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There have been so many bad managers that it is almost a trope that a band will be harmed by its handlers, at some point.

When Lady Antebellum decided to use their trademarked “Lady A” name, they didn’t know another singer had used the name for many years before its legal action. Litigation ensued.

When a group or singer trademarks a brand for merchandizing and other purposes, it can be a complex and litigious decision.

Many personal and nostalgic items of clothing, instruments, lyric sheets, and even childhood homes with rock provenance are at auction. There are legal issues at every step of the sales.

How does the law treat cancelled concerts, either when the entertainer does perform or even when he dies? This Class reviews a number of such issues.

In the old days, groups would release records and then tour to promote them. While this still happens, the actual practices of releasing the music are shifting due to more savvy business practices and social media opportunities.

When new bands start out, they often get in trouble with the business side of the enterprise. This Class reviews a number of these issues and reports a case study of an indie band’s tour finances.

Rock and Roll has always resisted authority and convention, and angry and coarse language often results. What is the law of hateful or transgressive speech in music?

Sex, drugs, and rock and roll are all related, especially in the many songs about drugs, including drug abuse. The major venue where this plays out is Mexican music and narcocorridos, often glorifying drogero practices.

While most songs trace their roots to Chuck Berry, there is a thriving business in the misappropriation of copyrighted music. How do courts determine copyright violations and then order remedies?