PRACTICE AREAS
MUSIC, TV, FILM, & THEATRE
The business of music has changed drastically in the last few years, and will continue to evolve. With the consistent introduction of new technologies, revenue streams and distribution channels, opportunities grow, but so does complexity. We strive to anticipate these changes so you can focus more on creating a performance of a lifetime. We take pride in clearly explaining and navigating the often foggy landscape of entertainment law and its relationship to music industry professionals of all types. We help our clients understand, draft and negotiate contracts relating to recording, publishing, licensing and distribution, sponsorship and merchandising.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Ideas, tangible or not, are the most important things to protect in today’s competitive creative market. With so many outlets and constantly replenishing feeds to monitor, tracing the ownership and originality of a song, picture, design, or brand name needs the laser-focused eye of a trained attorney. We’ll handle the search, application, and filing process of trademarks and copyrights. We help interpret and guide you through the complex laws of copyright term and termination. And if your idea has been infringed upon, we can advise you as to enforcement of your rights, and negotiate the best possible licensing and settlement agreements.
Business and corporate law
Whether you run a publishing company, software design firm, theater, recording studio, or an eCommerce website, all businesses need to have an efficient structure and minimize their legal liability and risk. We help you create custom structures that make sense for your individual business. We will also assess the existing structure of your operation, such as its physical or digital space, the types of products you sell, who your consumers are, what type of company you have filed under (LLC, Inc, etc.), and so on. In addition, we provide on-demand general counsel services, so you can worry less about legal matters and concentrate on growing your business.
Experience
Art Levy is a seasoned industry veteran with a deep knowledge of the laws affecting creatives, artists and innovators. He has the experience to apply that knowledge in a practical, cost-effective way that is custom-tailored to the real-world needs of his clients.
Art began practice at Thacher Proffitt & Wood, and then moved to the corporate and entertainment group of Proskauer Rose for several years before forming The Levy Firm with industry legend (and Art's father), Tom Levy. Art later joined Levy Firm client Spirit Music Group as Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Administration for four years before returning to The Levy Firm. At Spirit, Art was responsible for all legal and administrative aspects of the company, including strategic planning, acquisition of catalogs, business affairs, artist relations, digital strategy, sub publishing, licensing, and copyright matters, as well as managing Spirit's administrative team.
Art has a BA in American Civilization from Middlebury College and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center.
Art is Secretary of the New York chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers, and a member of the Copyright Society of the USA.
The Levy Firm
P.O. Box 165
Pleasantville, NY 10570
alevy@levyfirm.com
646.360.0529