Protecting Intellectual Property Makes You Money

I’ve really enjoyed watching the newest season of Stranger Things. Like a lot of people watching the show, I really love the Kate Bush song they use in the soundtrack. It just feels perfect for what Max was going through in the show and it’s honestly kind of a banger.

So I was thrilled when this notice came up in my Facebook feed (I’m a middle aged lawyer, yes I’m still on Facebook). Unlike a lot of artists, Kate Bush managed to keep the publishing and licensing rights to her music, so she, and not her label, is raking in all the money from the song’s renewed popularity. I literally enjoy listening to it on my streaming service more knowing that she’s getting that check.

If you’re an artist creating new material, be careful with your IP rights. The copyright in your works will outlive you by 70 years under law. When your creation gets picked up by whatever technology we’re using then to keep us entertained and introduces you to a new generation you don’t want someone else to get paid for it.