Jim Jesse is the founder of Rock N' Roll Law, and his passion is spreading music law through continuing legal education.

Prior to starting Rock N' Roll Law, Jim was the General Counsel for Cool Music Network (THE COOL TV), a 24-hour-a-day music video television network. He has been licensed as an attorney for 25 years and has been a full-time Music Law presenter since 2013.

Jim is also a singer/songwriter who has released two albums: Down on the South Side and Better Late Than Never. He is a member of BMI and has run his own record label, distributing his music. He has written songs for more than 30 years and has more than 200 songs that he has never released. In addition to studying law, Jim is a music history buff.

Jim is the author of The Music Copyright Law Manual and The Musician’s Guide to Music Copyright Law. Jim consults and practices in areas regarding intellectual property, licensing, and music law.

9:00 am Introduction to Copyright Concepts

• What is a copyright?
• Two copyrights in every song
• Registration of a copyright
• Duration of a copyright
• Music publishing v. Sound recordings
• 17 U.S.C. §101-102

10:30 am Break

10:45 am Exclusive Rights and Revenue Streams of Songs – Pt 1

• Rights of Reproduction
• Rights of Distribution
• Derivative Works
• Synchronization Licensing
• 17 U.S.C. §106 (1)-(3) and §115

11:45 pm Lunch

12:45 pm Exclusive Rights and Revenue Streams of Songs – Pt 2

• Rights of public performance and display - 17 U.S.C. §106 (4)-(6)
  o Music Composition
o Sound recording
• Revenue streams associated with public performance
• Joint authorship

1:45 pm Break

2:00 pm Summary

• How songs are built
• Burden of proof
• Defenses

2:45 pm Copyright Infringement Cases

3:30 pm Program Concludes

“If all CLEs were this good, lawyers would spend all their time in the classroom.”

“For copyright practitioners, Jim’s CLE is comprehensive and engaging. For non-copyright practitioners, Jim‘s CLE is approachable and entertaining. Either way, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon!””

“The best CLE I have ever attended. Great visuals and audio, well organized and presented.”

“Outstanding class. A fascinating review of music history combined with the legal mechanics of the music business. The most fun I have ever had at a CLE presentation in more than 30 years of practice.”

• Strengthen your advice on music ownership and protection with a better understanding of how to identify, register, and enforce copyrights
• Identify the exclusive rights granted to copyright owners under federal law
• Confidently counsel clients on streaming and digital revenue by applying existing laws to public performance and distribution rights
• Draft and negotiate music agreements backed by a clear understanding of exclusive rights and licensing structures
• Receive a framework for evaluating defenses and damages in infringement disputes
• Leave with practical tools you can use in both transactional and litigation settings

• Intellectual property lawyers
• Business lawyers
• Contract lawyers
• Sports & entertainment lawyers
• Tax lawyers
• Solo & small firm lawyers
• Lawyers interested in music copyright law or the music industry
• Swifties

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