Long Do Record Contracts Last?

How long do record contracts last is one of the most misunderstood questions in the music industry. Some artists assume a record deal ends after one album. Others believe signing to a record label means a lifetime commitment. The reality sits between those extremes.

Randy Ojeda

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