You’ve poured your energy into building something meaningful. Now it’s time to protect it with legal support that feels clear, empowering, and tailored to your journey.
I’m Melissa K. Dagodag — a business and intellectual property attorney serving entrepreneurs, artists, small business owners, and creative professionals. I help people like you navigate the legal side of business so you can grow with confidence and peace of mind.
From your logo to your latest work of art, your intellectual property matters! It's important you should feel confident knowing it’s legally yours. Learn more about Trademarks and Copyrights
Every great business starts with a strong foundation. Choosing the right structure — LLC, corporation, or partnership — sets you up for growth, clarity, and peace of mind.
Working in a creative industry means your legal needs are unique. With the right support in entertainment law, music law, and fashion law, you can protect your work and move forward with confidence.
Clear, thoughtfully written business contracts protect your time, your vision, and your relationships. You deserve agreements that reflect your values and goals.
I’m proud to support a vibrant mix of clients — entrepreneurs, artists, writers, designers, consultants, producers, and small businesses in Los Angeles and beyond. From fashion labels to production companies, I work with people who are building bold, creative ventures.
With degrees from Stanford (B.A., M.A.) and UCLA Law (J.D.), I have worked as an attorney at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP, business affairs counsel at BCBG, and VP of business development at an independent music publisher. I bring that experience to a practice designed for creators — offering thoughtful, effective legal support that helps you move forward with confidence.
Starting a Record Label?: If you are thinking about starting a record label, there may be many legal issues involved. You may want to consider what type of entity the label will be (LLC, corporation or partnership). You may also want to have contracts in place to sign artists, producers and songwriters. It's generally a good idea to consult with a music attorney about these issues.
Starting a Fashion Label?: If you are thinking about starting a fashion brand and selling apparel online, there may be many legal issues involved, not the least of which is protecting your new brand name. Your fashion trademark can become a valuable asset, for your business, so it is a good idea to contact an attorney about protecting your chosen brand name.
Why to Avoid Verbal Agreements: Due to a verbal agreement (not put in writing) potentially forming a binding contract, some people wonder why a written contract is necessary. However, it is generally a good idea to have a written agreement, so that there is a clear document to review in the event of a disagreement. A written contract can help the parties to such an agreement maintain a strong working relationship.
Why Get a Trademark?: Many potential clients call with questions about branding for their new line of jewelry, apparel, accessories or other products. Before spending money on public relations, marketing, website development and manufacturing, it can be a good idea to speak with a trademark attorney. This is because trademark infringers can sometimes be held liable for damages in the form of all their profits made from selling the infringing goods.
Confused about Copyright Ownership?: Many people call me when they receive a cease-and-desist letter for posting a photo on a website or in social media. Generally, the photographer who took the photo owns all rights to it, including the copyright. So, using a photo you find on the Internet and posting it to your social media feed or website, may be infringing the photographer’s copyright. If you have questions about photographs and how you can use them legally, it’s generally a good idea to consult with an intellectual property attorney.
Selling Online? Know the Legal Essentials: Launching an online store is exciting—but it also comes with a web of legal considerations. From trademark and copyright law to general business and internet law, e-commerce touches multiple areas of legal protection. Without proper guidance, you risk receiving cease and desist letters or even facing infringement lawsuits. Consulting an intellectual property and business attorney before you launch can save time, money, and stress down the road.
Received a Cease & Desist Letter? Don’t Panic: A cease and desist letter can feel overwhelming, especially when it alleges copyright or trademark infringement. But take a breath — this is the moment to get clarity, not panic. These claims can be complex, and it's important to have an experienced intellectual property attorney review the letter and advise you on your next steps. A well-informed response can protect your rights and prevent further issues.
Can a Text Message Be a Contract?: Surprisingly, yes — a contract formed over text can be legally binding. But when disputes arise, proving the terms of that agreement can become challenging. A clear, written contract remains the best way to ensure your agreements are enforceable and protect both parties in court, negotiations, or arbitration.
Fashion Design & Copyright: What You Should Know Many people are surprised to learn that most fashion designs can’t be protected by copyright due to the Useful Articles Doctrine. For instance, the overall design of an A-line dress typically isn’t eligible for copyright. However, specific elements like textile patterns, prints, or embroidery may be. Understanding what’s protected — and what’s not — can help you safeguard your creative work more effectively.
What Does a Fashion Lawyer Actually Do? If you’re launching or growing a fashion brand, a fashion lawyer can be a vital part of your team. From protecting brand names, photos, and textile designs to advising on contracts and licensing deals, fashion law covers a wide range of creative and commercial needs. Getting legal support early can help your brand thrive with fewer legal roadblocks.
Signing an Entertainment Contract? Know Your Rights: Whether you're joining a reality TV show or licensing a screenplay, entertainment contracts often include fine print that can impact your rights, image, and earnings. An experienced entertainment lawyer can review the agreement to ensure fair compensation and protect your long-term interests. Don't sign until you fully understand what you’re agreeing to.
Planning to Launch an Online Store? Protect Your Brand First: Before your retail website goes live, it’s essential to ensure that your store’s name, logo, and product branding don’t infringe on someone else’s trademark. Online shops are highly visible, and trademark disputes can lead to takedowns or legal claims. A quick consultation with an intellectual property attorney can help you protect your brand and avoid preventable setbacks.
Handshake Deals Can Be Risky Business: While a handshake deal or verbal agreement may be legally valid, proving what was agreed upon can be a challenge if things go sideways. A clear, written contract — signed by all parties — is your best protection if a dispute arises. It's not just about legality; it's about clarity, professionalism, and peace of mind.
LLC or Corporation? Know the Difference Before You File
Choosing the right business structure can impact everything from funding to tax treatment to who you can work with. For example, corporations may attract investors more easily, while LLCs offer flexibility. A short consultation with a business attorney can clarify which path makes the most sense for your goals.
Music Law is Complex—Don’t Navigate It Alone: From master recordings to royalties and publishing rights, music law involves many moving parts. If you’re a recording artist, producer, or songwriter, protecting your work means understanding the fine details—like ownership rights, ASCAP/BMI affiliations, and sync licenses. A music lawyer can help you secure what’s rightfully yours.
Why Trademark Registration Is Worth It: If you’ve built a brand, you want to own it. Registering your trademark not only helps prevent others from using a confusingly similar name — it also adds value to your business as an intellectual property asset. It’s a proactive step that protects your hard work and reputation.
Starting a Fashion Brand? Legal Guidance Matters: Building a fashion brand involves more than just design—it’s also about protecting your name, your work, and your business. A fashion lawyer can help with branding, copyright, trade dress, employment issues, and more. Legal support early on helps you create with confidence.
Want to Sue or Defend a Legal Claim? Know Who to Call: Not all lawyers go to court. If you're facing a lawsuit or thinking about filing one, you’ll likely need a litigator. But if you need contracts reviewed, negotiated, or drafted, that’s a transactional attorney’s role. Knowing the difference helps you hire the right person for your legal needs.
Not necessarily. The person who took the photo usually owns the copyright — even if you're in it. Posting that image without permission could lead to a copyright infringement claim. Always check usage rights before sharing content that isn’t yours!
There’s no magic percentage that makes copying legal. Even a heavily altered version of a work can still be considered copyright infringement if it’s “substantially similar” to the original. When in doubt, get legal clearance.
Trademark law isn’t just about product categories — it’s about consumer confusion. Even if you’re in a different industry, a similar brand name can still trigger a lawsuit. Clear your brand name with a trademark attorney first.
The “poor man’s copyright” is a myth. You own your work the moment it’s created—but mailing it to yourself won’t give you the legal protection you need. Formal registration with the U.S. Copyright Office does.
Wrong. Since 1989, copyright protection has been automatic — notice or not. Crediting the author doesn’t count as permission, and copying even part of the work could still be infringement. Always ask before you use.
Copyright law doesn’t cover short phrases or slogans — but trademark law might. If your slogan is part of your brand identity, talk to a trademark attorney to explore protection options.
Just because something is old doesn’t mean it’s in the public domain. In the U.S., most works are protected for 70 years after the creator’s death. Don’t assume — check copyright status before using vintage or historical works commercially.
Not all creative projects qualify as work-for-hire. If the work doesn’t fit specific categories under copyright law, a signed agreement might not be enough. For full ownership, a copyright assignment is often needed — crafted with the help of a lawyer!
Melissa K. Dagodag is a Los Angeles-based attorney providing smart, approachable legal services to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creative professionals. With decades of real-world and legal experience, Melissa offers a unique blend of insight, practicality, and care across business, entertainment, fashion, music, and intellectual property law.
Whether you're launching an LLC, forming a corporation, or clarifying your business model, Melissa can help you build a strong legal foundation. From filing with the California Secretary of State to drafting operating agreements, bylaws, and securing your EIN, she ensures your business starts with clarity and structure. Melissa also reviews and refines business plans to help clients attract funding and grow strategically.
Protecting what makes your brand and creations unique is essential. Melissa handles trademark and copyright registration, cease and desist letters, infringement settlements, and licensing matters—helping clients secure their rights and enforce them effectively.
Clear contracts protect your business, relationships, and creative assets. Melissa drafts, reviews, and negotiates a wide range of agreements, including NDAs, licensing deals, employment and independent contractor agreements, production contracts, web terms, and more.
From reality TV deals to independent film production, Melissa supports actors, producers, directors, and studios with tailored legal documents. As a former music industry executive and BCBG business affairs counsel, she also represents recording artists, composers, and fashion designers nationwide with licensing, production, management, and distribution agreements.
In addition to trademarks and copyrights, Melissa advises clients on trade secret protection, work-for-hire agreements, domain name disputes, U.S. Customs registration for IP enforcement, and website legal compliance.
Many small businesses rely on Melissa as their long-term legal partner. Whether reviewing contracts, helping plan growth, or navigating legal questions as they arise, she offers guidance that’s responsive and grounded in real-world experience.
Melissa assists with international trademark filings through the Madrid Protocol and collaborates with a trusted network of foreign attorneys for copyright and IP enforcement abroad.
Melissa’s clients include: Start-ups, filmmakers, designers, web developers, musicians, authors, actors, fashion brands, publishers, retailers, creators, consultants, production companies and other successful small businesses throughout Los Angeles, California, and the U.S.
Melissa brings more than legal training—she brings entrepreneurial insight. As a former small business owner, she understands what it takes to build, protect, and grow something from the ground up. Her mission is to demystify legal processes and empower clients through clear, supportive legal guidance.
While Melissa is a lawyer based in Los Angeles, she works with clients throughout California and the United States. The Law Offices of Melissa K. Dagodag serves the following Southern California cities: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Westwood, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Malibu, Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, Burbank, Pasadena, Glendale, Studio City, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Hollywood, West L.A., Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Marina Del Rey, Playa del Rey, Rancho Park, the Beverly Center area, and Downtown L.A.
Looking for a Los Angeles attorney who understands your creative business? Melissa K. Dagodag provides trademark, contract, entertainment and business law services for entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators.
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