Music Business and IP Law

The newest wave of creators isn’t holding guitars or cameras — they’re AI models, trained on and remixing datasets and using that data to venture forth into legal gray zones that no one could’ve imagined in 1995.

I’m working with early-stage and growth-stage companies in AI, creative tech, and media platforms, helping them think strategically about:

• Copyright + licensing for AI-generated content

• Rights management around audio, video, and name and likeness

• Litigation, takedowns, and risk exposure

• Structuring your IP policies the right way, from day one

If you’re building in this space — or investing in it — and want experienced legal perspective, we should talk.

I’m available for fractional roles, project-based work, and strategic advisory.

Everyone needs a steady hand in this new landscape.

30+ years practicing copyright and IP law in the music, media and entertainment world, as well as providing General Counsel services to many established and new-technology start-up companies.

A true, forward-thinking IP, technology and media lawyer.

Intellectual Property, Media,

About me:

I am a nationally recognized legal and strategic advisor and copyright expert with over two decades of experience at the forefront of music licensing, copyright law, and emerging technologies. With a career spanning the representation of global media companies, trade associations, and high-growth startups, I have built a reputation as a trusted leader in navigating the complex intersection of intellectual property, digital innovation, and public policy.

As Executive Director and General Counsel of the Digital Media Association, I represented the world’s leading digital platforms—including Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, and Pandora—through transformative industry shifts. I led multi-party negotiations and historical rate-setting proceedings, shaped federal legislation, such as the development of the Music Modernization Act, and testified before Congress, in advancing the future of digital licensing and copyright reform.

At Universal Music Group, I spearheaded the company’s strategy to handle copyright termination notices, managing the process across multi-functional teams and negotiating high-stakes retention agreements. My work has consistently bridged legal frameworks with business innovation, enabling rights holders and technology platforms to collaborate in new, sustainable ways that cane be a “win-win” for all involved.

Currently serving as Principal here at Lee Knife Law, I advise clients across music, media, and AI on licensing strategy, IP transactions, and regulatory compliance. My deep understanding of statutory and direct licensing, rate court proceedings, and royalty operations, combined with my ability to provide practical, real-world advice which allows both businesses and individuals to advance their interests makes me a sought-after voice in both boardrooms and policy circles.

My ability to translate complex legal and technical concepts into easily-understood principles for diverse audiences has allowed me to build consensus among creators, distributors, regulators, and investors. My leadership has helped to literally shape the digital media landscape, ensuring that innovation and rights protection evolve hand in hand.

Media

Excerpts from NYU Roundtable on Music Licensing.