Legal Question in Entertainment Law in New York
I have just started to manage a music vocalist named Annette Taylor. She has been a studio back up singer and has done no fewer than 40 studio sessions with many producers over the last 20 years. She was paid minimal fees for her vocal work in the studio and was always promised points if the vocals were ever used. We have documentation of many of the agreements.
as far as she knew these vocals were never made into songs and were never played ont he radio or had any success and she was never contacted by any of the producers. She has never had a record contract either.
While doing my research on my client I found out that many of those vocals were indeed made into songs. I found her entire discography and her vocals have sold very well on the dance music circuit. DJs' have been remixing amd releasing her songs on albums since the early 90's. I have documented 115 different compilations released with at least one of her songs on all 115. I counted 61 different record companies who released these albums. There are 20 different songs with my clients vocals on them in 55 different versions and remixes. My client hasnt received 1 penny in Royalties for these songs.
I know there is a statute of limitations for suing for Royalties but my client was unaware that the songs were even created let alone being sold worldwide by 60 different record lablels. Most of these songs were released many years after they were recorded. My question is do we have a chance of recouping any of those funds for these albums that were sold? Do you know anyone who wants to take on this case?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Your question is a bit complex since a number of legal issues are raised. Please feel free to contact me and I'd be pleased to discuss your situation further. Statutes of limitation would not necessarily have run on your artist's claims.
I agree with Steven Mark, in that there are many legal issues that must be considered in attempting to recover royalty payments. I am an experienced Intellectual Property attorney and I would be happy to consult with you to further determine the merit of a copyright infringement action. Feel free to contact my office for additional details.
COMMENTS MADE HEREIN ARE NEITHER LEGAL OPINION NOR DO THEY ESTABLISH AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP.