“I’m a fearless negotiator and solutions-oriented advocate for my clients in protecting their creations and enforcing their rights.”

-Attorney Joseph Bellanca

I am an entertainment, sports, and media attorney with 30 years of experience in a dynamic cross section of the entertainment, sports and media worlds. In representing individual and corporate clients, I combine my unique business experience of running a 7,000 seat amphitheater, managing bands, producing local and national events, and a passion for motivating and advising clients to achieve their dreams. I take a holistic approach to providing full scope representation in addressing each client’s needs with a focus on accomplishing both short- and long-term goals.

I advise entertainers, celebrities, musicians, music producers, athletes, film and television writers, radio and television talent, record labels, artists, music and book publishers, music festivals, music venues, event promoters, entrepreneurs, authors, advertising agencies and media companies on issues related to contracts, licensing, trademarks and copyrights. My diverse collection of clients include Fortune 500 companies, Grammy award winning songwriters, producers and performers, Billboard charting artists, Olympic Gold Medalists, Internationally known music festivals and events, concert promoters, restauranteurs, incredible films and other productions, iconic brands and celebrities, established music executives and inspiring creative minds. I am often engaged to represent business clients and creative agencies in obtaining rights for multifaceted national creative campaigns.

On behalf of my clients, I negotiate recording, music and book publishing, management, talent, sponsorship, media purchasing, licensing, personal appearance, endorsement and performance agreements. I work with clients protecting their brand, name, reputation and creative works by registering, enforcing and licensing their valuable intellectual property. I also advise advertising and marketing clients regarding media rights, rights of publicity and privacy issues, brand management and trademark and copyright clearances.

In addition to advocating for my clients in transactional matters and dispute resolution,. I understand the importance of protecting a brand and the tireless work that is invested in developing generational brand loyalty, recognition, goodwill, and value.

Education

  • Michigan State University, BA (2003)
  • Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, JD (2008)

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • United States Supreme Court

Practice Areas

  • Entertainment Law
  • Intellectual Property

Honors & Awards

  • SuperLawyer, Entertainment Law 2022 – 2024
  • SuperLawyer Rising Star, Entertainment Law – 2013 – 2020
  • dBusiness Top Lawyer – 2013 2024
  • Michigan Lawyers Weekly Up & Coming Lawyer – 2014

Education

  • Michigan State University, BA (2003)
  • Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, JD (2008)

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • United States Supreme Court

Practice Areas

  • Entertainment Law
  • Intellectual Property

Honors & Awards

  • SuperLawyer, Entertainment Law 2022 – 2024
  • SuperLawyer Rising Star, Entertainment Law – 2013 – 2020
  • dBusiness Top Lawyer – 2013 2024
  • Michigan Lawyers Weekly Up & Coming Lawyer – 2014

Examples of Excellence

  • Represented creative clients in 6 figure transactions
  • Represented the estate of a songwriter whose original song was sampled in a multi-platinum hit song.
  • Represented artists in signing recording agreements with major record labels.
  • Represented a well-known artist in severing ties with its personal manager
  • Negotiated resolution of a shareholder dispute between the owners of a major record label.
  • Obtained significant monetary damages from a major television production company resulting from the unauthorized use of an individual’s copyright and likeness.
  • Negotiated multiple distribution and joint venture agreements on behalf of independent record labels and artists with major record companies and related distributors.
  • Represented athletes and entertainers in multi-year endorsement and licensing agreements.
  • Negotiated and secured all rights for the production of multiple Super Bowl commercials.
  • Successfully enforced a breach of contract claim against a music venue who refused to pay a world-class artist for his performance.
  • Negotiated the production and presentation of a major international sporting event on a multi-year basis.
  • Recovered unclaimed royalties for songwriters, producers, performers, and music publishers.
  • Represented a major music festival in negotiations with artists, agents, managers, sponsors, and vendors.
  • Provide chain of title written opinions for feature films, documentaries, and commercials.
  • Represented venue, bar, restaurant, and festival owners and producers against allegations made by performing rights organizations
  • Obtained an immediate dismissal of a copyright infringement and unfair competition case brought against a visual artist.

Professional Affiliations & Credentials

Past Chair: Arts, Communication, Entertainment & Sports Section, State Bar of Michigan

Past President: Italian American Bar Association of Michigan

Executive Board: Detroit Music Awards Foundation

Member: National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammys), American Bar Association Forum on Sports & Entertainment, Oakland County Bar Association, Macomb County Bar Association

Testimonials

Thank you to attorneys Howard Hertz and Joseph Bellanca, my power house legal team at Hertz Schram, for negotiating the screenwriting deal and contract – now I have a producer from NY attached. You guys are the pros in everything.

Lance K.
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Awards and Accolades