Stephanie Iken, Attorney at Law

All you need is love (and a good contract.)

Northern Songs: How Lennon-McCartney Lost Control

John Lennon and Paul McCartney began writing songs together as teenagers. Those songs became the foundation of the Beatles and, within a few years, one of the most valuable publishing catalogs in popular music. The shift from songwriting to corporate ownership arrived early, quietly, and with consequences that followed both men for the rest of…

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How George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” changed copyright law

The lawsuit over My Sweet Lord occupies a strange place in music history. The song remains beloved, but to songwriters, the case remains unsettling. In reaching the decision in this case, the court introduced a form of liability that does not depend on intent, memory, or deliberate copying. For songwriters, the ruling altered how similarity…

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What Happens If a Venue Does Not Pay After the Show?

Most musicians do not expect to leave a show unpaid. When it happens, it is frustrating, awkward, and often confusing. People are packing up gear, the crowd is gone, and suddenly the person who was supposed to hand over the money is unavailable, making excuses, or promising to “Venmo later.” This situation is more common…

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The Beatles and Bad Contracts

The Beatles’ financial conflicts did not begin with a single lawsuit or end with the band’s breakup. They developed through a series of contracts, management decisions, and accounting practices that locked control away from the artists themselves. Those decisions created royalty disputes that extended well beyond the band’s breakup. Allen Klein played a central role…

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Paul McCartney went to court to protect the Beatles

Paul McCartney’s 1970 lawsuit against the other Beatles remains one of the most misunderstood moments in the band’s history. It is often described as betrayal or abandonment. From a legal perspective, it reads very differently. The lawsuit functioned as an attempt to stop further harm at a moment when informal solutions had already failed. As…

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Emergency Preparedness on a Budget

Emergency preparedness does not require expensive gear or specialty supplies. Most effective preparation comes from planning, organization, and using what you already have. Budget-friendly preparedness focuses on reducing risk and improving response without creating financial strain. Start With Planning, Not Purchases The most valuable preparation steps cost nothing. Begin by: Clear plans reduce panic and…

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Tornado Safety Planning

Tornadoes can form quickly and with little warning. Unlike hurricanes, there may be no days-long lead time to prepare. Planning ahead focuses on where to go, how to get there fast, and how to reduce risk when seconds matter. Tornado safety planning works best when it is specific to the structure you live in and…

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Hello,

I’m Stephanie

I’m a Florida attorney who helps musicians and creative professionals understand the legal side of their work. My background in law and lifelong love of music inspired me to focus on making contracts and rights clear for the people who make art possible.

When I’m not working with clients, you’ll usually find me practicing guitar, exploring local record stores, or listening to the Beatles.

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