Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California

My daughter is a minor and we were given a contract for the her music career. The contract states that there is a percentage that will be given to her for record sales and concert revenew. They left it blank. Are we supposed to pick a number? Did they do that on purpose? What should we put?


Asked on 10/05/09, 8:19 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Gordon Firemark Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark

The applicable royalty rates depend on many factors. It's not something "standard".

You NEED a lawyer experienced in the industry to evaluate the whole contract and help you determine the appropriate rate(s).

These contracts can be very onerous. Get some help. Otherwise, your daughter (and / or YOU) can be tied up for 7-10 years in a bad contract.

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Answered on 10/06/09, 12:10 am
Keith E. Cooper Keith E. Cooper, Esq.

Any blanks in the contract are subject to negotiation, and you should discuss those things with the other side before you put in anything.

If you have not already done so, you should contact an experienced music lawyer to represent you in the negotiations. These contracts are very complicated and the music industry is subject to special rules. If you attempt to "save money" by doing this yourself, you will pay for it in the bad deal you make.

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Answered on 10/06/09, 1:07 pm


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