Our catalog acquisition team is a leader in this niche area, as we handle complex financing and funding structures, sophisticated M&A stock purchase deals, and asset purchase and sale agreements involving some of the most sought-after evergreen copyrights from the world’s most iconic and successful songwriters and recording artists of all time. We have completed deals with aggregate values exceeding $500 million dollars. We streamline these transactions, which can include compositions, sound recordings, royalties, trademarks and name and likeness rights, by pulling from a well-versed group of lawyers from Reed Smith’s finance, corporate, intellectual property, and litigation departments, wherever necessary. Our lawyers are also dedicated authorities in international copyright and trademark law and rights of publicity. They are well-equipped to handle the nuances of each deal, to perform the required due diligence, and to uncover potential pitfalls with ease and confidence, resulting in successful outcomes for you, often under tight time constraints. We represent, in this arena, the most important buyers, sellers and lenders – like you – major and independent publishers, labels, artists, hedge funds, banks and other financial institutions. 

Our team has particular skill and aptitude in the dance music space. We represent many of the world’s most well-known deejays, producers and top-line writers. The team provides expert, cutting-edge counsel, especially with respect to performances at the biggest clubs and festivals, music distribution agreements and representation of artists in their related business ventures and in other strategic transactions. We also represent key managers, agents, executives, festival producers, promoters, and media companies in dance music. 

The music business is a fast-moving, ever-changing industry, and the law frequently struggles to catch up. Our team has been at the forefront of digital music since the advent of the Internet and we are the “go-to” firm in the digital era of the music business. 

We understand endorsement and sponsorship deals with talent. We have longstanding relationships with managers and lawyers that help get deals through the finish line, and we know how to navigate through politics and personalities with talent and management. From negotiating executive employment agreements, to securing music rights for film and TV, to representing promoters, festivals and concert venues, to representing international labels, broadcasters and video game and technology companies, we can successfully represent you when you need the best  in the music business.