Our lawyers have expansive experience in the music industry, having advised independent record labels and advocacy groups, among others. With a first-class entertainment team, Akin is the go-to firm for complex credit facilities for financial institutions, investment firms, private equity funds and borrowers with respect to assets in the music industry.
We are keenly focused on constructing efficient facilities to protect risk while allowing borrowers to achieve their business goals. Our team advises on an array of issues related to the acquisition and licensing of music assets and copyrights.
Representative Matters
Financings
- Represented East West Bank in a senior secured revolving line of credit to 88rising, a music entertainment company focused on Asian and Asian American hip-hop and R&B.
- Represented HPS in connection with a loan to Kobalt Music Group, one of the world’s largest music publishers. Kobalt’s portfolio includes a diverse range of artists, including Childish Gambino, Elvis Presley, Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks and The Weeknd.
Mergers, Acquisitions and Joint Ventures
- Represented Pegasus Capital Advisers in its acquisition of a majority interest in a leading independent music publisher.
- Advised Rizvi Traverse in the acquisition of a majority stake in SESAC, a music performance rights company. Akin subsequently represented Rizvi in its sale of SESAC to Blackstone.
- Represented an entertainment company in its joint venture (JV)/fund investment program with a leading, global alternative investor. The JV is aiming to seek out potential investments in the music industry, specifically music publishing and licensing companies.
Disputes and Advocacy
-
Representing a major talent agency in a high-profile force majeure action involving multiple artist clients following the cancellation of a music festival event due to COVID-19.
-
Advocated on behalf of a Korean fashion company in a high-profile action against individuals for fraud and breach of contract claims relating to a number of world-renowned musicians and artists.
-
Represented a major live entertainment company in consumer class actions alleging fraud related to the sale and distribution of concert tickets, as well as alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
-
Advised the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), an association of more than 2,500 independent music clubs, to organize and call for federal help while forced to shut down due to COVID-19.
Representative Matters
Financings
- Represented East West Bank in a senior secured revolving line of credit to 88rising, a music entertainment company focused on Asian and Asian American hip-hop and R&B.
- Represented HPS in connection with a loan to Kobalt Music Group, one of the world’s largest music publishers. Kobalt’s portfolio includes a diverse range of artists, including Childish Gambino, Elvis Presley, Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks and The Weeknd.
Mergers, Acquisitions and Joint Ventures
- Represented Pegasus Capital Advisers in its acquisition of a majority interest in a leading independent music publisher.
- Advised Rizvi Traverse in the acquisition of a majority stake in SESAC, a music performance rights company. Akin subsequently represented Rizvi in its sale of SESAC to Blackstone.
- Represented an entertainment company in its joint venture (JV)/fund investment program with a leading, global alternative investor. The JV is aiming to seek out potential investments in the music industry, specifically music publishing and licensing companies.
Disputes and Advocacy
-
Representing a major talent agency in a high-profile force majeure action involving multiple artist clients following the cancellation of a music festival event due to COVID-19.
-
Advocated on behalf of a Korean fashion company in a high-profile action against individuals for fraud and breach of contract claims relating to a number of world-renowned musicians and artists.
-
Represented a major live entertainment company in consumer class actions alleging fraud related to the sale and distribution of concert tickets, as well as alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
-
Advised the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), an association of more than 2,500 independent music clubs, to organize and call for federal help while forced to shut down due to COVID-19.
- eSports & Gaming
- Film, Television & Digital Media
- Music
- Trademark, Copyright & Media Litigation
- eSports & Gaming
- Film, Television & Digital Media
- Music
- Trademark, Copyright & Media Litigation
