Appellant sought review of judgment

Procedural Posture: civil defense attorneys

Appellant sought review of judgment from the Superior Court of Los Angeles County (California) which granted summary judgment to respondents in appellant's action for breach of contract and intentional interference with contractual relations. Summary judgment was granted on ground that the management contract between appellant and respondent music group was void because appellant violated the Talent Agencies Act, Cal. Lab. Code § 1700 et seq.

Overview

Respondent music group terminated appellant's contract as personal manager of their group. Appellant brought an action for breach of contract by respondent music group and intentional interference with contractual relations by respondent record company. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of respondents on the ground that the management contract was void because appellant violated the Talent Agencies Act (the act), Cal. Lab. Code § 1700 et seq., by securing performance engagements for respondent music group without being licensed as a talent agency. The appellate court affirmed the judgment. The court rejected appellant's argument that his actions were exempt from regulation, holding that even incidental activity in procuring employment for an artist was subject to regulation under the act. Additionally, the court held that the act required a license to engage in procurement activities even if no commissions were received for the service.

Outcome

The court affirmed summary judgment for respondents in appellant's action for breach of contract and intentional interference with contractual relations because a management contract was void where appellant violated statute by securing performance engagements for respondent music group without being licensed as a talent agency.