Music litigation

Defining Who Truly Owns the Music

At the heart of many Music Litigation cases lies a single question—who owns the song?
Our attorneys represent clients in disputes over composition, performance, and master recording rights, addressing conflicts that emerge from co-writing, ghost production, and unregistered works.

We pursue or defend infringement claims involving melodic similarity, lyric copying, and unauthorized sampling, often requiring expert musicological analysis.
Our team works closely with copyright experts, forensic analysts, and musicologists to build evidentiary foundations that stand in both court and settlement negotiations.

Where Words, Royalties, and Rights Intersect

Contracts are the backbone of the music business—but they can also become the source of major disputes.
Our Music Litigation team handles cases involving record deals, publishing agreements, and licensing contracts, focusing on breaches, royalty disputes, and misrepresentation claims.

We interpret and enforce key clauses—such as exclusivity, territory, term, and royalty percentages—and ensure that all parties adhere to performance and reporting obligations.
Whether representing artists seeking fair compensation or labels defending contractual integrity, we approach every case with both legal and commercial insight.

Fighting for Fair Compensation in the Digital Era

The rise of streaming platforms has revolutionized how music is distributed—and how royalties are disputed.
Our Music Litigation attorneys represent artists, rights holders, and estates in disputes involving digital performance royalties, mechanical licensing, and cross-border revenue allocation.

We analyze royalty statements, audit streaming data, and pursue claims for unpaid or misallocated earnings under U.S. and international copyright collection frameworks.
Our firm also advises on disputes with PROs (Performance Rights Organizations) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, as well as digital licensing bodies such as SoundExchange and The MLC.

Creative Freedom Meets Legal Boundaries

Modern music production thrives on sampling, remixing, and reimagining—but without proper clearance, innovation can become infringement.
Our Music Litigation practice represents clients in disputes over unauthorized sampling, derivative works, and AI-generated music content.

We assess substantial similarity, fair use, and transformative use claims, and negotiate settlements or licensing agreements to resolve disputes before they escalate.
As music creation becomes more intertwined with technology, our attorneys ensure that creative freedom is protected within lawful limits.

Protecting Artists Beyond the Stage

In the age of social media and viral publicity, reputational harm can impact an artist’s career as much as a contract breach.
Our Music Litigation attorneys handle defamation, false endorsement, and right-of-publicity claims for musicians, influencers, and entertainment professionals.

We defend creative expression while protecting clients from malicious or unauthorized use of their likeness, image, or brand identity.

Our firm also represents artists in moral rights claims—ensuring that creative works are not altered or exploited in ways that compromise artistic integrity.

Resolving International and Multi-Party Conflicts

Music today knows no borders—and neither do its disputes.
Our Music Litigation team manages cross-border conflicts involving international labels, distributors, and publishing houses.

We coordinate multi-jurisdictional litigation, handle international copyright enforcement, and advise on treaty compliance under Berne Convention and WIPO Copyright Treaty standards.
Our global network of legal and forensic partners allows us to handle disputes that span continents, ensuring jurisdictional precision and unified resolution.

Legal Strategy Meets Creative Understanding

At SJKP LLP, we don’t just litigate music cases—we understand the music behind them.
Our attorneys come from diverse backgrounds in entertainment law, intellectual property, and commercial litigation, allowing us to approach disputes with both legal precision and industry fluency.

We represent independent artists, producers, labels, streaming platforms, and estates—offering comprehensive counsel from pre-dispute strategy to post-trial enforcement.
Our goal is always the same: to protect creativity, secure rights, and resolve disputes with integrity and purpose.