Legal services for creative people + businesses.

Abstract geometric artwork with vibrant red, blue, yellow, and black wavy lines intersecting with solid color blocks on a pale beige background. The design evokes a sense of modernity and dynamic motion.

Modern abstract illustration with overlapping geometric shapes in red, yellow, and blue, set against a pale beige background. The composition creates a friendly visual experience that is indicative of contemporary design and art.

We work with
creative businesses.

We advise and represent businesses of all sizes across diverse industries — tech, entertainment, music, film, marketing, and more — offering strategic, growth-focused legal support.

Services, Clients & Industries >

We work with
creative people.

We advise and represent individuals across creative industries — artists, producers, songwriters, designers, filmmakers, and beyond — protecting their work and advancing their vision.

Services, Clients & Industries >

Caleb Ellis
Founder & Principal

Caleb Ellis is a lawyer who helps people and businesses navigate the complexities of creative commerce.

Learn more about Output Law >

Follow @outputlaw

Scope creep can’t be completely eliminated. It’s an inevitability of doing creative business. But your contracts are your strongest tool for managing scope creep.

Contracts aren’t just a formality — they’re the blueprint for your project’s success. When every team member and stakeholder knows the plan, expectations are clear, and last-minute surprises are minimized.

By defining deliverables, enforcing feedback deadlines, formalizing changes, and assigning decision-makers, you’re not just protecting your budget, you’re ensuring your client gets the best possible result without delays or frustration.

#LegalTips #CreativeBusiness #FilmProduction #Producer #Filmmaker #ProjectManagement

Vague agreements lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. Use this checklist to ensure clarity, protect your work, and secure fair compensation.

#CopyrightLaw #DesignerLife #GraphicDesign #IntellectualProperty

The Lord of the Rings trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion, but contributors who were promised a share of “net profits” — including the Tolkien Estate and Peter Jackson — found themselves empty-handed.

By deducting questionable and inflated expenses, New Line Cinema claimed there were no profits to share. This led to several lawsuits and settlements, highlighting how easily “net profits” can be manipulated.

“Creative accounting” like this happens in every industry, not just the movie business.

That’s why the definition of “net profits” is one of the most hotly contested terms in any contract — and for good reason. It could mean the difference between getting paid or not.

If you’re entering a profit-sharing deal, work with a lawyer to negotiate a clear and fair definition of “net profits” and put mechanisms in place to ensure transparency.

This is not legal advice.

#legaltips #lotr #lordoftherings #saruman #creativebusiness #filmmaking #filmmaker

During Taylor Swift’s recent run of concerts in Toronto, a sex toy company put this billboard along the highway outside the city.   It’s obviously referencing Taylor Swift, and it’s unlikely she authorized this use of her name.  Can you do that?

Fun fact: Taylor Swift has about 50 registered trademarks, including “Taylor Swift,” “T.S.,” “Swift,” and “Swifties.”

☝️This is not legal advice - talk to a lawyer before using any person’s name or image without their permission.

#legaltips #entertainmentlaw #toronto #torontoconcerts #IPlaw #taylorswift

Output Law provides legal services to creative people and businesses 👋

(these tips are not legal advice)

#CreativeBusiness #CreativeBusinesses #CreativeEntrepreneurs #LegalTips

Audit rights aren’t one-size-fits-all. When negotiating audit rights, it’s crucial to consider the details:

What can be audited? When and how? What happens if payment discrepancies are discovered?

Whether you’re granting or requesting audit rights, context is key.

Not legal advice.

#contracts #contractlaw #creativebusiness #entertainmentlaw #legaltips #legaltipsforbusinessowners

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Let's work together.

Let's chat.

Send us a message and we'll set up a time to talk. Consultations are free.

Make a plan.

We'll create a unique plan that meets your goals and fits your budget.

Get back to business.

We'll take care of the legal stuff so you can focus on creativity and growing your business.

Legal services for creative people + businesses.

We work with creative businesses.

We advise and represent businesses of all sizes across diverse industries — tech, entertainment, music, film, marketing, and more — offering strategic, growth-focused legal support. Services, Clients & Industries >

We work with creative people.

Caleb Ellis Founder & Principal

​

Let's work together.

We work with
creative businesses.

We advise and represent businesses of all sizes across diverse industries — tech, entertainment, music, film, marketing, and more — offering strategic, growth-focused legal support.

Services, Clients & Industries >

We work with
creative people.

Caleb Ellis
Founder & Principal