Entertainment & Media Attorneys 

Sign or Surrender? The Truth About New York Entertainment and Media Contracts 

The entertainment industry thrives on creativity, but without strong contracts, even the most talented professionals can find themselves exploited. Contracts protect both creative professionals and investors, so there’s fair compensation, ownership rights, and legal security. Whether you’re an artist, producer, or brand collaborator, having legally sound agreements in place is a must. 

Entertainment deals often involve complex legal issues. From intellectual property disputes to contract breaches, professionals in the media and entertainment industry frequently face legal roadblocks that can impact careers and financial stability. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, our entertainment attorneys know what creatives are up against safeguarding their financial and creative interests. Hire one of the best law firms in America to fight alongside you to protect your rights. 

Talent & Performance Agreements 

Fame or Failure? The Contracts That Can Make or Break Your Career 

Performers need strong contracts to protect their careers and financial future. If you’re an actor, musician, or entertainer, negotiating a fair contract is an absolute must to secure proper compensation, protect your rights, and ensuring professional flexibility. 

• Negotiating Contracts: Talent contracts should be clear about job expectations, duration, and payment terms. 
• Compensation Structures: Understanding royalties, residuals, and upfront fees ensures performers receive what they’re owed. 
• Non-Compete & Exclusivity Clauses: These clauses can limit future opportunities, so it’s crucial to negotiate terms that allow for career growth. 

An experienced entertainment lawyer at Horn Wright, LLP, will guide you through these agreements, making sure you don’t sign away your rights or earnings unknowingly. Investing the time and resources into a well-negotiated contract can mean the difference between a thriving career and one riddled with financial and legal struggles. Horn Wright, LLP, is ready from the moment you call to begin designing a plan around your future. 

Licensing & Intellectual Property Agreements 

Own It or Lose It: Protecting Your Creative Rights Before It’s Too Late 

Creative professionals rely on licensing agreements to monetize and protect their work. Copyright, trademarks, and licensing terms define how intellectual property is used and who profits from it. One of the best steps you can take is speaking with an intellectual property attorney at Horn Wright, LLP, to protect your rights and design a plan tailored to you. 

• Copyright Ownership & Licensing: Clearly defining who owns creative works prevents future disputes. Ownership terms should specify whether the creator retains full control or grants limited rights to a third party. A licensing agreement will be the protective shield, based on copyright law and licensing, to make sure creatives are compensated fairly while allowing their work to be used in new and profitable ways. 
• Music Synchronization & Film Adaptation Rights: Licensing music for film, television, and advertising requires precise contract terms. These agreements should outline how long a song can be used, whether it can be altered, and if exclusivity applies. Without careful negotiation, artists can find their music being used in ways they never intended, limiting their future earnings and creative control. 
• Trademark Agreements: Brand collaborations need strong trademark protections to prevent misuse and infringement. Clear agreements dictate how trademarks can be used, preventing unauthorized branding or dilution of an artist’s identity. These agreements also protect against counterfeiting and ensure that creatives maintain control over their brand image and commercial partnerships. 

The entertainment attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, make sure licensing deals benefit creators rather than corporations looking to take advantage of vague agreements. Without proper oversight, creatives are at a major risk of losing control over their work or receiving unfair compensation. Taking the time to invest in a solid licensing agreement will help guarantee long-term financial security and control, so we emphasize it from the start. 

Production & Distribution Contracts 

From Script to Screen: Locking in Deals That Protect Your Vision 

The backbone of media success lies in well-structured production and distribution deals. Without the right legal protections, content creators and production teams risk financial losses and rights disputes. 

• Film, Television & Streaming Deals: Negotiating fair terms for content creators and production houses. 
• Distribution Rights: Structuring distribution agreements to maximize reach and profits. 
• Payment Protection: Ensuring that production teams and creatives receive timely payments and fair revenue shares. 

The attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, know media contracts and fight from the outset to see that creators are legally and financially secure. Strong production and distribution agreements lay the foundation for successful projects, protecting all parties involved.  

From proper crediting to securing backend profits, our attorneys design the right legal strategy from the start so you don’t have to wonder if the next move by you will make or break a media deal. 

Sponsorship & Endorsement Deals 

Big Brands, Bigger Risks: Secure the Deals That Build Your Legacy 

Brand partnerships can be a goldmine, but they can also be a legal minefield. While lucrative deals with major brands offer financial security and career-boosting exposure, they come with strings attached. A poorly structured agreement can trap entertainers in unfair contracts, cause financial losses, or even damage their reputation beyond repair. 

• Brand Partnerships & Advertising Endorsements: Every deal should clearly define compensation, deliverables, and content usage to ensure both parties benefit. 
• FTC Compliance for Sponsored Content: Influencers and celebrities must follow strict legal guidelines for disclosures, or they risk hefty fines and public backlash. 
• Reputation Management: A bad brand partnership can hurt your credibility—having legal protections in place ensures you can walk away if necessary. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know how high the stakes are when it comes to brand sponsorships. Our team specializes in structuring airtight agreements that protect your financial interests while preserving your artistic integrity. Whether you’re negotiating a major endorsement or dealing with a brand dispute, we ensure your contract works for you: not against you.  

Entertainment Law Dispute Resolution 

Fights, Fallout, and Fair Deals: Resolving Disputes Without Wrecking Your Career 

Even the best contracts don’t guarantee smooth sailing. In entertainment, disputes over payments, rights, and obligations are common—and without the right legal strategy, they can spiral into costly, career-damaging battles. Knowing how to handle conflicts quickly and effectively can save you money, time, and valuable industry relationships. 

• Contract Breach Enforcement: When someone violates an agreement, you need a strategy to hold them accountable while protecting your interests. 
• Litigation vs. Arbitration: Some disputes need a courtroom fight, while others can be settled privately—choosing the right approach is key. 
• Royalty & Licensing Disputes: Unfair revenue splits and missing payments happen too often—strong legal backing ensures you get paid what you’re owed. 

We know that entertainment careers move fast—and disputes can’t afford to drag on. The team at Horn Wright, LLP, fights for fair resolutions, whether through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation. If someone isn’t honoring their contract, we make sure your rights, earnings, and reputation stay intact. 

Your Career, Your Rights, Your Future 

Why the Right Law Firm Changes Everything 

The entertainment industry isn’t just about talent. It’s also about protecting what you’ve built. Every contract you sign, every deal you negotiate, and every creative work you produce carries legal risks. Without the right legal team by your side, one bad decision can cost you your rights, your earnings, and your career stability. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we don’t just review contracts. We secure your future. Whether it’s negotiating fair deals, protecting your intellectual property, or resolving disputes, our legal team ensures you stay in control. As the industry shifts with digital media and streaming, our attorneys stay ahead of the changes so your legal protections evolve with your career. 

Success in entertainment isn’t just about making the right moves. It’s about avoiding the wrong ones. Don’t wait until you’re in trouble.  

Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Horn Wright, LLP, today and take charge of your legal security before someone else does.