Courtney Dillaplain is a seasoned entertainment attorney, dedicated to protecting artists’ rights and legacies through proactive legal strategies and long-term client partnerships.

For more than twenty-five years, Courtney has been a trusted advisor to musical artists, songwriters, estates, and companies in the entertainment industry. Her client base includes Grammy Award-winning artists, estates of legendary musicians, music publishers, production companies, and non-profits, all of whom rely on her experience and diligence to safeguard their intellectual property and navigate the complexities of the entertainment business.

Courtney works with clients spanning the full spectrum of the music and entertainment world — from iconic bands and artists, such as Rob Thomas, Matchbox Twenty, and Suzanne Vega, to the estates of deceased musicians and the companies that manage their works. Her longstanding client relationships, often spanning decades, reflect the deep trust she builds through consistent, proactive representation.

A key focus of Courtney’s practice is on copyright termination rights, from evaluating rights and preparing notices of termination to enforcing the notices and negotiating more favorable deals for her clients. She is also well-versed in managing intellectual property for the estates of deceased artists, ensuring their legacies are both protected and profitably maintained through licensing agreements and strategic distribution.

Courtney’s work also involves handling major agreements for high-profile recording artists, songwriters, music publishers, and production companies. These include synchronization and master use licenses for films and TV; performance, touring, and presenter agreements; as well as publishing, producer, mixer, and feature artist contracts for both established and emerging talent. She routinely negotiates promotional, endorsement, and merchandising deals for clients across the entertainment industry.

Courtney’s meticulous and proactive approach, combined with her long-term commitment to client relationships, ensures that the artists and companies she represents can focus on their creative work while she protects their legal interests.

Education

  • Loyola Law School, J.D.
    • Member of Loyola Law Review
    • Institut Catholique de Paris (exchange program)
  • University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.

Admissions

  • California

Professional & Civic Involvement

  • Food for Neighbors, Volunteer
  • Representation of multiple major Grammy award winning recording artists, songwriters, and their heirs in the successful copyright termination and renegotiation of rights in recordings and compositions and advising on other complex copyright issues.
  • Representation of multiple estates of deceased recording artists and songwriters in the ongoing management and protection of intellectual property, negotiation of licensing deals, and efforts to ensure continued profitable, approved distribution and exploitation of works.
  • Representation of individual clients and production companies in the negotiation of hundreds of synchronization and master use licenses, including for use of music in numerous major motion picture films, television series, and advertising campaigns.
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