As a photographer, understanding the legal implications of using images for commercial purposes is crucial, especially in Louisiana where the Allen Toussaint Legacy Act has reshaped how we think about the right of publicity. Whether you're capturing a candid street shot or planning to license your images for an ad campaign, this article will walk you through what you need to know about photography rights, model releases, and the evolving legal landscape. With the Allen Toussaint Legacy Act now in play, even posthumous image use is protected, and failing to get proper consent could land you in legal hot water. Keep reading to learn how you can safeguard your work and avoid costly mistakes!

Being in a band is an exciting creative journey — but it’s also a business. Without a written Band Agreement, even close friends can find themselves in legal and financial disputes that tear the group apart.

Who owns the band name? How will the money be split? What happens if a member leaves? Without clear answers to these questions, a band's future is at risk.

A professionally drafted Band Agreement protects:

• your music

• your income

• your friendships

In this article, we’ll break down why every serious band needs a Band Agreement, what it should cover, and how an entertainment lawyer can help you draft one that fits your unique needs.

Your art is more than just a post on social media — it’s your creativity, your brand, your livelihood. When someone steals your work online, it’s not just frustrating — it’s an infringement of your rights. At Julia Holt Law Firm, we help artists take back control. From filing swift DMCA takedown notices to drafting cease-and-desist letters, we make sure your art stays yours. If you've faced art theft or want to strengthen your legal protection, let's talk — because your creativity deserves more than just credit; it deserves real protection.

Understanding recoupment is vital for any artist signing a record deal. It's how a record label gets its investment back, often from your royalties. This process can take years, depending on the deal and the music's success. Different types of record deals, including traditional, 360, and net profit deals, have various implications for how and when you get paid. Make sure to work with an attorney who specializes in entertainment law to help navigate these complex agreements and protect your financial future.

When two companies decide to collaborate, choosing the right structure—partnership or joint venture—is crucial to the success of the project. Whether you're working on a short-term goal or a long-term collaboration, the structure you choose will affect how the business is managed, how profits and liabilities are shared, and what happens once the project ends. This article breaks down the differences between partnerships and joint ventures, what legal filings are necessary, and the tax implications for each. Learn why consulting with an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of business collaboration and set your venture up for success.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are an invaluable financial tool for small business owners, freelancers, and creatives. Not only do they allow you to save on taxes, but they also offer tax-free growth and withdrawals for eligible healthcare expenses. With the ability to invest your savings and build wealth for retirement, an HSA provides both short-term and long-term financial benefits. Whether you're navigating healthcare costs on your own or planning for the future, an HSA is a smart way to manage both. Learn why every self-employed individual should consider opening an HSA and how it can help you maximize your financial strategy.

For many musicians, signing a record deal is a dream come true. However, there’s a hidden reality that many artists don’t realize until it’s too late—record labels do not provide healthcare or other essential benefits. Musicians are often classified as independent contractors, meaning they are responsible for securing their own health insurance, retirement plans, and other protections.

This lack of support can leave musicians vulnerable, especially given the health risks associated with the industry, from physical strain on tours to mental health challenges. But there’s a solution: setting up a loan-out company. By forming a business entity, musicians can gain access to healthcare coverage, tax deductions, asset protection, and retirement planning—essentially creating their own safety net.

In this article, we’ll explore how loan-out companies work, why they’re a game-changer for artists, and how you can take control of your financial future before signing that record deal. Take charge of your career—because no one else will do it for you.

Julia Holt recently made a guest appearance on Law Insider's Contract Teardown Show to discuss an artist-friendly license agreement with Whip Shots, an alcohol-infused whip cream company. In the episode, Holt provided valuable insights into the legalities of licensing agreements and shed light on how artists can protect their interests in such deals.

Some musicians choose to let their videographers retain the intellectual property rights to the video. This can have advantages, such as the videographer being more invested in creating an amazing video that showcases your talents since it's their property. Additionally, they may have more control over how the video is distributed and used, which can help you maintain your brand image and reputation.

Music licensing is another important legal consideration when self-releasing an album. You'll need different types of licenses for different uses, such as a mechanical license for when someone else wants to cover one of your songs or a sync license for when your music is used in a TV show or movie. Obtaining the necessary licenses is essential to avoiding legal issues down the line.

Trademarking your band name can also help you establish a stronger brand identity. With a registered trademark, you can prevent others from using similar names or logos that could confuse fans or dilute your brand. This can help you build a stronger and more recognizable brand over time.

When you hear the phrase “prop gun”, you assume a non-lethal replica or a toy. However, the tragic incident of Alec Baldwin firing a prop gun that fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust in New Mexico proved just the opposite.