Case List

Contract Drafting: Collaboration Agreement: Film

22-0394 Filmmaker is devising an experimental film focused on music, movement, and meditation and needs counsel to draft an agreement memorializing the rights and responsibilities of his collaborators.

Contract Drafting: Partnership Agreement: Literature

22-0219 Author of children's books is planning to enter into a business partnership with another individual. Author will handle the artistic side of things, while the potential partner would work to develop technology and merchandise associated with the books. Author needs counsel to draft an agreement memorializing the arrangement.

Contract Drafting: Producer Agreement: Music

22-0383 Songwriter has written and registered copyright in a musical composition. She is planning to hire a producer to assist with the recording process and needs counsel to draft a Producer Agreement.

Contract Review: Option Agreement and Assignment: Film

22-0387 Filmmaker entered into an option agreement and a short-form assignment agreement with a screenwriter for the screenplay for a film the filmmaker is producing. She has not yet paid the full amount stated in the option agreement, and she needs counsel to review the agreements and help her understand the status of her rights in the screenplay.

Contract Review: Recording Agreement: Music

22-0208 Pianist and composer has been offered a recording contract by a Canadian record label. He needs counsel to review the agreement before signing.

Copyright Infringement: Music

22-0206 Singer-songwriter performed, distributed, and registered copyright in an original pop song in 2017. This year, another artist released a chart-topping song with similar thematic, lyrical, and melodic components. Singer-songwriter needs counsel to help evaluate any potential claim for copyright infringement.

Dispute: Accounting: Literature

22-0461 Author published a book with a literary publisher in 2012. A second edition was released in 2019, and the author doesn't believe they are being paid appropriately. Client needs help securing a royalty statement and determining if the publisher is withholding royalty payments.

Dispute: Breach of Contract: Literature

22-0431 Author is writing a novel that was supposed to be loosely based on the life and persona of a South American model. The Author contracted with the model for the use of his persona and likeness, as well as completing interviews with the author. Model has failed to complete the interviews required by the contract. Author needs counsel to evaluate her rights under the agreement and help her terminate the agreement and recover the amounts paid.

Dispute: Commercial Eviction: Visual Art

22-0001 Visual artist has had a commercial lease on studio space for several years. Prior to the pandemic, he fell behind on rent. The lease eventually expired, but artist continued occupying the space and making attempts to pay off the amounts owed. Now, the landlord has served the artist with eviction paperwork, and the artist needs counsel to evaluate his case and advise as to his options.

Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Music

22-0215 Client is a rapper who tells stories about the realities of living in Chicago. Client released a song and related music video in 2012. Several times throughout the last few years, another performer has posted music and videos online of a new song that uses the client's lyrics. Client needs counsel to help evaluate a claim for copyright infringement.

Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Visual Arts

22-0483 Photographer created an image that was later published in an online publication. A local social club pulled the image from the online publication without permission and used it as part of their marketing materials for an event. Photographer needs counsel to evaluate her claim for copyright infringement.

Dispute: Dissolution of LLC: Film

22-0156 Filmmaker client is a member of a film production LLC that was created to produce a film project about football. Client spent a great deal of his own money on the project and believes that he has not been properly compensated per the operating agreement, and wishes to dissolve the LLC and be made whole. Client needs counsel to review the relevant documents and evaluate his rights, and if appropriate, assist with his exit from, or the dissolution of, the LLC.

Dispute: Employment: Unemployment Contributions

22-0467 Nonprofit that provides social and emotional learning programming for schools was recently informed by the IDES that they are now required to contribute to the unemployment fund. Nonprofit filed an appeal and needs counsel to evaluate their current status and obligations, and provide advice going forward.

Dispute: Non-payment for Services: Visual Art

21-1330 Graphic designer and visual artist was hired to manage/design real estate company's social media presence. Company paid invoices for the first seven months of work, but has failed to respond to invoices covering the last three months of work. Client needs help recovering amounts owed.

Dispute: Non-payment of Royalties: Music

21-0857 Co-author of a successful house music song needs help evaluating her right to royalties. In addition, if recommended, she will need assistance with recovery though litigation. The song was originally published in the late 1980's and is still being sampled, remixed, and used in various mediums including television and video games. Prior LCA counsel has exhausted options short of litigation. Discovery may reveal that the Client has a claim for fraud.

Dispute: Tax: Comics

22-0098 Client is a renown comic book artist and author. Her publisher has classified her as an employee, and as a result, there is some confusion as to her filing status with the IRS. Client has not paid taxes in several years. Client needs counsel to evaluate her rights and liabilities.

Immigration: Dance Company

21-1168 Established Chicago dance company is starting a year long training program and has received inquiries of participation from international students. Company wants to accept these students and believes they need to obtain status as an SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) approved school. Company needs counsel to advise and assist them in this process.

NFP: Dissolution: Music

22-0298 NFP music ensemble is planning to wind down and dissolve the entity and needs advice on the dissolution process and options for distribution of the entity's assets.