Entertainment law, also referred to as media law is legal services provided to the entertainment industry. These services in entertainment law overlap with intellectual property law. Intellectual property has many moving parts that include trademarks, copyright, and the "Right of Publicity". However, the practice of entertainment law often involves questions of employment law, contract law, torts, labor law, bankruptcy law, immigration, securities law, security interests, agency, right of privacy, defamation, advertising, criminal law, tax law, International law (especially Private international law), and insurance law.
Much of the work of an entertainment law practice is transaction based, i.e., drafting contracts, negotiation and mediation. Some situations may lead to litigation or arbitration.
As the popularity of media became widespread, the field of media law became more popular and needed leaving certain corporate professionals wanting to participate more in media. As a result, many young lawyers fledged into media law which allowed them the opportunity to increase connections in media, and the opportunity to become a media presenter or an acting role if such an opportunity arose. As technology continues to make huge advancements, many lawsuits have begun to arise which makes the demand for lawyers extremely necessary.
- Strategic advice, representation and advocacy on policy, legislative and regulatory initiatives in the broadcasting, media and entertainment sectors.
- Broadcasting licence applications and authorisations
- Applications, modifications and renewals of spectrum licences and other radio approvals
- Licensing and Distribution agreements for all platforms, including transactional video on demand, pay television, subscription video on demand.
- Content acquisition
- Advertising
- Broadcasting agreements
- Music recording and licensing deals
- Sponsorship and TV
- Film co-production arrangements
- Script development agreements
- Director and talent agreements
- Presenter agreements
- Production agreements
- Format licence agreements
- Releases
- Film option agreements
- Pre-sale agreements and film financing and securitization arrangements
- Advertising, sponsorship and barter arrangements as well as advertising and promotional compliance and contracting
- Publishing agreements
- Regulatory support in respect of mergers and acquisitions and financing arrangements as well as advice on securing regulatory and competition law in the broadcasting, media and entertainment sector.