Creators aren't just content producers anymore. They're brands, businesses, and increasingly, investable assets. That shift comes with legal complexity that most creators aren't prepared for.

Most creators sign contracts that were written by the brand's lawyers, in the brand's interest, to protect the brand. That's not a conspiracy — it's just how the industry works.

Platforms like Meta, YouTube, and TikTok operate under broad terms of service that give them significant discretion to take action on accounts — often without detailed explanation.

Most creators know they need to disclose paid partnerships. Most creators are still doing it wrong. The Federal Trade Commission's endorsement guidelines require that any material connection between a creator and a brand — cash, free products, discounts, commissions, event access, any perk — be disclosed clearly and conspicuously.

A question I get a lot lately: "If I use AI to make my content, do I own it?"

Social media agencies can provide tremendous value to creators by finding them deals and helping them build their brands. But they can also be predatory, locking creators into multi year terms, taking more than their fair share of commissions, and misappropriating creators' name image and likeness.

Sometimes brands ghost creators or delay payment to them. If you're a creator and this is happening to you, watch this video, and reach out for a free consult to see if we can help.

Hiring a lawyer can be an opaque and unclear process. In this video, Julian breaks down what hiring a lawyer actually looks like, how the process works, and why you shouldn't ever be intimidated to talk to a lawyer about your rights.

83(b) tax filings are crucial for startups that are granting equity to founders and employees. In this video, Julian breaks down how these filings work and when you should use them.

If you use an LLC or corporate entity in your business there is a new filing requirement you need to submit per the Corporate Transparency Act (passed in 2021). 

This is a big change from the previous guidance, which only required that the post, in general, have a conspicuous disclosure.

As a transactional lawyer my goal is to fight for the best deal for my clients.