Uncommon expertise
Our work with some of the busiest promoters in the Australian music industry to help support them bringing remnant bands and tribute acts to our shores is probably unmatched. We have a 'one inch wide, two miles deep' focus on this little publicised niche of the intellectual property world, that has delivered an exceptional track record of results for our clients.
We have acted in numerous legal disputes about who has rights to the names of some of the world's most lauded rock bands and 'where the line is' when performing as a tribute act.
What are Remnant Bands and Tribute Acts?
A 'remnant band' is an old and famous band that has survived its original membership and gone on to a curious afterlife. Blood, Sweat and Tears, for example, shows up with scattered members from the past but also "with Chuck Negron" who acquired rights to the group but had nothing to do with it originally. Instead, he was with Three Dog Night, which tours without him.
A 'tribute act' is a musician or group of cast members that perform, or pretend to perform, and pretend to be the original band. A 'cover band' just plays the songs; a 'tribute act' adopts the band's get up.
Why should we use Nicholas Weston?
Our experience with promoters of remnant bands and tribute acts means that we have probably seen it before and can provide a prompt and practical solution.
Confidential promoters
We have acted for a number of promoters in matters including negotiating licence agreements and the rights to use certain band names in association with particular members of a remnant band and a number of tribute acts.
Abstract Entertainment
We have acted for promoter Abstract Entertainment in relation to remnant acts including Racey (Some Girls, Lay Your Love On Me), The Rubettes (Sugar Baby Love), Paper Lace (Billy Don’t be a Hero), and tribute acts including The Bootleg Beatles, Elvis to the Max (Max Pellicano), Follow That Dream, and The Ratpack from Vegas.
Metropolis Touring
We advised promoter Metropolis Touring in relation to remnant acts including Boney M, Hot Chocolate and tribute acts including Totally 80’s, LET’S HANG ON – the music from the hit show the Jersey Boys, Fake Festival and Broadway Spectacular.
Rockcity Event Marketing
We acted for central coast promoter Rockcity in a Supreme Court of New South Wales proceeding that agitated issues including a dispute over the goodwill and ownership of two highly successful Queen tribute acts. We obtained an injunction to preserve the profits of a tour taking place in South Africa and that established a monitoring mechanism over performances and profits of the tribute acts. The dispute was also settled on a creative basis that saw the parties continue to do business together.
Genero
We acted for Genero, a new music distribution platform, and registered its trade mark in several countries.
We are service focused. Our relationships with our clients are based on trust, transparency, open communication and doing what we say we are going to do.
How do we do it?
The firm’s Principal, Nick Weston, has consistently acted for promoters or remnant bands and tribute acts since forming the firm in 2005. He has also served as the CEO of a publicly listed technology company and understands business from an operational rather than just an advisory point of view.
Nick is passionate about going the extra mile to advise rock promoters on:
- Acquisition and exploitation of music rights in film, television, theatre and games
- Agency, talent and crew agreements
- Brand issues (trade marks, copyright, designs, domain names)
- Chain of title and rights clearances
- Commercial litigation
- Copyright
- Corporate/business structuring.
- Corporate structuring and shareholder issues
- Licensing
- Live events
- Management and agency arrangements
- Merchandising
- Misleading and deceptive conduct
- Social media and online promotions
- Sponsorship and endorsements
- Trade Marks and Domain Names
