News
The Musician Network Interview with Ron Bienstock and George Gruhn at NAMM 2012. (1.25.12)
At the 2012 NAMM trade show in Anaheim, CA, Ron Bienstock and world-renowned guitar dealer George Gruhn speak to The Musician Network about the effect of the U.S. Lacey Act on the musical instrument industry. You can see the full interview below:
Ron Bienstock to speak at the 2012 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show in Anaheim, CA. (1.16.12)
On Saturday, January 21st at 4pm, Ron Bienstock will be speaking on NAMM’s panel entitled “Making A Living In Tomorrow’s Music Industry”. Ron will be discussing the new artist “team members,” what should be offered as compensation for their services and what types of contracts are required. Further information on the event can be found here.
Bienstock & Michael P.C.’s client Shawn Patterson has been nominated for the 39th Annual Annie Awards, honoring excellence in the animation world. (12.08.11)
Shawn Patterson has been nominated for his music in the television production, Robot Chicken, as announced by the International Animated Film Society. See the ASCAP press release for more details on the show.
Bienstock & Michael P.C.’s Brent “Giles” Davis to appear on www.radioscranton.com (11.21.11)
On Saturday November 26, 2011 at 5pm EST, Bienstock & Michael, P.C.’s Senior Litigation Associate Brent “Giles” Davis will make an in-studio appearance on the Internet radio station www.radioscranton.com. In addition to an interview about his career as a musician and his transition into law practice, the appearance will also feature live musical performances by Giles.
Ron Bienstock Quoted in Music Inc. Magazine (11.08.11)
Music Inc. Magazine’s November 8, 2011 article quotes Ron Bienstock, discussing concerns growing within the musical instruments industry regarding the amended U.S. Lacey Act. The Music Inc. article is available here.
Elliott Rubinson interviewed by MMR Magazine (11.04.11)
MMR Magazine recently sat down with Armadillo President, Owner, and Bienstock & Michael, P.C. client, Elliott Rubinson, to discuss the current state of Dean Guitars. The MMR interview is available here.
Ron Bienstock to Speak at Rutgers Law School-Camden (10.18.11)
Ron Bienstock is pleased to be speaking on a panel at Rutgers Law School-Camden on October 26, 2011 to discuss the “devolution” of the music industry and how the modern music business has evolved over the last fifteen years.
Ron Bienstock’s MMR Guest Editorial on the Lacey Act Now Available (10.05.11)
MMR Magazine has released its October 2011 Issue, featuring Ron Bienstock’s guest editorial on the current impact of the U.S. Lacey Act on the musical instrument industry. The full editorial is available here.
Ron Bienstock Pens Article on Lacey Act (09.23.11)
In the upcoming October issue of MMR Magazine, Ron Bienstock writes a guest article on the Lacey Act and its effect on the music instrument industry. In advance of the issue’s release, click here to read an excerpt from the article.
FIRM UPDATE ALERT: NJ Office Returns to 411 Hackensack Avenue (09.16.11)
We are pleased to report that our NJ office has returned to its original location at 411 Hackensack Avenue on the 7th Floor. All meetings will take place at this office and all phones lines, fax lines and email addresses are functioning well. According to the firm’s managing partner, Ron Bienstock, “We have improved our IT and our ability to serve our clients as a result.”
Ron Bienstock on NPR’s “All Things Considered” to Discuss Lacey Act (09.01.11)
Ron Bienstock appeared on NPR’s “All Things Considered” yesterday to discuss the Justice Department’s raid of Gibson Guitars and how the Lacey Act is affecting guitar manufacturers. Audio from the program and a full transcript are available here.
FIRM UPDATE ALERT: NJ Office Temporarily Relocated (08.15.11)
Due to ongoing repair work in our 411 Hackensack Avenue as the result of last Sunday’s fire, we have temporarily relocated to the 5th Floor of 433 Hackensack Avenue. Any physical mail for the firm may be sent to the 411 Hackensack Avenue address, and email services continue to operate normally. We expect to have phone and fax services available on Tuesday, August 16th, at which point we look forward to speaking with all of our clients and colleagues.
FIRM ALERT: Fire in NJ Office Causes Shutdown (08.09.11)
Due to an electrical fire in our New Jersey office building on Sunday night, the firm’s Hackensack office will be closed until further notice. We are working quickly to restore email service, which we expect to be functional early this afternoon. If you tried to reach a member of the firm via email from Sunday through Monday, please resend your email or call our office. Both our NJ (201-525-0300) and NYC (212-247-0848) phone numbers are working. We thank you very much for your patience.
More on the four-alarm fire can be found here.
Ron Bienstock Talks to Performer Magazine About Writing Credit (07.25.11)
In Part 1 of a two-part article in Performer Magazine, managing partner Ron Bienstock discusses when to consider someone a co-writer, how bands deal with this delicate issue, and the need for a work-for-hire agreement. Next month, part 2 of the article will outline some of the basic legal steps songwriters can take to protect their work.
Ron Bienstock Appears on Barely Legal Radio (06.21.11)
Managing Partner Ron Bienstock appeared on Barely Legal Radio on June 5th to discuss a variety of topics, including intellectual property and musical instruments. The show airs on KTLK AM 1150 in California, but the entire episode with Ron can be streamed from KTLK’s website or by downloading from iTunes.
Musical Merchandise Review Magazine Quotes Ron Bienstock and Firm’s Client (06.09.11)
Managing partner Ron Bienstock recently spoke with MMR Magazine about the growing problem of trademark infringement and counterfeit musical instrument products generated in Asia. A number of the firm’s clients, including ESP Guitars, Kuffner International and Schecter Guitars are also quoted. The full article is available here.
Will Calhoun Performs Drum Clinics in Asia (05.16.11)
Bienstock & Michael client and Living Colour founding member Will Calhoun recently completed six drum clinics for Mapex Drums in Asia – three in Taiwan and three in China. For more information on Will, including upcoming tour dates with Black Stone Raiders and Living Colour, check out www.willcalhoun.com.
Leslie West Releases Mobile Gaming App for iPad, iPhone (05.09.11)
Bienstock & Michael client and Mountain member Leslie West has released a play-along guitar app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch called “String Bend’a.” If you like Guitar Hero, Rock Band and Tap Tap Revenge, you’ll love Leslie’s app, which includes the megahit “Mississippi Queen.” More information is available here. You can download the HD iPad version here or the iPhone/iPod touch version here.
Ron Bienstock Featured on Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ Website (04.28.11)
Managing partner Ron Bienstock, a member of the Hobart and William Smith Colleges Class of 1977, was recently featured on his alma mater’s website. The article, which discusses the firm’s landmark win against Fender Musical Instruments Corp., can be read online here.
MusicianCoaching.com Interviews Ron Bienstock on Music Biz Basics (04.13.11)
Managing partner Ron Bienstock recently spoke with Rick Goetz of MusicianCoaching.com to discuss the legal ramifications of launching a music business. The interview – which is available here – runs the gamut from trademarks and copyrights to entity formations and performance rights organizations.
Ron Bienstock Weighs In On Corporate Identity Theft In China (02.24.11)
Managing partner Ron Bienstock recently spoke with Allentown, PA-based newspaper The Morning Call about corporate identity theft and intellectual property rights in China. The article discusses issues affecting U.S. companies – and guitar manufacturers specifically – and how one U.S. senator is urging the White House to help protect domestic companies. The article is available on The Morning Call’s website.
Ron Bienstock Speaking at Ithaca College (02.20.11)
Ron Bienstock will be speaking tomorrow to the Ithaca College School of Music. Ron will discuss various aspects of the music business. For more information, contact the School of Music at (607) 274-3171.
Ron Bienstock Featured in NJ Biz Magazine (02.11.11)
Managing Partner Ron Bienstock recently sat down with NJ Biz’s Martin Daks to discuss how he mixes his passion for music with the firm’s business. Click here to view the complete article. (2.8 MB PDF).
Jay Jay French Starts The Pinkburst Project for Charity (02.02.11)
Bienstock & Michael client and Twisted Sister member Jay Jay French has founded the Pinkburst Project, a charity dedicated to the research, education and support of those affected by Uveitis, the leading cause of blindness among American girls. The Project is a collection of custom guitars and amplifiers from the world’s most popular brands, built to raise awareness and ultimately fund ongoing research, education and support for The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation. These one-of-a-kind products will be offered for sale through Skinner Auctioneers Fine Musical Instruments Department on Sunday, May 1, 2011. In addition, Twisted Sister will perform a special concert at NYC’s Best Buy Theater on April 29 to benefit the Pinkburst Project.
More information about the Project, Uveitis, the guitars and amplifiers, as well as the concert, can be found at www.pinkburstproject.org.
Joe Veillette Featured in Fretboard Journal (01.07.11)
The Winter 2010 issue of Fretboard Magazine features a comprehensive article about Bienstock & Michael client Joe Veillette. The article traces Joe’s journey from Brooklyn to Woodstock and discusses the impressive list of artists using his instruments. Click here to view the complete article. (8 MB hi-res PDF).
Ron Bienstock Discusses International IP Rights With Music Inc. Magazine (12.20.10)
Discussing an unfortunately growing trend, whereby Chinese musical instrument companies are committing “brand hijacking,” managing partner Ron Bienstock recently spoke with Music Inc. magazine. Using C.F. Martin & Co Inc.’s recent troubles as an example, the article discusses international intellectual property issues affecting U.S. companies and how they can protect themselves. The article is available on Music Inc.’s website.
Shawn Patterson Nominated for 2010 Annie Award (12.15.10)
We are pleased to congratulate our client, Shawn Patterson, on his 2010 Annie Awards nomination by the International Animated Film Society for Music in a Television Production category. Shawn composed the music for “Robot Chicken’s DP Christmas Special.”
More information about Shawn is available here and more information about the Annie Awards is available here.
Shawn, an ASCAP member, also appears in ASCAP’s Playback Magazine.
Ron Bienstock Featured in Premier Guitar Article on Guitar Design War (11.24.10)
The December 2010 issue of Premier Guitar Magazine features an article entitled “Shapes of Things: A Brief History of the Peculiar Behind-the-Scenes War Over Guitar Designs.” The article, written by Craig Havighurst, includes a discussion of the firm’s landmark win over Fender and features several quotes by Ron Bienstock. The article can be read on Premier Guitar’s website.
Please note: Bienstock & Michael, P.C. has offices in New Jersey and New York City – not Atlanta as the article indicates.
Enrollment Now Open for NYU Entertainment Law Course (11.12.10)
Enrollment in the Spring 2011 semester of NYU’s Entertainment Law course taught by our own Ron Bienstock is now open. The course is offered by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies and will meet every Thursday from 4pm to 6pm for eight sessions beginning on March 31, 2011. More information is available on the NYU website.
Agile Partners in App Store Hall of Fame (11.05.10)
We are pleased to congratulate our client, Agile Partners, on their iPhone and iPad app “GuitarToolkit,” being selected into Apple’s “App Store Hall of Fame.” The Hall of Fame is aimed at presenting the “very best of the best” and contains 50 apps for iPhone and iPad, both paid and free. Agile also develops the immenseley popular apps “TabToolkit” and “Amp Toolkit,” among others.
Ron Bienstock Speaking to Alaska Bar (09.22.10)
On October 26th, 2010, Ron Bienstock will be speaking to the Intellectual Property section of the Alaska Bar Association concerning Trademark and Copyright issues in the music business.
Bret Michaels Sues Concert Promoter (08.30.10)
Bienstock & Michael has filed a $5 Million lawsuit on behalf of Bret Michaels in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. The complaint alleges breach of contract and defamation against a Syracuse, New York concert promoter.
More Information on Porcupine Tree at Radio City (08.30.10)
Innovative and progressive rockers – and longtime firm clients – Porcupine Tree will perform live at New York City’s fabled Radio City Music Hall on September 24, 2010. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster and range from US $29.50 – US $79.50.
Representative Case – Musical Instrument Industry (08.02.10)
Bienstock & Michael successfully achieved a dismissal on behalf of a foreign musical instrument manufacturer and its United States distributor in an action for trademark infringement brought in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.
Client News Roundup (06.11.10)
- Dream Theater is touring North America with Iron Maiden from June 9-July 20, including the band’s first show ever at Madison Square Garden.
- Porcupine Tree will be headlining New York’s famed Radio City Music Hall on September 24.
- Beth Hart‘s single “Learning To Live” is the featured theme song for the new Jillian Michaels show on NBC, “Losing it with Jillian,” which premiered on Tuesday, June 1st at 10PM.
- Bret Michaels returned from a life-threatening brain hemorrhage to be named winner of this season’s “Celebrity Apprentice” on NBC. Bret is doing very well and touring throughout the US this summer. His forthcoming album, “Custom Built,” will be released on July 6th.
Ron Bienstock to Speak at NYU on Branding and Trademark (06.10.10)
On July 12, Ron Bienstock will be speaking at New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies program on branding and trademark.
Ron Bienstock to Participate in Rutgers First Entertainment Law Symposium (03.05.10)
This coming Monday, March 8, Ron Bienstock will join a panel discussion of guest speakers at Rutgers University-Newark’s law school for the first annual Entertainment and Sports Law Society Symposium. The event will focus on what it takes to break into the entertainment and sports law practice areas. Following the panel discussion, which takes place from 6:30-8:30pm, there will be a meet and greet with the panelists.
Representative Case – Musical Instrument Industry (02.01.10)
Bienstock & Michael successfully argued against a foreign musical instrument manufacturer’s motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Court accepted our argument that although employees of the foreign company made only four trips to the forum state, its influence over the marketing and sale of its products and its close relationship with its thirteen-year exclusive US-based distributor, a Florida resident corporation, viewed collectively, rose to the level of business activity found to support specific jurisdiction.
Representative Case – Music Industry (12.15.09)
Conducted full trial and won judgment in New Jersey Superior Court for founding band member against former band for non-payment of royalties and his share of the value of the band trademark.
Ron Bienstock Moderating Two Panels at 2009 Miami Music Festival (12.10.09)
This Friday, December 11, Ron Bienstock will be moderating two panel discussions at the 2009 Miami Music Festival.
The first panel, from 12:50-1:50pm, will be “When to Call a Lawyer, and Who to Call.” It will discuss finding and working with a lawyer, important things to consider about your band name, what to do if someone is infringing on your copyright, submitting your music to contests, and other things you may not have even thought about. The second panel, from 3:50-4:50pm, will be “Starting Your Own Entertainment Company.” It will address important topics such as defining what product or service your company is going to provide, people issues involving partners, investors, accountants, and lawyers, setting yourself apart from your competitors, staying afloat in this economy, and planning for growth in the future.
More info about the 2009 Miami Music Festival, which runs from December 10-12, is available at www.miamimusicfestival.org.
Ron Bienstock Profiled in Res Ipsa Magazine (12.09.09)
“Res Ipsa,” the alumni magazine of California Western School of Law, has profiled Ron Bienstock in its latest issue. The full article is available on the law school’s website by clicking here.
Ron Bienstock To Speak at Seton Hall University School of Law (11.02.09)
Ron Bienstock will join four other major players in the sports and entertainment law world for a special event hosted by SHU’s Entertainment & Sports Law Society. The first ever Industry Night – “Breaking Into Entertainment and Sports Law”- will be an intimate panel event that is limited to 35 registrants. The event will take place from 7:00-9:00pm in the student lounge. More information about the event is available by clicking here.
Ron Bienstock To Be Featured in NJ Savvy Living Magazine (10.08.09)
The October/November issue of NJ Savvy Living MAgazine will feature a 3-page profile on the firm’s managing partner, Ron Bienstock. View the article here.
Ron Bienstock Offers Music Instrument Storeowners A Useful Tip (10.01.09)
In the October issue of NAMM’s playBACK Magazine, Ron Bienstock offers tips to improve customer service. View the article here for free.
Ron Bienstock Comments on Recent Class Action Lawsuit (09.29.09)
A recent class action lawsuit alleges that NAMM, Guitar Center and Fender imposed minimum retail price and minimum advertised price policies that promoted unfair competition, resulting in artificially inflated prices.
Music Inc. Magazine
Ron Bienstock Interviewed by MusicianCoaching.com (08.28.09)
Ron Bienstock recently sat down with musician coach Rick Goetz to discuss getting a music business off the ground from a legal perspective.
MusicianCoaching.com
Ron Bienstock Speaking at NYU
Managing Partner Ron Bienstock will be speaking at NYU’s Stern School of Business on Sept. 23 at 7:30pm.
Ron Bienstock at CMJ Music Marathon
Managing Partner Ron Bienstock will be speaking at the 2009 CMJ Music Marathon. The panel, entitled “Exactly Why Did The Major Label System Fail? Or Did It?” will take place on Friday, October 23 at 11am in NYU’s Kimmel Center (Room 802). Register for CMJ here.
Bienstock & Michael, P.C. Wins Landmark Trademark Ruling Against Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
Firm Press Release
Guitar-Wielding Lawyer Rocks Fender
ABA Journal
Meet the Real Guitar Hero: Bienstock & Michael, P.C., Wins Landmark Ruling Against Fender
BNET
Trademark status denied for Fender body shapes: Trademark board calls Strat, Tele, and P-Bass “Generic”: Fender management ponders appeal
Entrepreneur
Satriani vs Coldplay: What Do Lawyers Say?
MusicRadar.com
Peavey, 16 Others Win Landmark Trademark Case Vs. Fender
The Music & Sound Retailer
De-Fending Trademarks; Peavey Atty. Asks for Cancellation of Fender Trademarks
The Music & Sound Retailer
The Case for John Lennon Film; “Someone would have to take a gun to my head to turn over the copyright”
SeacoastOnline.com
Bass-playing Lawyer Defeats Guitar Giant
Bergen Record/North Jersey.com
Satriani vs Coldplay: What Do Lawyers Say?
MusicRadar.com
Publications
Music Copublishing and the Mysterious ‘Writer’s Share’ by Jill A. Michael, Esq.
Entertainment & Sports Lawyer
Identity Theft – Tribute Bands, Grand Rights, and Dramatico-Musical Performances by Brent M. Davis
Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal