What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Indiana
I helped to form a band in 2000 which earned money. I was involved with them for about 10 years. I helped to write the music, and regularly contributed part of our income to go toward equipment, expenses, cd duplication, etc. We had a verbal agreement that the four of us were equal owners, though we never drafted any legal documents, and never acquired copyrights on the music.
Last year, I was charged with crimes I didn't commit. It caused a stir within the community that had formed around our band, including the members, and I was notified that I was no longer a member. My name has since been cleared.
Despite our verbal agreement, the guitarist was claiming all of the income on his personal taxes, yet demanding that we help pay the resulting taxes. He claims now that I was merely a "paid contractor". He notified me today that he's spent $2000 to copyright the music, leaving me out of the picture. He also claims that they no longer play any music that I had anything to do with, and that they intend to change the name.
I feel I've been cheated out of ten years of my life here. Is there any recourse available to me?
I helped to form a band in 2000 which earned money. I was involved with them for about 10 years. I helped to write the music, and regularly contributed part of our income to go toward equipment, expenses, cd duplication, etc. We had a verbal agreement that the four of us were equal owners, though we never drafted any legal documents, and never acquired copyrights on the music.
Last year, I was charged with crimes I didn't commit. It caused a stir within the community that had formed around our band, including the members, and I was notified that I was no longer a member. My name has since been cleared.
Despite our verbal agreement, the guitarist was claiming all of the income on his personal taxes, yet demanding that we help pay the resulting taxes. He claims now that I was merely a "paid contractor". He notified me today that he's spent $2000 to copyright the music, leaving me out of the picture. He also claims that they no longer play any music that I had anything to do with, and that they intend to change the name.
I feel I've been cheated out of ten years of my life here. Is there any recourse available to me?