Protecting Your Sound. Securing Your Legacy.
The music business is tough. You need an attorney who knows the difference between a mechanical royalty and a master recording—and who fights to make sure you own what you create.
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The Lawyer for the Creators
In the music industry, talent is only half the battle. The other half is business. Bad contracts, complex royalty structures, and “standard industry practices” have derailed the careers of countless gifted artists.
At Saffold Law, we don’t just practice music law; we live it. Led by Quintin D. Saffold—a registered ASCAP songwriter—we bring a creator’s perspective to legal representation. We understand the blood, sweat, and soul you pour into your art. Our mission is simple: ensure you maintain creative control and get paid every dollar you are owed.
The Most Common Mistake: Ignoring the "Two Copyrights"
One of the biggest reasons artists lose revenue is failing to understand that every song has two separate copyrights. We ensure both are protected and monetized.
1. The Musical Composition (Publishing)
This is the lyrics and melody. It belongs to the songwriter and publisher. Every time a song is performed, covered, or streamed, the writer gets paid—even if someone else sings it.
2. The Sound Recording (The Master)
This is the specific audio recording of the song. It traditionally belongs to the record label, though we fight to help independent artists retain ownership of their masters.
If you don’t structure your deals to cover both sides, you are leaving money on the table.
Navigating the "360 Deal" Era
In the modern industry, record labels often demand a “360 Deal,” asking for a percentage of everything you earn—including touring, merchandise, and endorsements—not just music sales.
While these deals can provide necessary capital, they can also be predatory. We analyze these contracts to determine:
- Is the advance worth the trade-off?
- What is the “Sunset Clause”? (Do they keep getting paid after you leave the label?)
- Are there “Carve-outs”? (Can we protect income streams you built yourself?)
We ensure that if you give up a piece of the pie, you are getting fair value in return.
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Comprehensive Music Legal Services
We represent recording artists, songwriters, producers, independent labels, and publishers in all aspects of the music business.
Contract Negotiation & Review
Before you sign, we read the fine print. We negotiate:
- Record Deals: From major label agreements to independent distribution deals.
- Management & Agency Contracts: Defining commissions and preventing managers from overreaching.
- Producer Agreements: Securing upfront fees and backend points (royalties) for your beats.
Royalties & Publishing Administration
Publishing is often where the real wealth is built. We help you:
- Register your works with PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) and The MLC.
- Set up your own publishing entity to collect the “publisher’s share.”
- Audit statements to find uncollected mechanical and sync royalties.
Licensing & Sync Deals
Getting your music in film, TV, and ads is a major revenue stream. We negotiate Synchronization (Sync) Licenses and Master Use Licenses to ensure you are paid top dollar and that your music isn’t associated with brands you don’t support.
Sample Clearance & IP Defense
Using a sample without permission can lead to a lawsuit that destroys your hit song. We handle:
- Sample Clearance: Negotiating the rights to use existing music legally.
- Infringement Defense: Protecting you if you are accused of copying a song.
- Copyright Enforcement: Taking action if someone steals your work.
What We Fight For (Your Outcomes)
Our goal in every negotiation is to secure more than just a signature. We fight for:
- Master Retention: Helping you own your recordings or negotiating a reversion clause so they return to you eventually.
- Higher Advances: Maximizing the upfront capital you receive.
- Creative Control: Ensuring the label can’t force you to change your sound or image.
- Better Royalty Rates: Increasing your percentage points on streaming and sales.
How We Build Your Career Strategy
We don’t just put out fires; we help you build a roadmap.
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1. The Audit
We review your current catalog, registrations, and contracts to identify gaps where you might be losing money or rights.
2. The Strategy
Whether you are staying independent or looking for a major deal, we design a legal structure (LLC, publishing company) that protects your assets.
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3. The Negotiation
When a deal is on the table, we act as the barrier between you and the sharks. We handle the tough conversations so you can focus on the music.
Don't Sign Your Rights Away.
Whether you are an emerging artist reviewing your first contract or an established act auditing your royalties, you need a partner in your corner who speaks the language of music.
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