Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California
Hello people, I hope that there is someone here who can help me with a problem.
The problem is with a very well known musician/celebrity with whom I have a very long relationship with. I helped him write his auto-biography and now he is refusing to give me credit including not paying me for 4 years of work. It started out that I would transcribe his stories to paper but then morphed into actually editing and conducting interviews of many well known musicians and promoters and important people in his life. The problem is there was no contract between us. Besides him telling me his life story, I did 100% of the work on my dime. Now he has refused to compensate me for my work. This man is one of the most sucessful musicians and a top Grammy winner. I tried contacting the best and most powerful attorneys in the entertainment business but later realized that it was his attorneys. Would appreciate any advise.
1 Answer from Attorneys
You need to consult with an attorney in your area. Not all contacts have to be written; oral contacts can be just as enforceable if the terms can be proven. The fact he allowed you to do work for him over an extended period of time certainly is in your favor. Also there may be writings between you, things like emails, letters, etc. There's also a legal doctrine called quantum meruit that essentially means you should be entitled to the value of what you provided him. Again, consult with an attorney in your area for specific advice.
Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise
Franchise Attorney
Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise
Franchise Attorney
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