Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professor Jay Rosenthal

J.D. Course 137 | 3 credit hours

This course will provide an in-depth overview of the many facets that comprise entertainment law, including copyright, contracts and anti-trust issues. We will primarily examine the music, film and television industries and explore how the various players use contracts to protect their rights and interests; how digital innovation and technology has dramatically transformed the production, distribution and discovery of talent; discuss the intersection of law, public policy and business as it pertains to a variety of copyright and intellectual property issues that confront these industries. We will examine the roles of agents, managers, promoters and others who are responsible for connecting talent with projects and with the public, including the ethical concerns for practitioners who are sometimes drawn into more than simply practicing law. Class participation is encouraged and will form some part of the grade. The text will be Biederman et. al., Law and Business of the Entertainment Industries, Praeger/Greenwood, 5th Edition, CY-2007 along with supplemental materials. Both case law and other readings will be included, as well as redacted licensing, recording and other personal services agreements.

Prerequisite: Prior enrollment in one or more of the following courses: Copyright Law or Trademark Law.