LASA

Legal resources

Understand Your Rights. Protect Your Work. Make Informed Decisions.

The creative industries involve contracts, intellectual property, commercial relationships and legal responsibilities. Understanding these issues can help creatives make informed decisions and recognise when professional assistance may be needed.

LASA aims to make legal information more accessible by providing educational resources that explain legal concepts in clear, practical language.

01

Intellectual Property and Copyright

Your creative work may have legal and commercial value. Understanding intellectual property can help you make informed decisions about how your work is used, shared, licensed and commercialised.

Explore educational information about:

  • What copyright protects and how copyright generally operates
  • Ownership of creative works
  • Commissioned works and collaborative projects
  • Music, film, photography, writing and digital content
  • Licensing, permissions and royalties
  • Copyright infringement and unauthorised use
  • Trademarks and the protection of brands
  • Commercialising and managing intellectual property
02

Contracts and Agreements

Contracts shape many professional relationships in the creative industries. Before signing an agreement, it is important to understand the rights and obligations it creates.

Our educational materials may cover:

  • Production and commissioning agreements
  • Artist management agreements
  • Recording and publishing agreements
  • Performance and appearance agreements
  • Brand endorsement and influencer agreements
  • Freelance service agreements
  • Payment terms, cancellation clauses and dispute resolution
  • Ownership and licensing provisions

Where appropriate, seek independent legal advice before signing an agreement, especially where substantial rights, income or long-term obligations are involved.

03

Labour Rights and Fair Treatment

Creatives may work as employees, freelancers, independent contractors or through their own businesses. Their legal rights and obligations can differ depending on the circumstances.

Our educational resources aim to increase awareness of issues such as:

  • The distinction between employment and independent contracting
  • Payment disputes and contractual obligations
  • Working conditions and relevant labour protections
  • Discrimination, harassment and unfair treatment
  • Possible dispute-resolution mechanisms
  • Where to seek appropriate professional or institutional assistance
04

Digital Rights, Privacy and Technology

Digital platforms create opportunities for creatives but also raise questions about personal information, content ownership, online misuse and emerging technologies.

Resources in this area may address:

  • Personal information and privacy
  • The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
  • Online impersonation and unauthorised use of content
  • Digital contracts and electronic communications
  • Artificial intelligence and creative works
  • Digital distribution and platform agreements
05

Creative Business and Commercialisation

Understanding the business side of creativity is important for building sustainable careers.

Our resources aim to help creatives explore:

  • Negotiation and professional record-keeping
  • Business agreements and contractual risk
  • Intellectual property as a commercial asset
  • Licensing and revenue opportunities
  • Brand partnerships and sponsorships
  • Basic legal considerations when establishing a creative business

Frequently asked questions

Common questions from creatives.

Important Notice

LASA's website resources are provided for general educational and informational purposes. They are not a substitute for legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances and do not create an attorney-client or advocate-client relationship.

Laws and legal requirements may change. Please verify the applicable law and seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional before acting on a legal issue.

Explore and learn

Have a topic you would like us to cover?

We intend to expand our resource library as new educational materials become available. Contact LASA and suggest a resource that would help you or your creative community.

Suggest a Resource