Who: Sam Winchester and Lúthien Tinuviel When: Last week in June? Where: Weasley and Winchester Law Firm What: Acquiring legal assistance. Rating/Warning: Low/None Status: Complete!
Luthien walked into the lobby and looked around. She’d decided she needed some representation, and wanted to get some advice. Paid advice. She could afford it!
Her long black hair fell to her waist, and she was wearing a blue dress that seemed to shimmer in the light. She didn’t have her hair pulled back, so that her pointy ears would be covered. She rather looked like she’d just stepped out of a storybook.
Sam was holding a text in his hand, walking from his office to the break room to grab a cup of coffee. He wasn’t in court today, so his button-down shirt wasn’t covered by a jacket, his tie was loose, and his sleeves rolled up to the elbow. When he realized he wasn’t alone, he nearly did a double-take.
“...Can I help you?”
“Oh, yes.” she walked over and gave him a smile. “I was hoping there would be someone in to discuss general representation. Over IP rights.”
Sam closed the book. “Of course. We can help you with that here.” He reached a hand forward. “Sam Winchester.” Of Weasley and Winchester... the names on the door. “Would you like to come into my office?”
“Luthien Tinuviel,” she replied, taking his hand lightly and squeezing it. She spoke with an accent that was that sort of vague European that drove some people batty trying to figure out where it was from.
Sam nodded, then motioned for her to come along with him to his office. “Well, Miss Tinuviel, you’ve come to the right place. I’m sure we can help you with your claim.” IP Rights was something he was going to have to research, but he was confident that he could help her.
"Thank you. I just want to make sure my music is protected, but also accessible. It's not about the money."
Sam nodded. He was going to have to bring this one up with Percy. “We’ll do whatever you want us to do to make sure those goals are met.”
Luthien nodded at him, and followed along to the office. “What do you need to know? I’m afraid I’m not too familiar with American copyright laws."
“Everything you know so far.” Sam said, motioning for her to take a seat in front of his desk. He took his own behind it. “Give me the full story, and I’ll confer with my partner. We can get back to you for more details and with what action we feel it would make the most sense to take.”
She nodded, and took a seat. “I’ve released my first album. I want to make sure it’s accessible to as many people as possible, but I want to make sure all rights remain mine. There’s been a bit of a conflict with the distributer.”
“Do you have your contract with the distributor?” Sam asked. “Who has been helping you make these decisions?” He added, wondering how many other people were invested in the distribution of her album.
She pulled it out of her purse. “Just me, I’m afraid. My father says I should handle things on my own, and I agree with him.”
Sam reached out to take a look at the contract. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to do some research on the situation. Are you charging for the album, or have you released the music for free?”
“Charging for the album, releasing certain tracks for free,” she replied.
“And you want to protect yourself from... pirates?” He asked. “Is there a specific person or entity that’s threatening your revenue?”
“You can’t do much about pirates. It’s the distributer I’ve worked with. I’m afraid they might be trying to take a larger cut than was agreed upon.”
“I’ll talk to a judge and subpoena their financial records. We can have our best accountant review them and make sure that they’re treating you as per your original, written agreement.” Sam said, giving a nod and taking a note on his legal pad. “Does that sound all right with you?”
She tilted her head. “That sounds wonderful, thank you so much!” Really, she could balance her own checkbook, but navigating copyright law was painful.
“Of course.” Sam said, nodding. “Is there anything else I can do for you today? Or shall I get this whole process started?”
“I think that’s it,” Luthien replied, reaching over to take Sam’s hand and squeeze it. “Thank you, very much.”
Sam stood and reached forward to shake her hand. “You’re very welcome. I’ll be in touch.” He lifted one of his business cards and held it out to her. “In case you have any questions.”
She took it, and tucked it down the front of her shirt. “Thank you, very much. I appreciate this.”
He was a good boy. His eyes didn’t follow. Though they wanted to. “You’re very welcome. We’ll be in touch.”
“I shall!” Turning, the singer walked out of the office, humming a haunting melody.