Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California

''Publisher ripping me off''

I signed with a Film & TV library in 2003. This publisher came through an Entertainment Service where you pay $300 a year membership, and then pay $5 a song for them to get you heard.

I found out that the company I belonged to wasn't what it claimed to be, they offer a ''Money Back Guantee'' and I sued them in Small Claims earler this year. To testify for and on behalf of the CEO was my publisher who went against me. These two companies work closely together and our relationship has broke down so much that I want out of my contract. The Head Honcho of this company told me to go through his lawyer. I have to date sent TWO CERTIFIED letters in Pro-Per requesting an accounting copy of any and all placements he claims to have made, and the Royalties actually received from BMI. He owns 100% of my publishing, and I have been told that this guy broke all the rules and ethics with the above. I was gullible and naieve when I signed, I couldn't afford an attorney and what I thought was going to be a really good move has now turned sour on me and I feel I have been taken advantage of.

Is there an attorney out there who can help me through this Legal Maze on Contingency if possible. The fact that I have been ignored isn't right!


Asked on 12/27/06, 6:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth L. MacDowell Law Office of Elizabeth L. MacDowell

Re: ''Publisher ripping me off''

I guess you discovered that you could not afford NOT to retain an attorney. Or, as my grandmother used to say, "don't be penny wise and pound foolish."

To find an attorney, I suggest that you inquire at a CA State Bar certified lawyer referral service. Whether a competent attorney will be willing to work on contingency will depend on a variety of factors, including the likelihood of recovery, the amount at issue, and their analysis of what will be necessary to recover it. If this is a small claims case, it is unlikely to be worth the time. But there may be causes of action you are unaware of.

Here is a link that will get you started on finding a certified referral service: http://www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10182&id=1403

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Answered on 12/27/06, 11:08 pm


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