MEVLA refers cases to attorneys all over the state, who practice in fields covering the entire landscape of legal issues for artists. From pre-incorporation and organizational documents to expansion and infringement, having professional counsel will make your business experience more fruitful. Perhaps you need to create your LLC, or need to register your copyright or trademark, or transfer your IP to your business entity, or license your copyright to a vendor, or need non-disclosure agreements to protect yourself from infringement, or need a consignment agreement...
Here are some examples of legal issues that Maine VLA has referred to competent attorneys:
LLC Formation
non-disclosure agreements
real estate leasing/holding
permitting issues for performing artists
establishment of a publishing company
a printing deal gone awry
trademark enforcement
non-profit incorporation
establishing a television production company
copyright licensing--distribution and derivative rights
copyright infringement
contracts for a budding musician/producer/sound engineer
formation of a publishing company and record label
trademar registration
... and others
MEVLA can help.
The application fee for individuals is $35.
Click here for the Individual Application.
Companies and organizations are encouraged to apply for services as well. Maine VLA can help an organization with any aspect of their business that relates to the arts.
The application fee for companies/organizations is $85.
Click here for the Company/Organization Application.
MEVLA attorneys are also experienced in fixing your problems, when the plan is not executed as presented, or when relationships go awry. Litigation is expensive, time-consuming, all-encompassing, and emotionally exhausting. The most effective method of resolving latent issues with a view toward maintaining working relationships among those involved is mediation.
Perhaps someone is using your image without your permission, or the gallery is not paying you what it owes you, or your licensor may be stretching the license a little too far for your comfort...
MEVLA can help.
