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Entertainment Law

Entertainment Attorney Protecting Your Creative Work, Rights, and Career

Covington Law helps artists, creators, producers, and entertainment professionals protect their work, careers, and business interests. From contracts and licensing to publishing and disputes, we provide clear legal guidance built around your goals.

Schedule your consultation today and discover how Covington Law can help you move forward with confidence.

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20+ yrs

at Covington law

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ENTERTAINMENT LAW IN NORTH CAROLINA

You focus on creating. We handle everything else.

When a contract, deal, or dispute puts your work and career on the line, the last thing you should have to manage is a label, studio, or partner built to protect their own interests first. Covington Law steps in immediately, reviewing your agreements, protecting your rights, and negotiating on your behalf so you can focus on creating.

From the moment you reach out, you work directly with your legal team through each stage of the matter, with communication and strategy tailored to your goals.

CASES WE HANDLE

Entertainment law takes many forms. We handle yours.

Recording Contracts

A recording contract can be one of the most important agreements an artist ever signs. The right deal can launch a career, while an unfavorable one can cost you ownership of your masters, a fair share of your royalties, and control over your creative direction for years to come.

Music Publishing

Your songs are valuable assets, and publishing agreements determine how those assets generate income and who controls them. Publishing deals, administration agreements, and co-writing arrangements can shape your royalties and ownership for the life of your catalog.

Licensing & Sync

Licensing your content for film, television, advertising, video games, and online media can be a powerful source of income and exposure. But the terms of a license determine how your work is used, for how long, and how much you are paid.

Producer & Beat Agreements

Producers and beatmakers are central to today’s music, yet their agreements are often unclear or nonexistent. Whether you are selling beats, producing tracks, or collaborating on a project, well-drafted agreements protect your ownership, your royalties, and your credit.

Artist Management

A manager can be one of the most influential figures in your career, which makes your management agreement one of the most important contracts you will sign. The terms determine how much you pay, how long the relationship lasts, and what happens if it ends.

Booking & Touring

Live performances and touring are a major source of income and exposure, and the agreements behind them deserve just as much attention as any recording deal. Booking agreements, performance contracts, and touring arrangements all carry important legal and financial terms.

Distribution & Streaming

How your work reaches audiences, and how you are paid for it, depends heavily on your distribution and streaming agreements. These deals determine where your content appears, how revenue is shared, and how long the arrangement lasts.

Copyright Protection

Copyright is the foundation of your rights as a creator. It protects your songs, recordings, films, writing, and other original work, and it determines who can use, sell, or profit from what you create.

ADDITIONAL ENTERTAINMENT LAW MATTERS WE HANDLE:

Entertainment Law Guidance for Artists, Creators, and Professionals

In the entertainment industry, a single agreement can define your career for years to come. One unfavorable contract, an unprotected copyright, an unclear licensing term, or an overlooked clause can cost you ownership of your work, your royalties, and control over your creative future. When your career is on the line, you should not have to face powerful labels, studios, and their legal teams alone.

Your Career Deserves a Personal Strategy

No two entertainment matters are the same. We take time to understand your work, your goals, your business relationships, and the agreements that shape your career. From there, we develop a legal strategy designed around protecting your interests and helping you move forward with confidence.

We assist artists, musicians, producers, managers, creators, and entertainment professionals with recording agreements, publishing, licensing, management contracts, touring, distribution, royalties, brand protection, and creative-industry disputes.

Labels, studios, managers, publishers, and business partners often enter negotiations with their own interests in mind. We review the terms, identify potential risks, and negotiate on your behalf so you can make informed decisions about your work and career.

Covington Law reviews contracts, clarifies ownership rights, identifies licensing issues, and helps resolve disputes when agreements break down. Our goal is to protect both your creative work and the business behind it.

You receive clear communication throughout the process so you understand your agreements, options, and next steps. We stay focused on protecting your rights while helping you pursue your professional goals.

Trusted Entertainment Attorneys for Artists, Creators, and Industry Leaders

In the entertainment industry, a single agreement can define your career for years to come. One unfavorable contract, an unprotected copyright, an unclear licensing term, or an overlooked clause can cost you ownership of your work, your royalties, and control over your creative future. When your career is on the line, you should not have to face powerful labels, studios, and their legal teams alone.

At Covington Law, we believe every artist and creator deserves knowledgeable legal guidance and relentless advocacy. Our mission is simple: protect your intellectual property, secure fair and favorable terms, and help you build a long-term, successful career on your own terms.

Our attorneys understand that no two creative careers are alike. Every artist has a unique vision, different goals, and their own path in the industry. That is why we take a personalized approach to every client we represent. We begin by listening. We learn about your work, your ambitions, your existing agreements, and where you want your career to go. Then we build a comprehensive legal strategy designed to protect your rights and position you for lasting success.

Whether you are negotiating a recording contract, publishing deal, licensing or sync agreement, management contract, producer agreement, distribution deal, or influencer partnership, or protecting your copyrights and trademarks, our legal team has the experience, resources, and industry knowledge to advocate on your behalf.

Labels, studios, and agencies often move quickly when a deal is on the table. Their representatives may seem friendly, but their primary objective is protecting their own interests, not your future. They may push you to sign quickly, bury unfavorable terms in complex language, claim ownership of your work, or minimize your share of royalties and rights. Without experienced legal representation, many creatives unknowingly sign agreements that cost them ownership, income, and creative control for years.

Covington Law levels the playing field. Our attorneys carefully review every agreement, identify unfavorable terms, protect your intellectual property, clarify ownership and royalties, and negotiate strongly with labels, studios, and partners. When a dispute arises, we are fully prepared to protect your rights and pursue the outcome you deserve.

Our commitment extends beyond a single contract. We know that building a lasting career involves far more than signing one deal. Throughout our representation, we remain accessible, responsive, and committed to keeping you informed. You will always know where things stand, what to expect next, and how we are working to protect your interests.

Every client we represent is backed by thorough preparation, strategic advocacy, and a genuine commitment to helping them build a lasting career. We understand that choosing the right entertainment attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make, and we work every day to earn the trust our clients place in us.
Every client we represent is backed by thorough preparation, strategic advocacy, and a genuine commitment to helping them build a lasting career. We understand that choosing the right entertainment attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make, and we work every day to earn the trust our clients place in us.
Contact Covington Law today to schedule your free entertainment evaluation. We will review your situation, explain your legal options, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about your career. Reach out online, by phone, or by text, with no commitment and no pressure.
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Covington Law proudly represents creatives in matters involving

Recording Contracts

Music Publishing Deals

Licensing & Sync Agreements

Producer & Beat Agreements

Artist Management Contracts

Booking & Touring Deals

Distribution Agreements

Copyright Protection

Trademark & Branding

Royalty Disputes

Content Licensing

Influencer & Brand Deals

Film & TV Production

Merchandising Rights

Talent Representation

Rights & Clearances

Streaming & Digital Rights

Contract Disputes

IP Infringement Claims

Creative Ownership Disputes

Cases We Handle

Why Choose Covington Law as Your Entertainment Law Attorney?

Covington Law helps artists, creators, producers, and entertainment professionals protect their work, careers, and business interests. From contracts and licensing to publishing and disputes, we provide clear legal guidance built around your goals.

No Upfront Fees | Confidential | Here for You

01

Contracts and Rights Matter

A successful claim generally requires showing that someone owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused legally recoverable harm.

02

Protect Your Creative Rights

We help safeguard ownership, licensing rights, royalties, and other interests connected to your work.

03

We Review Every Detail

From recording and publishing deals to management and licensing agreements, we identify terms that may affect your career.

04

We Handle Negotiations

Our team communicates with labels, managers, studios, producers, and other parties while advocating for your interests.

05

Guidance From Start to Finish

You receive clear communication and legal guidance tailored to your creative and professional goals.

Your work deserves protection.

Why Choose Covington Law as Your Entertainment Attorney?

Choosing the right entertainment attorney can make a significant difference in the trajectory of your career. In a fast-moving industry, you need more than legal representation, you need a trusted partner who understands the creative world, knows how deals are structured, and has the experience and determination to protect your work and negotiate the terms you deserve.
At Covington Law, we recognize that every client who comes to us has a unique story. Behind every artist is a vision, a body of work, and real questions about ownership, royalties, and what comes next. Our goal is to remove as much of that uncertainty as possible by providing knowledgeable legal guidance, clear communication, and strong representation from the moment you contact us until your matter is resolved.
Our firm is built on integrity, preparation, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for every client. Whether your matter is resolved through negotiation or requires formal dispute resolution, you can trust that our legal team is fully invested in protecting your future.

In This Section

A Personalized Legal Strategy for Every Client

No two entertainment matters are exactly alike. The nature of your work, the terms of your agreements, your creative goals, and your long-term plans all deserve careful consideration. That is why we never rely on a one-size-fits-all approach.
When you choose Covington Law, we begin by listening. We take the time to understand how your work fits into your broader career, from your creative goals and income to your brand and your future. Using that information, we develop a legal strategy tailored specifically to your goals and the facts of your situation.

You will never be treated like just another client. Our attorneys remain accessible throughout your matter, providing regular updates, answering your questions, and ensuring you always know what to expect next.

Experienced Representation Across a Wide Range of Entertainment Matters

Our attorneys represent clients in virtually every area of entertainment law, working with artists and creators across North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and beyond, including:
No matter how complex your situation may seem, our team has the resources and determination to thoroughly review your agreements, protect your intellectual property, and pursue the strongest possible terms on your behalf.

We Prepare Every Matter as Though It May Be Disputed

Many entertainment matters are resolved through negotiation. However, successful negotiations often begin with thorough preparation.
Labels, studios, and their legal teams closely evaluate whether an attorney is willing and prepared to protect a client’s rights if a dispute arises. At Covington Law, we prepare every matter as if it may one day be challenged. We review agreements in detail, document ownership and rights, research the industry standard, and build a strong position supported by the facts.
This level of preparation strengthens our negotiating position and demonstrates that we are committed to pursuing the outcome our clients deserve.

Strong Advocacy With Labels, Studios, and Partners

Labels, studios, and agencies rely on experienced executives, agents, and attorneys whose primary objective is to secure the most favorable terms for their own side. They may attempt to claim ownership of your work, reduce your royalties, add restrictive clauses, or pressure you to sign before you fully understand a deal.
Our attorneys understand these tactics and know how to respond effectively. We handle communications with the other side, protect you from unfair terms, and negotiate strongly to secure and protect:
Our objective is simple: help ensure your agreements reflect the full value of your work and career, not just what the other side is willing to offer.

Clear Communication Every Step of the Way

Legal matters can feel overwhelming, especially while you are focused on creating and building your career. We believe clients deserve transparency, honesty, and consistent communication throughout the process.
At Covington Law, you will receive:
We know that peace of mind comes from understanding your options, and we are committed to ensuring you never feel left in the dark.

A Team Focused on Your Career

Building a lasting career involves much more than signing a single deal. It requires protecting your work, securing fair income, safeguarding your brand, and planning confidently for your future.
Our legal team works diligently so you can focus on what matters most, your craft. While we review your agreements, protect your intellectual property, negotiate with labels and partners, and manage the legal process, you can concentrate on creating and growing your career.
When appropriate, we also coordinate with managers, agents, business managers, accountants, and other trusted professionals to help protect the full value of your work and your long-term interests.

Industry Knowledge Matters

Licensed in North Carolina and Washington, D.C., Covington Law understands the contracts, industry standards, business practices, and legal issues that frequently shape entertainment matters, from local creative scenes to national deals.
Our familiarity with how the industry works, how deals are structured, and where creatives are most often taken advantage of allows us to provide informed guidance tailored to the unique circumstances of your career.

Whether you are signing with a label, licensing your content, launching a brand, producing a film, or building an audience online, we understand the industry factors that can influence your rights and your future.

A Partnership Built Around You

When you are focused on your career, the last thing you should worry about is whether you can access experienced legal guidance when you need it.
Covington Law is built on a client-first, partnership approach. That means:
This allows every artist and creator, no matter where they are in their career, to access experienced legal representation when they need it most.

Our Commitment to Every Client

At Covington Law, success is measured by more than deals and outcomes. It is measured by the trust our clients place in us, the relationships we build, and the careers we help protect and grow.

From your first consultation until your matter is resolved, you will have a legal team that is committed to:

01

Treating you with respect and understanding

02

Providing honest legal advice

03

Protecting your rights and your work

04

Securing the strongest possible terms

05

Holding the other side accountable

06

Helping you build your career with confidence

Your career is our priority, and protecting your work becomes our mission.

If your creative work, rights, or career is at stake, do not wait to seek experienced legal guidance. Contact Covington Law today for a free entertainment evaluation and learn how our attorneys can help you protect your work and build lasting success.

Cases We Handle

Types of Entertainment Cases We Handle

In the entertainment industry, the terms of a single agreement can affect your career for years to come. Ownership of your work, your royalties, your creative control, and your reputation can all hinge on the details of a contract. At Covington Law, we believe no artist or creator should have to navigate those stakes alone.
Our experienced entertainment attorneys represent individual artists, creators, and industry professionals across North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and beyond in a wide range of matters. Whether your situation involves a record deal, a licensing agreement, a copyright issue, or a contract dispute, our legal team has the experience and industry knowledge to protect your rights and pursue the terms you deserve.
Every entertainment matter begins with a careful review. We take the time to understand exactly what you have created, what your goals are, who else may have a stake in your work, and what the agreements on the table actually say. While many matters are resolved through negotiation, we prepare every one as though it may one day be challenged.
No matter how complex your situation may seem, our commitment remains the same: to protect your rights, safeguard your creative work, and help you build your career with confidence.
Recording & Record Label Agreements

Recording & Record Label Agreement Attorneys

A recording contract can be one of the most important agreements an artist ever signs. The right deal can launch a career, while an unfavorable one can cost you ownership of your masters, a fair share of your royalties, and control over your creative direction for years to come.

Record deals are often long, complex, and written to protect the label. Terms covering advances, royalty rates, recoupment, ownership of masters, option periods, and creative control can dramatically affect your future. Many artists sign these agreements without fully understanding what they are giving up.

At Covington Law, we carefully review every recording agreement before you sign. Our attorneys explain each term in plain language, identify clauses that could work against you, and negotiate for a deal that protects your rights and reflects the true value of your work.

Labels rely on experienced legal teams whose goal is to secure the best terms for the label. Our job is to level the playing field, advocating for fair advances, reasonable recoupment, ownership where possible, and the creative freedom you deserve.

Whether you are signing your first deal or renegotiating an existing one, Covington Law is prepared to stand beside you and protect your interests at every stage of the process.

Music Publishing & Songwriter Agreements

Music Publishing & Songwriter Agreement Attorneys

Your songs are valuable assets, and publishing agreements determine how those assets generate income and who controls them. Publishing deals, administration agreements, and co-writing arrangements can shape your royalties and ownership for the life of your catalog.

Publishing income comes from many sources, including mechanical royalties, performance royalties, sync licensing, and more. Agreements that seem straightforward can quietly assign away rights, reduce your share, or lock you into lengthy terms. Understanding exactly what you are signing is essential.

At Covington Law, we review publishing and songwriter agreements in detail. Our attorneys clarify ownership and splits, explain how and when you will be paid, identify unfavorable terms, and negotiate for arrangements that protect the long-term value of your catalog.

We also help songwriters and co-writers document splits clearly from the start, which can prevent costly disputes down the road. Whether you are entering a publishing deal or protecting an existing catalog, we work to keep your rights and income where they belong.

If you write, produce, or own music, our attorneys are ready to help you understand your publishing agreements and protect the value of your work.

Licensing & Sync Placement

Licensing & Sync Placement Attorneys

Licensing your content for film, television, advertising, video games, and online media can be a powerful source of income and exposure. But the terms of a license determine how your work is used, for how long, and how much you are paid. Sync and licensing agreements can be deceptively complex. Terms covering exclusivity, territory, duration, usage rights, and fees all affect the value of the deal and your ability to license the same work elsewhere. A poorly drafted license can limit your future opportunities or undervalue your work. At Covington Law, we review and negotiate licensing and sync agreements to protect your interests. Our attorneys make sure you understand exactly how your work will be used, that you are fairly compensated, and that you retain the rights you intend to keep. We also help creators pursue opportunities and respond to offers from music supervisors, brands, studios, and platforms, ensuring the terms reflect the true value of your content. Whether you are licensing a single song, a catalog, or original content, our legal team is ready to help you secure favorable terms while protecting your creative work.
Producer & Beat Agreements

Producer & Beat Agreement Attorneys

Producers and beatmakers are central to today’s music, yet their agreements are often unclear or nonexistent. Whether you are selling beats, producing tracks, or collaborating on a project, well-drafted agreements protect your ownership, your royalties, and your credit. Producer agreements should clearly address ownership of the underlying work, production fees, royalty points, publishing splits, credit, and how the work may be used. When these terms are left vague, disputes over ownership and payment frequently follow. At Covington Law, we help producers and beatmakers document their work properly from the start. Our attorneys draft and review producer agreements, beat licenses, and collaboration terms so your contributions are protected and fairly compensated. We also represent producers in disputes over ownership, credit, and unpaid royalties, working to enforce your rights and recover what you are owed. If you create beats or produce music, our legal team can help you put the right agreements in place and protect the value of your work.
Artist Management Contracts

Artist Management Contract Attorneys

A manager can be one of the most influential figures in your career, which makes your management agreement one of the most important contracts you will sign. The terms determine how much you pay, how long the relationship lasts, and what happens if it ends. Management agreements often address commission rates, the scope of the manager’s authority, the length of the term, and post-term commissions on deals made during the relationship. Terms that seem reasonable at first can become costly over time if they are not carefully negotiated. At Covington Law, we review management agreements to make sure they are fair and clearly defined. Our attorneys explain each term, negotiate commission structures and term lengths, and protect you from clauses that could follow you long after the relationship ends. We also help artists address disputes with current or former managers and clarify obligations when a management relationship changes. Whether you are signing with a new manager or reviewing an existing agreement, our legal team is ready to protect your interests and your future.
Booking, Touring & Live Performance

Booking, Touring & Live Performance Attorneys

Live performances and touring are a major source of income and exposure, and the agreements behind them deserve just as much attention as any recording deal. Booking agreements, performance contracts, and touring arrangements all carry important legal and financial terms. These agreements address performance fees, cancellation terms, payment schedules, liability, and the responsibilities of promoters, venues, and agents. Unclear or unfavorable terms can leave performers unpaid, exposed to liability, or bound to unfair conditions. At Covington Law, we review and negotiate booking, performance, and touring agreements to protect performers. Our attorneys work to secure fair fees, clear payment terms, reasonable cancellation provisions, and appropriate protections for you and your team. Whether you are booking a single show, planning a tour, or working with agents and promoters, our legal team helps ensure the terms protect your interests every step of the way. If you perform live, our attorneys are ready to help you understand and negotiate the agreements that support your career on the road.
Distribution & Streaming Agreements

Distribution & Streaming Agreement Attorneys

How your work reaches audiences, and how you are paid for it, depends heavily on your distribution and streaming agreements. These deals determine where your content appears, how revenue is shared, and how long the arrangement lasts.

Distribution agreements can involve digital platforms, aggregators, physical distribution, and licensing to streaming services. Terms covering revenue splits, exclusivity, term length, ownership, and control over your catalog can significantly affect your income and independence.

At Covington Law, we review distribution and streaming agreements to protect your rights and your revenue. Our attorneys clarify how and when you will be paid, identify restrictive terms, and negotiate arrangements that preserve your ownership and flexibility.

We also help creators evaluate competing distribution offers and understand the long-term impact of exclusivity and term commitments before they sign.

Whether you are an independent artist or an established creator, our legal team helps ensure your distribution deals get your work to your audience while protecting the value of your catalog.

Copyright Protection & Registration Attorneys

Copyright is the foundation of your rights as a creator. It protects your songs, recordings, films, writing, and other original work, and it determines who can use, sell, or profit from what you create. Protecting these rights is essential to building a lasting career.

Many creators do not realize how much value they lose by failing to properly document and register their work. Clear ownership records and timely copyright registration can strengthen your rights, support your income, and make it far easier to enforce your work against unauthorized use.

At Covington Law, we help creators protect their intellectual property from the start. Our attorneys assist with copyright registration, document ownership, and put agreements in place that keep your rights where they belong.

We also help clients respond when their work is used without permission, pursuing the remedies available to protect your creative work and your income.

If you create original work, our legal team can help you protect it, register it, and enforce your rights so you keep control of what you create.

Trademark & Brand Protection

Trademark & Brand Protection Attorneys

In the entertainment industry, your name, your brand, and your identity are among your most valuable assets. Trademark protection helps secure your artist name, logo, and brand so that others cannot profit from the reputation you have built.

As your career grows, so does the value of your brand, and the risk that others may attempt to use it. Registering and protecting your trademarks helps you control how your name and brand are used across music, merchandise, media, and business ventures.

At Covington Law, we help creators and industry professionals protect their brands. Our attorneys assist with trademark searches, registration, and strategy, and we help you build a foundation that protects your identity as your career expands.

We also represent clients when others use their name, brand, or likeness without authorization, working to enforce your rights and protect your reputation.

If your name and brand are part of your success, our legal team can help you protect them for the long term.

Royalty & Payment Disputes

Royalty & Payment Dispute Attorneys

Royalties are the lifeblood of many creative careers, yet disputes over unpaid or underpaid royalties are all too common. When the money you have earned does not arrive, or does not add up, you deserve answers and action. Royalty disputes can arise from unclear contract terms, accounting errors, recoupment disagreements, or a partner simply failing to pay what is owed. These matters often require a careful review of agreements, statements, and records to determine what you are actually entitled to receive. At Covington Law, we help creators identify, document, and pursue unpaid and underpaid royalties. Our attorneys review your agreements and accounting, clarify what you are owed, and take action to recover it. We work to resolve these disputes through negotiation whenever possible, while remaining fully prepared to protect your rights through formal dispute resolution when necessary. If you believe you are not receiving the royalties or payments you have earned, our legal team is ready to review your situation and pursue what you are owed.
Film, TV & Content Production

Film, TV & Content Production Attorneys

Producing film, television, and digital content involves a web of agreements, rights, and obligations. From development through distribution, well-drafted contracts protect your work, your investment, and everyone involved in the production. Production matters can involve talent agreements, crew contracts, option and rights agreements, releases, clearances, and distribution deals. Overlooking any one of these can create serious legal and financial risk once a project moves forward. At Covington Law, we help producers, filmmakers, and content creators put the right agreements in place. Our attorneys handle rights and clearances, draft and review production contracts, and help ensure your project is built on a solid legal foundation. We also help creators protect their ownership and negotiate distribution and licensing deals that reflect the value of their work. Whether you are producing an independent film, a series, or original online content, our legal team is ready to help you protect your project from development to release.
Influencer & Content Creator Deals

Influencer & Content Creator Attorneys

Today’s creators build real businesses through content, and the deals behind that content deserve real legal protection. Brand partnerships, sponsorships, and platform agreements all carry terms that can affect your income, your rights, and your reputation. Influencer and creator agreements often address deliverables, exclusivity, usage rights, payment terms, and content ownership. Terms that are vague or one-sided can leave creators underpaid, overcommitted, or stripped of ownership of the very content they created. At Covington Law, we help influencers and content creators review and negotiate brand deals and partnerships. Our attorneys make sure you understand what you are agreeing to, that you are fairly compensated, and that you keep the rights you intend to keep. We also help creators protect their brand, respond to unauthorized use of their content, and build agreements that support long-term growth. If you create content for a living, our legal team can help you protect your work, your income, and your brand.
Name, Image & Likeness (NIL)

Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) Attorneys

Your name, image, and likeness have real commercial value, and you deserve to control how they are used. NIL agreements determine how your identity is used in endorsements, sponsorships, and marketing, and how you are compensated for it. NIL matters can involve endorsement deals, sponsorship agreements, and licensing of your image and likeness across media and merchandise. Without clear terms, these arrangements can lead to unauthorized use, undervalued deals, or loss of control over your own identity. At Covington Law, we help clients understand and protect their name, image, and likeness rights. Our attorneys review and negotiate NIL agreements, clarify how your identity may be used, and work to secure fair compensation. We also help clients respond when their name, image, or likeness is used without permission, pursuing the remedies available to protect your rights. If your identity is part of your value, our legal team can help you protect it and put it to work on your terms.
Merchandising & Licensing

Merchandising & Licensing Attorneys

Merchandise is more than a revenue stream, it is an extension of your brand. Merchandising and licensing agreements determine how your name, logo, and creative work are used on products, and how you share in the profits. These agreements address licensing fees, royalties, quality control, territory, exclusivity, and how your brand may be used. Poorly drafted terms can dilute your brand, undervalue your work, or give away more control than you intended. At Covington Law, we help creators and brands structure merchandising and licensing deals that protect their identity and their income. Our attorneys negotiate fair terms, protect your intellectual property, and help ensure your brand is used the way you intend. We also help clients enforce their rights when merchandise or branded products are produced or sold without authorization. If your brand extends to products and merchandise, our legal team is ready to help you protect and profit from it.
Contract Disputes & Breach

Contract Dispute Attorneys

Even well-drafted agreements can lead to disputes when one side fails to live up to its obligations. When a label, partner, or company breaches a contract, you deserve a legal team prepared to protect your rights and pursue what you are owed. Entertainment contract disputes can involve unpaid fees or royalties, breach of exclusivity, unauthorized use of your work, or disagreements over ownership and creative control. Resolving these matters requires a careful review of the agreement and the facts. At Covington Law, we help creators respond to contract disputes and breaches. Our attorneys evaluate your agreements, clarify your rights, and pursue resolution through negotiation whenever possible. When a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to protect your interests through formal dispute resolution and enforce the terms you agreed to. If you are facing a contract dispute, our legal team is ready to review your situation and help you protect your rights.
Intellectual Property Infringement

Intellectual Property Infringement Attorneys

When someone uses your work without permission, it can cost you income, exposure, and control over your creative identity. Intellectual property infringement, from unauthorized sampling to stolen content and copied branding, is a serious threat to any creator. Infringement can involve copyright, trademark, and other rights, and may include unauthorized use of your music, content, name, or brand. Enforcing your rights requires documenting your ownership and taking timely, strategic action. At Covington Law, we help creators protect and enforce their intellectual property. Our attorneys evaluate the situation, document your rights, and pursue the remedies available when your work is used without authorization. We also help clients respond to infringement claims made against them, protecting them from unfair or overreaching demands. Whether your work has been used without permission or your rights are being challenged, our legal team is committed to protecting your creative work and your future.

Know Your Rights

Understanding Entertainment Law

Building a career in entertainment can leave you with questions about your rights, your income, and what steps you should take next. While every matter is unique, understanding how entertainment law works can help you make informed decisions about your work, your agreements, and your future.
Entertainment law brings together the areas of law that shape a creative career, including contracts, intellectual property, licensing, and dispute resolution. These matters determine who owns your work, how you are paid, how your work may be used, and how you can protect what you create. The rights available to you, and the value you can secure, depend on the specific facts, agreements, and circumstances in each situation.

In This Section

What Is Entertainment Law?

In general terms, entertainment law is the practice of protecting the legal and business interests of artists, creators, and industry professionals. It focuses on the agreements you sign, the intellectual property you own, and the rights that allow you to profit from and control your creative work.
Supporting documentation may include contracts, copyright and trademark records, licensing agreements, royalty statements, communications, and other records relevant to your work and your rights.

Protecting Your Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is often a creator’s most valuable asset. Copyrights, trademarks, and related rights determine who can use, sell, and profit from your work. Protecting these rights early can have a lasting impact on your income and your control over your creative career.
Because intellectual property is so valuable, the terms of your agreements deserve close attention. Labels, studios, and partners may seek to acquire rights to your work, so documenting ownership, registering your work, and clarifying terms before you sign can be critical to protecting your future.
The protection available in any situation depends on the specific facts, agreements, and circumstances involved, and outcomes vary based on the evidence and terms in each case.

We Prepare Every Matter as Though It May Be Disputed

Many entertainment matters are resolved through negotiation. However, successful negotiations often begin with thorough preparation.
Labels, studios, and their legal teams closely evaluate whether an attorney is willing and prepared to protect a client’s rights if a dispute arises. At Covington Law, we prepare every matter as if it may one day be challenged. We review agreements in detail, document ownership and rights, research the industry standard, and build a strong position supported by the facts.
This level of preparation strengthens our negotiating position and demonstrates that we are committed to pursuing the outcome our clients deserve.

Strong Advocacy With Labels, Studios, and Partners

Labels, studios, and agencies rely on experienced executives, agents, and attorneys whose primary objective is to secure the most favorable terms for their own side. They may attempt to claim ownership of your work, reduce your royalties, add restrictive clauses, or pressure you to sign before you fully understand a deal.
Our attorneys understand these tactics and know how to respond effectively. We handle communications with the other side, protect you from unfair terms, and negotiate strongly to secure and protect:
Our objective is simple: help ensure your agreements reflect the full value of your work and career, not just what the other side is willing to offer.

Clear Communication Every Step of the Way

Legal matters can feel overwhelming, especially while you are focused on creating and building your career. We believe clients deserve transparency, honesty, and consistent communication throughout the process.
At Covington Law, you will receive:
We know that peace of mind comes from understanding your options, and we are committed to ensuring you never feel left in the dark.

A Team Focused on Your Career

Building a lasting career involves much more than signing a single deal. It requires protecting your work, securing fair income, safeguarding your brand, and planning confidently for your future.
Our legal team works diligently so you can focus on what matters most, your craft. While we review your agreements, protect your intellectual property, negotiate with labels and partners, and manage the legal process, you can concentrate on creating and growing your career.
When appropriate, we also coordinate with managers, agents, business managers, accountants, and other trusted professionals to help protect the full value of your work and your long-term interests.

Industry Knowledge Matters

Licensed in North Carolina and Washington, D.C., Covington Law understands the contracts, industry standards, business practices, and legal issues that frequently shape entertainment matters, from local creative scenes to national deals.
Our familiarity with how the industry works, how deals are structured, and where creatives are most often taken advantage of allows us to provide informed guidance tailored to the unique circumstances of your career.

Whether you are signing with a label, licensing your content, launching a brand, producing a film, or building an audience online, we understand the industry factors that can influence your rights and your future.

A Partnership Built Around You

When you are focused on your career, the last thing you should worry about is whether you can access experienced legal guidance when you need it.
Covington Law is built on a client-first, partnership approach. That means:
This allows every artist and creator, no matter where they are in their career, to access experienced legal representation when they need it most.

Our Commitment to Every Client

At Covington Law, success is measured by more than deals and outcomes. It is measured by the trust our clients place in us, the relationships we build, and the careers we help protect and grow.

From your first consultation until your matter is resolved, you will have a legal team that is committed to:

01

Treating you with respect and understanding

02

Providing honest legal advice

03

Protecting your rights and your work

04

Securing the strongest possible terms

05

Holding the other side accountable

06

Helping you build your career with confidence

Your career is our priority, and protecting your work becomes our mission.

If your creative work, rights, or career is at stake, do not wait to seek experienced legal guidance. Contact Covington Law today for a free entertainment evaluation and learn how our attorneys can help you protect your work and build lasting success.

What Is at Stake in an Entertainment Matter?

In the entertainment industry, the value of a matter often extends far beyond a single payment. The terms of a contract can affect your income for years, ownership of your work can shape your entire catalog, and your brand and reputation can influence every future opportunity. One of the primary purposes of strong legal representation is to protect and maximize that value.
What is at stake in any particular matter depends on many factors, including the nature of your work, the agreements involved, the rights you hold, and the specific circumstances of your situation. Every matter is unique, and no attorney can ethically predict or guarantee an outcome before conducting a thorough evaluation.
At Covington Law, we carefully assess every part of your situation so you have a clear understanding of what is at stake and how we can help protect your work, your income, and your future.

Contract Terms

The terms of your agreements shape your entire career. Advances, royalty rates, ownership, option periods, exclusivity, and creative control can each have a lasting financial and creative impact. Reviewing and negotiating these terms carefully is one of the most important steps in protecting your work.
When appropriate, we also help clients renegotiate or clarify existing agreements to better reflect the value of their work.

Royalties and Ongoing Income

For many creators, royalties are a primary and ongoing source of income. Recording, publishing, streaming, licensing, and performance royalties can continue to generate revenue for years when your rights are protected.
We help clients clarify how and when they will be paid, review royalty statements and accounting, and pursue royalties that are unpaid or underpaid. Documentation such as contracts, statements, and records may be used to help evaluate what you are owed.

Long-Term Career Value

Some agreements affect your ability to earn and create long into the future. Terms that assign away rights, restrict your options, or lock you into lengthy commitments can shape your career for years, especially for artists whose work builds value over time.
When appropriate, we consider the long-term impact of every agreement, so you understand not only what a deal offers today, but how it may affect your income, your ownership, and your opportunities in the years ahead.

Creative Control

Not everything of value can be measured in dollars. Your ability to control your creative direction, approve how your work is used, and protect your artistic vision matters just as much as the financial terms of a deal.
The importance of creative control varies from artist to artist and depends on your goals, your work, and the nature of the agreement. We work to protect the creative freedom that is essential to your career.

Reputation and Brand

Your reputation and brand are among your most valuable and lasting assets. Unfavorable terms, unauthorized use of your name or work, and public disputes can affect how you are perceived and the opportunities available to you.
We help clients protect their brand and reputation through carefully drafted agreements, trademark protection, and, when necessary, action against unauthorized or damaging use.

Ownership of Your Catalog

Ownership of your masters, songs, and creative work can be the foundation of long-term wealth and independence. Losing ownership, or signing it away without realizing it, can affect your income and control for the life of your catalog.
When appropriate, we work to protect and preserve your ownership, and to clarify who holds rights to your work before you sign any agreement.

Publicity and Likeness Rights

Your name, image, and likeness carry real commercial value. Endorsements, sponsorships, and the use of your identity across media and merchandise can generate significant income, but only when your rights are protected.
We help clients protect and license their publicity and likeness rights, and take action when their name, image, or likeness is used without authorization.

Digital and Streaming Rights

Much of today’s income and exposure comes from digital platforms and streaming. Distribution deals, platform agreements, and licensing terms determine how your work is delivered to audiences and how you are paid.
We help clients protect their digital and streaming rights, understand revenue splits and exclusivity, and preserve control over how their work is distributed online.

Legacy and Estate Planning

A creative catalog can continue to generate value long into the future, which is why planning for its ownership and succession matters. Depending on your goals, we can help you address how your rights, royalties, and catalog will be managed and passed on.
These matters are highly personal and fact-specific, and we work with you and your trusted advisors to protect the legacy you have built.

In This Section

How Our Entertainment Process Works

Protecting your creative work involves much more than signing a single contract. Building a lasting career means safeguarding your rights, negotiating strong deals, and having a legal partner you can rely on at every stage. Our process is designed to make that support clear and straightforward from the very first conversation.

Schedule a Consultation

Start by telling us about your project, agreement, dispute, or professional goals. We’ll review the situation, answer your initial questions, and identify the legal issues that may require attention.

Investigating Your Claim

Our team reviews the contracts, communications, and other documents connected to your matter.

Identifying Risks and Opportunities

We examine the terms that may affect ownership, compensation, creative control, exclusivity, duration, termination rights, and future opportunities.

Our goal is to help you understand both what the agreement provides and what it may require from you.

Negotiating With Other Parties

When negotiation is appropriate, we communicate with labels, managers, studios, publishers, producers, business partners, or their representatives on your behalf.

We work to clarify terms, address concerns, and advocate for an agreement that better reflects your interests.

Protecting Your Creative Rights

We evaluate issues involving ownership, licensing, royalties, trademarks, copyrights, and other rights connected to your work.

When disputes arise, we help identify the available options and determine an appropriate strategy.

Resolving Disputes When Necessary

Not every entertainment dispute can be resolved informally. Depending on the circumstances, resolution may involve negotiation, formal demands, mediation, litigation, or another dispute-resolution process.

Moving Forward With Clarity

Once an agreement or dispute is resolved, we help clarify the final terms, obligations, and next steps so you understand how the outcome affects your work and career.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Entertainment Law

Should I have an attorney review an entertainment contract before signing?

Yes. An attorney can help you understand compensation, ownership, obligations, termination provisions, and other terms before you commit.

Who owns the rights to my music or creative work?

Ownership depends on how the work was created, the agreements involved, and applicable intellectual property law.

What should I look for in a recording or management agreement?

Important terms may include compensation, royalties, ownership, exclusivity, duration, creative control, and termination rights.

Can Covington Law help with royalty or payment disputes?

We can review the relevant agreements, payment records, and circumstances to help determine what options may be available.

What is a licensing agreement?

A licensing agreement allows another party to use intellectual property under specific terms while defining rights, restrictions, compensation, and duration.

Can you help negotiate with labels, managers, or producers?

Yes. We can review proposed terms, identify risks, and negotiate agreements based on your interests and goals.

Entertainment agreements can shape your career for years. Understanding the terms before moving forward can help protect both your work and your future.

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Case Results

Entertainment Case Results.

Every entertainment matter tells a different story. The nature of the work, the terms of the agreements, the rights involved, and many other factors influence how a matter is evaluated and resolved. Because no two matters are exactly alike, past results should never be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of a similar outcome in any future matter.

Our Approach to Every Entertainment Matter

While the outcome of any legal matter cannot be guaranteed, our approach remains consistent from one matter to the next. We take the time to understand our clients’ goals, review the agreements and facts thoroughly, protect relevant rights and evidence, and develop a legal strategy tailored to the unique issues presented by each situation.

Depending on the nature of the matter, our work may include:

NEED HELP NOW?

Talk to Covington Law Today

Start with a conversation. Tell us what happened and let our team help you understand your options.

LOCAL PRESENCE

Two locations. One responsive legal team.

01 — RALEIGH, NC

The Covington Law Office, PLLC

Address
918 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours

Monday – Friday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

02 — WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Covington Law, PLLC

Address
2201 Wisconsin Ave NW # 305

Hours

Monday – Friday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Discuss Your Situation
With Covington Law

If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, the most reliable way to understand your legal options is through an evaluation of your individual circumstances. Our team will take the time to learn about your accident, answer your questions, explain the personal injury claims process, and provide guidance based on the facts of your case.

We invite you to contact Covington Law to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we may be able to assist you.

Andrew Covington

Founding Attorney · NC

Case Evaluation

Tell us what happened — we respond same-day.


Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. View our terms and conditions and SMS policy by clicking here. ©2025 The Covington Law PLLC. All rights reserved.