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Kirk T. Schroder is an experienced entertainment and arts law attorney.
He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for the field of entertainment law and is currently rated an “AV Preeminent” lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for lawyers. Kirk’s national peers in the entertainment and sports law profession elected him the chair of the American Bar Association’s Entertainment and Sports Law Section.

Kirk is the Co-Editor and a contributing author to "The Essential Guide to Entertainment Law". He has taught entertainment law as Lecturer at the University of Virginia. His law practice draws entertainment and arts-related clients from around the world.

Kirk was named one of Virginia Lawyers Weekly's "Go-To Business Lawyers"
for entertainment law. He was also honored with "The G. Hamilton Loeb Award” from Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts. Who's Who Legal also honored Kirk for Sports & Entertainment in its International Edition.

Kirk's practices is entirely dedicated to entertainment law and includes the following areas:
Film & Television Production, Finance and Distribution
Union & Non-Union Matters
Live Theater & Stage Appearances
Interactive Games & Entertainment
Game Financing & Publishing
Literary Publishing & Authors
Major, Regional, Academic, Niche Publishers
Magazine Publishing
National Syndication
Newpapers
Music
Musicians
Record Labels
Live Performance Promoters
Venues
Visual Arts
Art Merchandising & Licensing

His clients include: Universal Pictures in numerous film productions, New York Times Best Selling Authors: James Nestor, David Baldacci (Wish You Well), Margot Shetterly (Hidden Figures) and Beth Macy (Dopesick), MTV reality television stars Catelynn and Tyler Baltierra, television documentary company Lone Wolf Media and acclaimed game designer Bruce Glassco among others.

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District of Columbia

District of Columbia Bar

Georgia

State Bar of Georgia

New York

New York State Office of Court Administration

Virginia

Virginia State Bar

Partner

Schroder Davis PLC

2015 - Current

Partner

Schroder Brooks Law Firm PLC

2018 - 2023

Partner

Schroder Brooks Law Firm PLC

2018 - 2023

Partner

Schroder Fidlow, PLC

2003 - 2015

University of Richmond School of Law

J.D.

University of Virginia

Ph.D.

G. Hamilton Loeb Award

Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts

2020

AV Rated

Martindale Hubbell

Listed for the Field of Entertainment Law

Best Lawyers in America

"Go To Lawyer" for Entertainment Law

Virginia Lawyers Weekly Magazine

Virginia State Bar  # 27469

Member

Current

American Bar Association Forum on Entertainment Law

Past Chair

Current

Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts

Honoree & Volunteer Lawyer

Current

Americana Music Festival CLE Program

Program Chair

Current

Activities: entertainment law cle program

The Essential Guide To Entertainment Law

Co-Editor & Contributor

Q. Can I trademark my music groups name, even if it’s trademarked for other companies that aren’t music related?

November 29, 2023

A: Yes, you can trademark your music group's name even if it is already trademarked for other companies in non-music-related industries. Trademarks are granted within specific classes of goods and services. If your music group's name does not conflict with existing trademarks in the music and entertainment category, you may be able to register it for your use.

Key points to consider:

Distinctiveness: The name should be distinctive and not generic or descriptive of the music services you're providing.

Search for Existing Trademarks: Conduct a thorough search to ensure that the name is not already trademarked in the music and entertainment classes.

Non-Confusion: The name should not be confusingly similar to existing trademarks in your industry, as this could lead to legal disputes.

Registration Process: File a trademark application with the appropriate intellectual property office, like the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the U.S.

Consulting with an intellectual property lawyer is recommended to navigate the trademark registration process effectively. ... Read More

Q. I am wanting to find out if any entertainment contracts have been fraudulently signed in my name or who approved the use

November 29, 2023

A: To investigate whether entertainment contracts have been fraudulently signed in your name, or to find out who authorized the use of your implied self in connection with the Kardashian-Jenner and Osbourne families on TV shows and networks like CNN, you should take the following steps:

Contact an Entertainment Lawyer: Engage a specialized attorney who has experience in entertainment law. They can guide you through the legal process, including how to investigate potential fraud or unauthorized use of your likeness.

Review Your Records: Check your personal records for any contracts or agreements you may have signed or been involved with.

Demand for Information: Your attorney can send a formal demand to the parties involved (TV networks, production companies, etc.) requesting disclosure of any contracts or agreements that feature your name or likeness.

Legal Action: If there is evidence of unauthorized use or fraud, your lawyer can advise on legal actions such as cease and desist letters, lawsuits for infringement of rights, or claims for damages.

Remember, each case is unique and will depend on the specific circumstances and evidence available. ... Read More