Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

Unreleased song stolen by popular music producer

I'm a struggling musician and have been performing live locally for a few years. I signed a contract with a ''manager''. The contract was specific to assisting with promotions and scheduling gigs only. My manager got in touch with a popular jazz producer who was interested in my talents, we went to his home in Beverly Hills and recorded MY songs which I had already been performing live (although not released publicly via CD or internet). Once the CD was finished my ''manager'' tried to coerce me into signing a ''recording contract'' with her. I refused and the CD died. The producer sold my song to another musician and produced, recorded, and released the song and is now making money off of it. They didn't even bother to change the name of the song or change up the ''hook'' at all. Its 100% positively MY song. Compulsory license can't be an issue because it was never released publicly. What can I do? I just want justice. Are there intellectual property attorneys out there willing to take on a case on a contingency basis? I've since registered the song with US Copyright. I believe there was a contract between my manager and the producer but neither will give me a copy. She's probably making money off of it too by now. Thank you.


Asked on 1/24/08, 3:26 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Joel Selik www.SelikLaw.com

Re: Unreleased song stolen by popular music producer

Was there any agreement between you and any of these people? If not, and this can be proven, you should sue.

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Answered on 1/24/08, 3:49 pm
Joel Selik www.SelikLaw.com

Re: Unreleased song stolen by popular music producer

Was there any agreement between you and any of these people? If not, and this can be proven, you should sue.

Read more
Answered on 1/24/08, 3:49 pm


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