Areas of Practice
Entertainment LAW
The world of music is ever growing and evolving, and we’re not just talking about sound trends. With the consistent introduction of varying revenue streams and distribution channels, the opportunity for profit grows, but so does the complexity. SKTLEGAL takes pride in clearly explaining and navigating the often foggy landscape of entertainment law and its relationship to music industry professionals of all types. We help our clients draft and negotiate contracts relating to recording, publishing, licensing and distribution, sponsorship and merchandising.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Ideas, tangible or not, are the most important things to protect in today’s competitive creative market. With so many channels and constantly replenishing feeds to watch out for, tracing the ownership and originality of a design, brand name, or invention needs the laser-focused eye of a trained attorney. We’ll handle the search, application, and filing process of trademarks, copyrights, and patents. And if your idea has been infringed upon, our litigation team will negotiate the best possible licensing and settlement agreements.
Defamation & Image Rights
Maintaining the integrity of your public image is an inseparable part of your business, whether you’re a creative individual or a small company. Protecting your privacy and your public image from slander and libel is only one side of the coin; negotiating sponsorships, public appearances, and endorsements is the other. SKTLEGAL advises on both, offering cease & desist communications and other image protection mechanisms so you can amplify and control the way you want the world to see you.
TRADEMARK LAW
Properly protecting the brand you’ve built is an often-overlooked component of entrepreneurship. Federal Trademark Registration via the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office offers the highest level of protection in the US, but can be a lengthy experience with expensive consequences if not handled correctly. SKT provides comprehensive representation for those seeking to register their trademarks with the USPTO. SKTLEGAL can also assist trademark holders with enforcing their rights against trademark infringement, to include cease & desist communications and consent agreements.
SMALL BUSINESS LAW
SKTLEGAL has, for years, represented multiple entrepreneurs as they set up various business entities (LLCs, Corporations, Joint Ventures, etc.). Services includes: entity formation, annual compliance, employment agreements, joint venture agreements, partnership dissolution, LLC operating agreements, corporate bylaws, and much more.
NON-Profit Law
The non-profit landscape can be difficult to navigate in terms of formation, compliance, and, most importantly, receiving the the proper tax-exempt status for your non-profit goals. SKTLEGAL represents non-profit entities in all areas of non-profit formation, to include: corporate formation, drafting of bylaws and other governance documents, preparing IRS applications for tax-exempt status, and procuring tax-exemption at the state level.
CANNABIS LAW
As Virginia and Maryland move towards legislation that legalizes the retail sale of Cannabis, SKTLEGAL can provide valuable insight and advice regarding how to navigate the newly emerging regulatory procedures that prospective cannabis retailers will need to adhere to in order to build a foundation for a successful venture.