Insights

New York State Bar EASL Diversity Committee on Music Sampling & Co-Authorship

March 23, 2016
Barry Werbin
Herrick, Feinstein LLP

2 Park Avenue

New York City

The New York State Bar EASL Diversity Committee presented, "Protecting Your Share, Respecting What's Fair: Sampling and Co-Authorship in Pop, Urban, and Dance Music - Relevant Legal Precedent and Practical Legal Tips" for songwriters, artists, and producers. The panelists were Barry Werbin, Esq., Herrick Feinstein, Judith Finell, musicologist, Richard Chused, professor, New York School of Law, Dorothy Weber, Esq., Shukat Arrow Hafer Weber & Herbsman, L.L.P, and Michael “Blue” Williams, CEO, Family Tree Entertainment.

Topics included:

  • Relevant precedent and the court's current take on sampling and co-authorship.
  • The history of master recording and song sampling in urban, hip hop, and pop music.
  • How to claim your rights to your contribution to a song.
  • How and when to clear a sample before using it for your song.
  • Understanding the songwriting process so as to best counsel songwriter/artist clients.