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Aida Lopez
Legal & Business Affairs
Intellectual Property
&
Music Copyright Specialist
Expert legal counsel protecting your creative rights and business interests in the music industry.

With over two decades of experience, I am a seasoned Business & Legal Affairs expert dedicated to supporting groundbreaking deals in music, film, and digital entertainment. My expertise spans across the U.S., Latin America, Australia, and Pacific Territories. I specialize in drafting complex contracts (English/Spanish), licenses, robust IP protection strategies, and effective rights management, empowering creatives and companies to navigate the entertainment landscape with confidence and efficiency.

With over two decades of experience, I am a seasoned Business & Legal Affairs expert dedicated to supporting groundbreaking deals in music, film, and digital entertainment. My expertise spans across the U.S., Latin America, Australia, and Pacific Territories. I specialize in drafting complex contracts (English/Spanish), licenses, robust IP protection strategies, and effective rights management, empowering creatives and companies to navigate the entertainment landscape with confidence and efficiency.

Why You Need a Legal & Business Affairs Specialist
Rights Protection
Safeguard the legal and commercial rights of artists, labels, and entertainment businesses against infringement and exploitation
Complex Navigation
Navigate intricate intellectual property laws, music contracts, and licensing agreements with expert guidance
Risk Mitigation
Prevent costly lawsuits, penalties, and sanctions from improper music usage or copyright violations
Intellectual Property in Music: Key Concepts
Copyright Fundamentals
Copyright law protects two distinct elements: the musical composition (melody, lyrics, arrangement) and the sound recording (the actual recorded performance). Understanding this distinction is critical for proper licensing.
  • Musical works include lyrics and melodies
  • Sound recordings are the master recordings
  • Each requires separate protection and licensing
Essential Licenses
Multiple licenses are required for legal music use across different platforms and purposes:
  • Synchronization: Music in visual media
  • Public Performance: Playing music publicly
  • Master Use: Specific recordings
  • Mechanical: Reproduction rights
Essential Legal Services for Musicians & Businesses
1
Copyright Registration
Complete registration and protection of musical works with the U.S. Copyright Office, establishing legal ownership and enabling enforcement rights
2
License Negotiation
Strategic negotiation and acquisition of licenses with music publishers, record labels, and rights organizations to ensure comprehensive coverage
3
Contract Advisory
Expert guidance on synchronization agreements, distribution contracts, digital exploitation deals, and streaming platform arrangements
Licenses for Legal Music Use in Business & Web
Public Performance License
Required for playing music in businesses, websites, or public spaces. Obtained through PROs: BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, and GMR
Synchronization License
Necessary for pairing music with visual content including videos, films, advertisements, and multimedia presentations
Master Use License
Grants permission to use specific sound recordings owned by record labels or artists for commercial purposes

Legal Consequences: Operating without proper licenses can result in statutory damages of $150,000 per infringed work, plus attorney fees and injunctions
Real Cases & Legal Risks
Million-Dollar Penalties
Businesses and websites have faced multimillion-dollar fines for unauthorized music use, with some cases reaching settlements exceeding $500,000
PRO Enforcement Actions
Performance rights organizations actively monitor and sue businesses lacking proper licenses, targeting restaurants, retail stores, and websites
Reputation Damage
Legal disputes become public record, damaging brand reputation and customer trust while creating negative publicity
"Expert legal counsel is not an expense—it's an investment in protecting your business from catastrophic financial and reputational damage."
How a Specialist Attorney Helps
License Identification
Conducts comprehensive analysis to determine exactly which licenses and permissions are required for your specific use case, platform, or business model
Rights Negotiation
Directly contacts and negotiates with rights organizations, publishers, labels, and copyright holders to secure favorable terms and competitive rates
Legal Representation
Provides aggressive legal defense in disputes, protects client interests in litigation, and resolves conflicts efficiently to minimize business disruption
Website Design: Key Elements for Attorneys
1
Specialized Services Section
Clear presentation of intellectual property and music copyright expertise with detailed service descriptions
2
Legal Updates Blog
Regular articles with legal updates, practical advice for musicians, and compliance guidance for businesses
3
Contact & Consultation Forms
Streamlined intake forms for inquiries and personalized legal consultation requests
Protect Your Music & Business
Expert Legal Counsel You Can Trust
Valuable Assets
Intellectual property represents significant commercial value that requires professional legal protection and strategic management
Risk Avoidance
Proper licensing compliance eliminates exposure to devastating legal and financial consequences
Your Legal Ally
A specialized Legal & Business Affairs attorney is your strategic partner in navigating the complex entertainment industry
Let's build your legal and digital strategy together protecting your creative rights while growing your business.