      
   4.9146 reviews

How is Intellectual Property Divided in a Divorce?

Request a Case Review

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

10b9db026d89119e951a851045ac17eee7784f79

Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

We often talk about businesses, financial accounts and properties in our blog when we discuss the division of marital assets during a divorce case.

However, it should be noted that other items could be thought of as assets and be potentially divided. This includes the rights to intellectual property like music catalogues, published work and/or other forms of art and entertainment. All of these items could result in future royalties, therefore claims over interest in ownership can be complex. Remember, the division of marital assets is one of the most difficult issues in any divorce case.

In New York and New Jersey, all assets are subject to equitable distribution. If you have a vast financial portfolio or own the rights to certain intellectual properties, they may be evaluated for value during a divorce case. When this occurs, a spouse can negotiate how to divide royalties and the rights to ownership following a divorce.

Keep in mind, if you are the owner of a patent, copyright or trademark, it may be in your best interest to seek experienced counsel for your divorce case. As we mentioned above, each party in a divorce has the option to bring in specialists to review property ownership materials and financial documents. Working with an experienced lawyer can help you circumvent arguments that may arise over the value of certain properties during this period.

Country Singer Loses 50 Percent of Music Rights in Divorce

We bring up intellectual property and divorce because recently it was reported that country singer Josh Gracin divided the rights to his song catalogue with his ex-wife Ann.

According to multiple news outlets, Gracin divided the rights to the 24 songs he wrote and recorded during his marriage to Ann at a 50 percent stake in his divorce case. It should be noted that Gracin’s music catalogue included a gold record and an album that featured five Top 40 singles. Because of this, Ann should be able to continue to collect royalties from the music that was produced during the marriage, as she will retain some interest in ownership.

Speaking to an Attorney About Assets During a Divorce

As this case shows, divorce and asset distribution can be a complex process that requires top-notch legal representation. Issues involving future value can become incredibly taxing if you do not receive proper guidance and you own intellectual property.

Make sure that you receive expert legal advice, as the failure to do so could prove incredibly costly. Continue to follow the family law section of our blog for more information about divorce issues.

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. – Divorce Attorneys

Source: http://theboot.com/josh-gracin-divorce-music-rights/

Why Trust Us?

150+ Reviews

50+ Years of Service

Full-Service Law Firm

Client Reviews

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   LWelsh 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clever and efficient.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Kenny Perlow 
 21 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Aliza Ali 
 85 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jana Montero 
 88 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Sakmann 
 94 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Liz Hecker 
 100 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Brandy Miller 
 123 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Greenspan 
 136 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jonathan Sampson 
 143 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Vinnie Kung 
 146 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!

see all reviews

How is Intellectual Property Divided in a Divorce?

Country Singer Loses 50 Percent of Music Rights in Divorce

Speaking to an Attorney About Assets During a Divorce

Why Trust Us?

Rockland County, New York

Bergen County, New Jersey