Peter Franck has been referred to as “a veteran entertainment lawyer,” specializing in intellectual property, with a focus on entertainment law, trademark, media and free speech law. In addition, with his life-long commitment to free speech, democratic rights, and creating an open society, Peter provides legal assistance to a number of Public Interest causes.
Music
Review and negotiation of recording contracts offered to artists; Advice regarding contracts needed for independent production and distribution; Protecting and registering copyright, band and other names availability and protection…
Film & Video
Video projects involve multiple contracts and relationships, from optioning screen rights to agreements with directors to distribution agreements. We also review clearances and other documents necessary to obtain Errors and Omissions insurance, which is required by most distributors.
Multimedia & Web
Multimedia and Web productions typically take materials from a large number of sources. We assist producers in determining when clearances or other permissions are needed. We can also negotiate on behalf of our clients.
Choice of Entity and Business Formation
Most projects require an “entity” as a production or rights-holding company. We advise clients on the appropriateness of various forms of entity, including partnerships, limited partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, For-Profit and Non-Profit Corporations.
Partnership agreements; Articles of Incorporation; Articles of formation and Operating agreements for LLCs, and related documents necessary to establish an entity.
Print
Advise clients with respect to traditional print publishing contracts, and with respect to “Hybrid” publishing agreements and issues. Advise re “fair use” and other copyright issues, as well as defamation & related “privacy” issues. Review royalty reports and related accounting and payment issues.
Public Broadcasting
Advise LPFM (low power FM) stations on licensing and related FCC issues; advise broadcasters and others in relation to Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) compliance matters. Advise public broadcasting entities and programmers with relation to music licensing and other content issues.
Peter was born in London, England, where his parents resettled after leaving Germany following Hitler’s ascension to power. The Franck family then moved to Berkeley, California, where Peter attended John Muir Grammar School. After completing high school in Sydney, Australia, he returned to the U.S, earning both a B.A. (Psychology) from the University of California at Berkeley and a J.D. from the Columbia University School of Law.
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