Welcome to my personal webpage, home of my personal and educational blog, Law on the Row, dedicated to helping struggling creators – artists, songwriters, producers, actors, filmmakers – learn more about the world of entertainment and copyright law. If you need legal services, I encourage you to check out my firm’s webpage from the drop-down menu above. Otherwise, thank you for checking me out!
-BNSesq
Barry Neil Shrum, Attorney, Author, Speaker & Educator
Barry Neil Shrum, Esquire has been practicing law for over 30 years. While in theology school in Glenside, Pennsylvania, Barry’s two older brothers called for help in establishing a music publishing company. Through the experience of research and setting up Painted Cow Publishing, Inc., Mr. Shrum discovered his love of the law.
He officially began his career as a “Philadelphia lawyer” in the litigation department of a mid-sized Center City firm and then went in-house as counsel to a Fortune 50 conglomerate, all the while honing his legal skills to fulfill his goal of defending the rights of under-represented musicians, songwriters, and artists. In 1996, he decided to realize the dream by returning to the site of his roots, Tennessee, and building a practice in Music City.
Mr. Shrum was soon identified by SkyNet Radio as one of “America’s Premier Entertainment Attorneys.” Also known as the “Shark’s lawyer” because of his representation of Daymond John, Mr. Shrum is dedicated to protecting the intellectual property rights of creators, inventors, businesses and entrepreneurs, representing celebrities at all echelons and in all facets of the entertainment and creative industry and arts, as well as start-up businesses and entrepreneurs.
P.T. Barnum said that “the noblest art is one of making people happy.” Mr. Shrum has a passion for defending those noble artists and others who are working creatively to achieve their dreams.
- Gilchrist v. Hough, et al., U.S.D.C. Middle District of Tennessee, Case No 3:23-00446, Represented Muppet & Tiny Dinos illustrator Guy Gilchrist claiming copyright infringement and infringement of the Visual Artists Rights Act.
- Calvert Health, LLC v. Four Leaf Liquidators, LLC, U.S.D.C. Middle District of Tennessee, Case No 3:23-cv-00110, Represented plaintiff in trademark & trade name infringement action.
- Bo Carter v. Eric Claption, et al., U.S.D.C. Middle District of Tennessee, Case No 3:17—2722, Represented the estate in copyright infringement action –Settled.
- Jack Victor Miller v. Kenneth Hurst, et al., U.S. Middle District of Tenn., Case No. 3:17-cv-0791, Represent Kenneth Hurst & Lilibeth Music Publishing against pro se plaintiff in copyright infringement action – case dismissed in favor of clients.
- Music City Metals, v. Jingchang Cai d/b/a Xincheng Company, et. al., Middle District of Tenn., Case 3:17-0276, Represent Oceanside BBQ Parts Factory Inc. and service as local counsel for 8 other defendants in copyright infringement defense – settled.
- Garth Brooks v. Commbine.com, LLC, National Arbitration Forum, Claim Number: FA0011000096097, Represented Complainant.. Decided January 3, 2001 in favor of Complainant.C. Russell Bridges p/k/a Leon Russell v. Steve and Ruth Kahn a/k/a Steve Kahn Assoc. a/k/a Leonrussell.org, National Arbitration Forum, Claim Number: FA0111000101818. Represented Complainant. Decided in favor of Complainant, December 27, 2001.
- Word Music Corp. et al. v. Lynn Corporation, et. al., U.S.D.C. Middle District of Tenn., Case No. 3:09-0411, Represented Defendant in karaoke copyright infringement litigation- Withdrew.
- C. Russell Bridges p/k/a Leon Russell v. Steve and Ruth Kahn a/k/a Steve Kahn Assoc. a/k/a Leonrussell.org, National Arbitration Forum, Claim Number: FA0111000101818. Represented Leon Russell in domain name dispute. Decided in favor of client, December 27, 2001.
- Douglas Snider v. Leon Russell, individually and d/b/a Young Carney Music, Chancery Court, Davidson County, Case No. 04-2805-IV. (Represent Defendant – Motion to Dismiss granted with regard to several counts – remaining counts settled in favor of Defendant).
- Marty Stuart v. Sherry Mattioli, National Arbitration Forum. Represented Complainant.
- The Dixie Devils v. Castle Records, Chancery Court of Davidson County, (Represented Plaintiffs – settled prior to trial in favor of clients).
- Bob Evans v. ZYX Music Corp., U.S.D.C. Middle District of Tenn., (Represented Plaintiff – settled prior to trial in favor of Plaintiff).
- Warren Haynes v. Dennis Robbins Music, et al., U.S.D.C. Middle District of Tenn., (Represent Plaintiff – significant financial settlement prior to trial in favor of Plaintiff).
- Dan Penn, Buckey Lindsey, Lonnie McIntosh v. Brooks & Dunn, Sony Music and EMI Music Publishing, U.S.D.C. Middle District of Tenn., Case No. 3:97-0077
- Tony Evans, Photographer v. State of Tennessee, Tennessee Claims Commission (Dismissed).
- Stephen Allen Davis v. Al Gallico, U.S.D.C. Middle District of Tenn., Case No. 3:02-0443 (Represented Plaintiff – Dismissed on Summary Judgment).
- Charles Callelo v. Smith Music Group, et al., U.S.D.C. Middle District of Tenn., Case No. 3:03-0035 (Represent Plaintiff – Verdict at trial – judgement for the Plaintiff).Sandy Linzer v. Smith Music Group et al., U.S.D.C. Middle District of Tenn., Case No. 3:03-0034 (Represent Plaintiff – Settled Prior to Trial).
- Faye Woodroof, p/k/a “The Grandmother from Hell” v. Donna Carter, U.S.D.C. Middle District of Tenn., Case No. 3:02-0225 (Represent Plaintiff – Settled Prior to Trial).American Federation of Musicians v. Charles Callelo, Chancery Court, Davidson County, Case No. 01-3679-1 (Represented Defendant – Settled in mediation)
- Guitars, Gavels & Gold: Contemporary Legal Issues in the Arts, Entertainment & Music Industries. Kendall Hunt Publishers, 2022
- Defending the Noble Arts: A legal guide to licensing, protecting & monetizing intellectual properties. Kendall Hunt Publishers, 2020
- Contributor, Hicks, Rush and Brown, Dewayne, Artist Management: The Relationship that Defines or Denies Success, Kendall Hunt Publishers, 2019
- Counting Stars: Celebrity Licensing & Endorsements. CreateSpace, 2015
- Featured Contributor, Songwriter’s Market 2016, Cris Freese, ed., Writer’s Digest Books, 39th Edition (November 2, 2015)
- Forward, How to Copyright A Song the Right Way, Michael Casals, forward by Barry Neil Shrum, Esq. (2015)
- Contributor, Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Crime and Criminology, 10th Edition, McGraw Hill (Oct. 10 2012)
- Origins of an Idea, An Apologetic for Original Expression, CreateSpace, 2011
- Editor, Law on the Row, a marketing publication targeted at developing new clients.
- A Day in the Life of a PDA-Enabled Lawyer, originally published on PDA247.com & CliePlanet.com, 2003; Reprinted or Linked on the following web publications: About.com, Palmtops/PDA’s; Punch & Jurists Weekly Newsletter, Vol. 11. No. 14; Paul L. Boley Law Library; and Handakte WebLawg (German).
- The impact of MP3 on songwriters and the music industry, American Songwriter, Jan-Mar 2000
- Songwriters: Meet MP3. American Songwriter, Sept. 1. 2000.
- Avoiding the Legal Power Trap, Delaware Law Forum, Vol. 17, No. 1, Sept. 1989.
- “Setting the Standards,” featured in Currents, the monthly publication of C.A.S.E. (Council for the Support of Education), Washington, D.C., November 1988.
- Adjunct Professor, Mike Curb School of Music Business, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee, Divisions of Music Business and Entertainment Industry Studies. Classes taught include Entertainment Law & Licensing, Copyright Law, Legal Issues in the Entertainment Industry, Cyberlaw, Music Publishing & Music Business Survey, 2009-present.
- Panelist on Belmont Entertainment Law Journal’s Second Annual Entertainment Law Symposium, “The Evolution of Entertainment”
- Guest appearances on the Music Row Show (WSM 650am and BlueHighways TV), various 2008-2010
- Guest appearances on Malcom West’s Motorsports Today & Country Music Radio Show (WSM 650am), various 2007-2009
- Featured in Music Row magazine’s In Charge edition, 2008
- Featured in Nashville magazine’s Music Industry edition, 2007
- Entertainment Law 101, Argosy Art Institute, May 19, 2008.
- Interviewed for a segment on Digimusictv.com, an online live programming resource for entertainers, 2007.
- Interviewed for a segment on Skynet Radio, which appeared on United Airlines in-flight radio, 2006.
- Entertainment Law Review, Annual Meeting of the Legal Secretaries of Kentucky, Nashville, Tennessee, March 19, 2005
- Current Litigation Developments in Entertainment Law, Nashville, Tennessee, August 31, 2004
- Technology Law in Tennessee: An Advanced Approach, Nashville, Tennessee, December 5, 2003
- Ethics for the Transactional Lawyer, Nashville, Tennessee, March 7, 2003
- Entertainment Law – Copyrights & Trademarks Online – Law Seminars International, Nashville, Tennessee, December 6-7, 2001
- The Law of the Internet in Tennessee, National Business Institute, Nashville, Tennessee, October 25, 2001
- Internet Law and Research for Legal Professionals in Tennessee, Lorman Education Services, Nashville, Tennessee, October 18, 2000
- The Law of the Internet in Tennessee, National Business Institute, Nashville, Tennessee, August 24, 2000
- How to Become an Entertainment Lawyer, YMCA Black Acheivers Program, Nashville, Tennessee April 8, 2000
- Emerging Legal Issues for Songwriters and Music Publishers, NSAI Songwriter’s Workshop, Nashville, Tennessee, June 4, 1998
- Legal Aspects of Songwriting, Encore Books Workshop Series, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, April 20, 1994
- Songwriter’s Workshop, New Jersey Songwriter’s Association, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 1994
- Legal Aspects of Songwriting & Music Publishing, Christine Lavine’s First Annual Martha’s Vineyard Singer/Songwriter Retreat, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, September 1993
- America’s Most Honored Lawyers, American Registry, 2020-present
- Best Entertainment Law Firm – Tennessee, Acquisitions International, 2020
- Premier Lawyers of America, 2020
- Annual Mentor Appreciation Award, Nashville Entrepreneur Center, 2017
- LexisNexis Registry of Preeminent Lawyers, 2008-present
- Top Ten Entertainment Firms in Nashville, Nashville Business Journal, 2008-2009
- AV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell, 2000-present
- Avvo Rating – 10 (Superb), 2009-present
- In Charge, Music Row magazine’s Decision Makers edition, 2008
- America’s Premier Lawyers, Skynet Radio, 2007
- National Registry of Who’s Who, 1999
- Recipient, Meritorious Service Award, Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts 1997
- Harrington Inn of Phi Delta Phi (legal honor society), 1990
- Who’s Who Among American Law Students, 1989
- Shrum, Hicks & Associates, PC * Nashville, Tennessee * 2020-Present
- Founder & Managing Partner, Specialist in copyright and trademark infringement, intellectual property, licensing, and celebrity endorsements. Represent clients in the entertainment, music and technology industries in transactional matters and in related litigation (both plaintiff and defense work). Focused primarily on intellectual properties, including copyright and trademark with a particular expertise in music-related areas. Also represent small business clients as regards business formation, venture capital and corporate governance.
- Shrum & Associates, Nashville/Franklin, Tennessee * 2009-2020
- Founder, See description above.
- Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame * 2017-Present
- General Counsel, Board Member ex officio, serve as general counsel and legal advisor to the Board of Directors and President
- Belmont University, Mike Curb School of Entertainment & Music Business * Nashville * 2009-Present
- Professor, full time instructor teaching courses in entertainment and music business law and intellectual property.
- Harris, Martin, Jones, Shrum, Bradford & Wommack, P.A. * Nashville, Tennessee * 1997-2009
- Member Partner, same as Shrum, Hicks & Associates above.
- Art+Entertainment Law Group * Philadelphia, Pennsylvania * 1996-1997
- Founder & Managing Partner, same as Shrum, Hicks & Associates above.
- CIGNA Companies * Philadelphia, Pennsylvania * 1994-1996
- Corporate Counsel, Major Claims Litigation, Internalization Unit, collaborated with a team of two other attorneys to internalize all discovery phases of corporate litigation by developing and utilizing an in-house database of appropriate responses to interrogatories and document requests
- Clark Ladner Fortenbaugh & Young * Philadelphia, Pennsylvania * 1991-1994
- Associate, Law Clerk & Paralegal, Litigation Department, assisted senior members of department with defense of complex litigation involving environmental insurance coverage claims.
- Attorney’s General Office, Family Court * Wilmington, Delaware * 1991
- Assistant Attorney General, Summer Extern Program, prosecuted, settled and tried misdemeanor claims against juveniles.
- Northeastern Christian Junior College * Villanova, Pennsylvania * 1989-1991
- Faculty & Communications Director, as director of communications, developed, wrote and created all public relations materials
Recommendations & Awards
Avvo Superb Rating
Mr. Shrum has received the top rating, 10, on Avvo, the world’s most respected internet-rating site for lawyers, for over 10 years.
American's Most Recognized Lawyer
American's Most Recognized Lawyer
The American Registry ranks Mr. Shrum as among the top 10% of lawyers worldwide.
Highest Martindale-Hubbell Rating
The Traditional Lawyer Rankings
Mr. Shrum continuously receives the highest AV ratings on Martindale-Hubbell
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to represent some really amazing clients, each one of which weaves a thread of individuality into the tapestry that is my career. I want to thank each one of them for their loyalty and for the words they’ve chosen to recommend me. I appreciate each and every one of them. -BNSesq
“A trusted confidant”
I wish I had known Barry during my days at Epic and in the mid 80’s when I was managing Michael. When I moved to Nashville, he was one of the people I relied on and trusted. A great friend and a wise lawyer. Thank you Barry. -RIP Frank Dileo, 1947-2011, Michael Jackson’s Personal Manager
“Fortunate to have found Barry”
About a year ago, I received a call from a production company who wanted to produce a pilot for a reality TV show. I build pools, so I didn’t know anything about the entertainment business. I’m fortunate to have found Barry. They helped me understand the business and my contract. The pilot was picked up and we’re now in the middle of a season that is growing in popularity. Thank you! – Kyle Peek, Pool Kings & Peek Pools & Spas
“The Closer”
Barry defends the principles that give entrepreneurs, inventors and creators the inspiration to take action and create new businesses – and new ideas – every day. I call him “the Closer.” -Daymond, John, The Shark Group
“Guru of Celebrity Endorsements”
Barry is an indepensible member of the team at D3M. Simply the best at taking deal points I throw at him, frequently when I’m on the go between meetings, and turning them into enforceable contract language. He’s helped me close dozens of deals and it my “go to guy” for creating my licensing deals. -David Gold, D3M Licensing Group
“My ‘go to’ guy”
Barry represents some of the most influential movers and shakers in the creative industries, as well as many businesses like mine. He is an excellent entertainment lawyer, skilled in all aspects of intellectual property. He taught me everything I know about the law. Barry is the one person I turn to when I have legal questions or need a contract to reflect the many deals that I put together.” -Jay Leopardi, AvenueAR
Warhold v. Goldsmith–Fair Use and Appropriation Art
This article is a modified exert of Chapter 7 from Mr. Shrum’s book, Guitars, [...]
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Reunion
Last week, I was so honored to see many of the members of the [...]
Oiling the engine of free expression
The concept of fair use, codified at 17 U.S.C. §107, is one of the [...]