Art and Media Law

Do you own your streaming content? The answer is more complex than most creators realize. While you own your original creative work, platforms, sponsors, music labels, and game developers may also have legal claims to your streams.

Whether you stream on Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, or other platforms, understanding content ownership is essential for protecting your intellectual property, maximizing revenue, and avoiding costly legal disputes. Millions of dollars in streaming revenue hinge on these ownership questions. (more…)

Video game development today exists in one of the most complex legal environments in the entertainment industry. Intellectual property protection remains the foundation of a game’s value, covering source code, original artwork, music, scripts, and distinctive characters. While copyright safeguards creative expression, it does not extend to gameplay mechanics or systems, which remain in the public domain. This boundary often drives disputes over alleged cloning or misappropriation, especially in mobile markets where iterations arrive quickly. Developers must secure ironclad contracts with employees, freelancers, and contractors, ensuring work‑for‑hire provisions and clear assignments of IP rights. In jurisdictions with strong moral rights protections, additional waivers may be necessary. Comprehensive chain of title documentation is essential for attracting investors, securing publishing deals, and defending against infringement claims. (more…)

Film financing relies on more than just raising money; it depends on security in the underlying rights. Without a clear chain of title, investors face the risk of losing their returns due to disputes, injunctions, or licensing complications. Production companies must verify that every creative element — from script and concept to music and trademarks — is properly owned, licensed, or cleared before funds can be committed. This process often runs parallel with securing financing agreements, as financiers seek warranties and representations that rights are fully protected. Delays or uncertainty in rights clearance can derail pre‑production schedules, impair distribution deals, and even expose producers to costly litigation. In today’s increasingly global production environment, cross‑border rights considerations and multiple jurisdiction laws add further complexity to getting a film financed and distributed. (more…)