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[AES Pacific NW Section - Seatle USA]
Around the Puget Sound, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

Termination Rights:
How Artists May be Able to Undo Old Deals
and Reclaim Copyrights
with
Michael Matesky II
Associate
Christensen, O'Connor, Johnson, Kindness

Presented by
AES Pacific Northwest Section

Opus 4 Studios, Bothell, WA
7:30pm, Thursday, November 8th, 2012
Directions to Opus 4 Studios

In this presentation, intellectual property attorney Mike Matesky will discuss the rising tide of artists attempting to reclaim their copyrights through use of so-called "termination rights." Mr. Matesky will explain a unique provision of the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 203) that allows authors who transfer their copyrights to get a "do-over" 35 years after the fact.

Under the current Copyright Act, which went into effect in 1978, an author can essentially revoke their transfer of copyright 35 years after the fact. So, even if an author agreed to transfer his or her copyright to someone else in exchange for royalties, 35 years later the author can ask for a do-over. Since we are just now approaching the 35-year mark after this provision went into effect, it is becoming a bigger issue for artists who had success in the late 70s and early 80s.

Mr. Matesky will discuss arguments regarding whether termination rights apply to a typical recording artist, and will also discuss how these considerations apply to parties currently entering into music or recording agreements, both from the perspective of individuals creating the works and the parties paying for their creation.

More reading for the terminally curious

Wikipedia
Circular 92, pertaining to US Copyright law and related laws in Title 17 USC
Wikipedia - US federal copyright legislation
There are more references at the end of the Wikipedia article cited above.

About the Presenter

Mr. Matesky is an attorney at Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC, and provides intellectual property advice and representation to clients of all sizes operating in various industries. Mr. Matesky represents clients involved in a wide variety of intellectual property disputes and litigation, and also counsels clients regarding trademark prosecution, domain name and internet issues, and contracts touching on all aspects of intellectual property, with a particular interest in arts and entertainment matters.

COJK Attorney's page

Dave Tosti-Lane
AES PNW 2012-2013 Section Chair

n.b. The material presented at our meetings is the opinion of the presenter and not necessarily that of the Society. You are encouraged to conduct your own research and to form your own opinions before adopting the presented material as Truth.

Our meetings are open to anyone interested in Audio. AES membership is NOT required for you to attend our meetings.

2012-13 Officers
Chairman
Dave Tosti-Lane
Vice-Chairman
Greg Mauser
Secretary
Gary Louie
Treasurer
David Franzwa
At Large:
Aurika Hays, Membership
Rick Chinn, Webmaster
Refer to the Officers and Committee contact list for contact information.
Program Committee
Committee 1
Bob Smith
Committee 2
Mark Rogers
Committee 3
Scott Mehrens
Committee 4
Greg Mauser
Committee 5
Rob Baum
Committee 6
JJ Johnston
Committee 7
Dan Mortensen (1-yr term)
Committee 8
Dr. Ivan Tashev
Committee 9
Dr. Michael Matesky
Commmittee 10
Rich Williams


Last modified 10/22/2012 17:51:28.