While music law focuses primarily on copyright law and licensing, music law also involves other areas of law in the music business. Other types of law that are part of music law include:
Contract law
Contracts are at the heart of the music business. Artists, song writers, producers, distributors and even consumers rely on contracts to create, sell and listen to music. Many performers and event producers are independent contractors, and music producers rely on distributors to sell their work. For all of these people in the music industry, contracts are important to make sure that everyone involved has clear expectations. Even consumers use contract law in the music industry. Anyone who buys a subscription to a music service or even buys a concert ticket has some interaction with music-related contract law.
Immigration and visa requirements
Performers who travel to another country in order to perform for pay often need an immigration visa for that purpose. To enter the United States, non-citizen musicians generally need one of a number of different P category visas depending on the nature of their work. Music lawyers must help their clients secure the visas that they need in order to enter the country for their intended purpose.
Safety and health
Music performances are productions. They can be dangerous. Music producers must comply with Occupational Safety And Health Act requirements for the safety of their employees and independent contractors.
Taxes
Whether you’re a U.S. citizen, a lawful resident or simply in the country for a short duration to perform, all musicians in the United States are subject to U.S. tax laws. U.S. citizens may also need to pay taxes for what they earn abroad. In addition to tax liabilities, there are tax exemptions and deductions that may help musicians like a deduction for a home office or expense deductions for self-employed musicians. Music law may involve tax law to the extent that music lawyers may help their clients comply with tax laws and lawfully minimize their tax liability.
Excerpt Source: Legal Career Path
