Best Media and Entertainment Lawyers in Las Vegas

About Media and Entertainment Law in Las Vegas, United States

Las Vegas is a major media and entertainment center known for live shows, concerts, casinos, film and television production, digital media start-ups, and a thriving events industry. Media and entertainment law in Las Vegas sits at the intersection of federal intellectual property law, state regulations, and local permitting and licensing requirements. Common legal issues include contract drafting and negotiation, intellectual property protection, music and talent licensing, location and film permits, gaming-related restrictions, labor and union rules, insurance and liability, and regulatory compliance related to advertising and broadcasting.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Anyone working in media and entertainment in Las Vegas can face complex legal risks and opportunities. You may need a lawyer if you are:

- Negotiating talent, production, venue or vendor contracts - to ensure payment terms, deliverables, cancellation rights, and ownership of content are clear.

- Using music, footage, logos or third-party content - to clear copyrights and obtain sync, master, mechanical and performance licenses.

- Filming on public property, casino floors or private venues - to obtain permits, comply with gaming rules, and draft location agreements.

- Producing content involving minors or adult performers - to comply with special protections, work permits and payroll rules.

- Facing disputes over ownership, royalties, or unpaid fees - to evaluate breach claims, pursue or defend litigation, or negotiate settlements.

- Launching a media business or digital platform - to structure the business, protect trademarks, and prepare distribution and advertising agreements.

- Advertising or promoting gambling, alcohol or adult entertainment - to ensure compliance with state and federal advertising and consumer protection laws.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal considerations that are particularly relevant in Las Vegas include:

- Federal intellectual property law - Copyright, trademark and patent law are governed at the federal level and apply to film, music, software and branding. Clearing rights and registering marks or copyrights provides important protections.

- Nevada state law and local ordinances - Nevada statutes and Clark County and City of Las Vegas ordinances govern business formation, contracts, labor standards, and certain privacy and publicity rights. Local rules often affect permits, noise, and public space use.

- Gaming regulation - Productions that involve casinos, gaming activity, or casino-branded imagery often face additional review or contractual restrictions by casino operators and may be affected by Nevada Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission policies. Casinos typically impose strict conditions for filming on premises.

- Permits and public space use - Filming on streets, sidewalks, parks and other public property usually requires permits from the City of Las Vegas, Clark County, or the State. Permits may require insurance, traffic control plans, and payment for city services.

- Labor and union rules - Many productions must comply with collective bargaining agreements and rules from unions such as SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, the American Federation of Musicians and writers or directors guilds. Union contracts affect wages, working conditions and residuals.

- Licensing for live performances and music - Public performances require performance licenses from music rights organizations and cleared agreements for songwriters, publishers and master recording owners. Live venues often handle blanket licenses, but production-level use requires careful clearance.

- Insurance and safety requirements - Production insurance, general liability, workers compensation and specialized coverage for stunts, pyrotechnics and property damage are commonly required by venues and permit authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get permission to film on the Las Vegas Strip or in a casino?

Filming on the Strip or inside casinos usually requires multiple approvals. Private casino properties require written permission from the operator and often impose strict contractual conditions. Filming on public right-of-way or streets requires city or county film permits, which can include insurance, traffic control and coordination with local authorities. Start early and budget for permit fees and any venue-imposed requirements.

What do I need to clear music for use in a film, commercial or online video?

You typically need one or more licenses: a sync license from the music publisher for the composition, and a master use license from the label or recording owner for a specific recording. For live performances or public playback you may also need performance licenses from performing rights organizations. If you cannot clear a desired track, consider commissioning original music or using properly licensed stock music.

How can I protect my script, idea or film from being copied?

Copyright protection attaches automatically to original works fixed in a tangible form. For added protection and as evidence in disputes, register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office. Use written confidentiality agreements and non-disclosure agreements when sharing scripts or concepts with producers, investors or collaborators. Contracts establishing ownership and assignment of rights are essential for co-writers, producers and talent.

Do I need a lawyer to review talent and vendor contracts?

Yes - contracts often include important terms about payment, credits, warranties, indemnities, intellectual property ownership, insurance and cancellation rights. A lawyer experienced in entertainment contracts can protect your rights, clarify revenue sharing and residuals, and negotiate preferable termination and liability terms.

How are performers and crew classified - employee or independent contractor?

Classification depends on facts - control over work, payment methods and the nature of the relationship. Misclassification risks payroll tax liabilities, penalties and unemployment claims. Productions should consult legal and payroll experts and consider state and federal criteria when classifying hires, and use clear contracts and payroll procedures.

What special rules apply when working with child performers in Nevada?

Child performers require special safeguards, which can include work permits, limitations on hours, education provisions and protections for earnings. While specific rules vary by jurisdiction, producers should obtain required permits, comply with labor laws, and consider establishing protected accounts for a portion of a minor's earnings. Consult counsel to ensure compliance with both state and union requirements.

How do gaming regulations affect advertising and promotions for shows or events that involve casinos?

Gambling-related advertising is sensitive and may be subject to state gaming regulations and casino policies. Promotions that involve prizes, wagering or co-branding with casinos often require review by gaming authorities or the casino operator, and they must comply with consumer protection rules, age restrictions and disclosure requirements. Legal review is recommended before launching such promotions.

What insurance do I need for a media production in Las Vegas?

Common policies include general liability, commercial auto, workers compensation, and production-specific coverages such as errors-and-omissions, negative publicity, and special equipment or props coverage. Venues and permit authorities frequently require named additional insured endorsements and specified policy limits. An insurance broker familiar with productions can help assemble appropriate coverage.

Can I film interviews or people in public without releases?

Filming people in public spaces is generally allowed, but using that footage for commercial purposes often requires signed releases to avoid privacy or right-of-publicity claims. Releases are especially important when the content is flattering or commercial in nature, or when the person is identifiable and the use could affect their reputation or commercial interests.

What should I ask when hiring an entertainment attorney in Las Vegas?

Ask about the attorney's experience with media and entertainment matters, local permitting and gaming issues, union negotiations, copyright and music licensing, fee structure (hourly, flat fee, retainer or contingency), and references from similar clients. Confirm licensure in Nevada and familiarity with Las Vegas-specific regulatory bodies.

Additional Resources

Agencies and organizations to consult or contact as appropriate include local and federal bodies: Nevada Secretary of State for business filings, Nevada State Bar for attorney referrals, Clark County Film Office and City of Las Vegas film or permitting offices for location permits, Nevada Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission for gaming-related issues, U.S. Copyright Office and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for IP filings, Federal Communications Commission for broadcasting matters, and the Federal Trade Commission for advertising and endorsement rules.

Industry organizations and unions to consider: SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, American Federation of Musicians and other trade guilds that set working standards and collective bargaining agreements. Local industry groups and film commissions can help with location scouting, local vendors and production infrastructure.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in media and entertainment in Las Vegas -

- Identify your primary legal needs - contracts, IP clearance, permits, regulatory compliance, labor, or dispute resolution.

- Gather key documents - contracts, scripts, samples of content, correspondence, budgets, insurance certificates and any permit applications.

- Schedule consultations with attorneys who specialize in media and entertainment law and who have local knowledge of Las Vegas and Nevada rules. Prepare a concise summary of your project and specific questions for the consultation.

- Ask attorneys about experience with similar projects, fee arrangements, estimated timelines and potential risks. Request a written engagement letter outlining scope and fees.

- Budget for legal, insurance and permit costs early in your project planning to avoid delays and unexpected liabilities.

- Keep records of all clearances, releases and approvals, and build legal review into contract and distribution milestones.

Taking these steps will help protect your project, minimize legal surprises, and give you greater confidence as you produce and distribute media or entertainment content in Las Vegas.