Jeff S. Miholer, Attorney
503-221-5199
(please include “legal services” in the subject line)
Jeff Miholer provides legal services to clients with business interests in the development, production and exploitation of promotional, narrative and documentary film, television and electronic media.
Courts, Government, E&O and Unions:
Jeff has represented the interests
of media creators in state and federal courts, with the U.S. Copyright Office
and with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and has consulted on matters regulated
by numerous state and federal agencies. He has helped clients work through
industry-specific issues involving production insurance and E&O
and SAG, WGA, DGA and IASTE policies and practices. Jeff has closed deals
involving parties in the
Film, Television, Video and Web:
Jeff has worked with producers of narrative, documentary, promotional, educational, industrial, reality and animated content. He has helped producers through all facets of creation and exploitation, from financing, rights-acquisition and production to post-production, distribution, licensing and dispute resolution. Jeff has also worked with talent, contractors and distributors to establish and enforce their legal rights.
Agencies and Managers:
Agencies and managers have used Jeff to set up their businesses, help sign clients and make the best of business opportunities. Whether in the advertising world or the music business, agent and managers have looked to Jeff for help.
Music:
Jeff has worked with producers, songwriters, vocalists and musicians to establish their businesses, protect their intellectual property and license their rights.
Writers and Screenwriters:
Writers and screenwriters have used Jeff to acquire rights, resolve disputes and close deals. Jeff does not represent un-credentialed writers in marketing their works unless there is specific interest from potential buyers.
When to contact an entertainment attorney:
Contact an entertainment lawyer early. Waiting too long can foreclose options and create scheduling problems. Lawyers do their best work when they are involved from the beginning, before options are pruned. Call or e-mail as soon as you have an opportunity or dispute.
Recent:
Punk Love, w-p-d Nick Lyon
Robert's Story, w-p-d Tom D’Antoni
Freedom State, p
Links:
What employers must know about Contractors, Employees and Interns – FAQs, articles and publications.
The scoop on who is an employee, and who is not for Tax purposes, Workers Comp purposes and for Wage & Hour purposes.
Portland Office of Film and Video – A one stop place to check local requirements.
Oregon Film
and Video Office – Info on filming in
U.S. Copyright Office – The source for information on copyrights and copyright law.
Securities and Exchange Commission – The source for information on financing through investors.
Internal Revenue Service – Business startup advice.
Secretary of State Corporation Division – Setting up corporations and limited liability companies in
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office – All about building and protecting a brand.
Workers Compensation Division – Info
on protecting workers in
Note: Many of these links lead to plain-English articles and do-it-yourself forms. While simplicity would appear to be democratic and user-friendly, it conceals the fact that even the most basic business filing or copyright application involves many important nuances that have the potential to help or hurt a registrant. Therefore, professional advice is always recommended.
Member: Oregon Media Production Association
Admitted to Practice Before:
Oregon Circuit Courts, Oregon Court of Appeals, Oregon Supreme Court
United States District Court for the District of Oregon
Another Note: Reading a lawyer’s website or even talking to the lawyer will not establish an attorney-client relationship. Do not share confidential information with an attorney or expect an attorney to protect your interests unless you and the attorney have a clear, written agreement for legal services.
Jeff Miholer prints on 100% post-consumer, chlorine-free paper;
recycles all paper (after shredding); reuses toner cartridges;
uses low-power computing equipment; minimizes artificial lighting;
mails documents electronically whenever appropriate;
files court documents by computer when possible;
time-shares meeting space; frequently telecommutes; patronizes
a green dry-cleaner; and often commutes by train.