What sets us apart from other law firms is our genuine connection to the world of music. Our music lawyers aren’t just legal experts; they’re also musicians themselves. We’ve had the privilege of representing many of Australia’s top bands, artists, and musicians. Our expertise extends to working with managers, promoters, live music venues, nightclubs, indie labels, and music festivals. Having been through it all, our music lawyers bring a unique perspective to the challenges our clients face, whether on the creative or business side.
Unlike other music law firms, we’re backed by a litigation team with experienced litigators running matters in court every day. Choosing a firm with a strong litigation team makes all the difference when you find yourself in a dispute, or where your intellectual property has been infringed. Sanicki Lawyers’ practice areas also include property, defamation, franchising, liquor licensing, and wills & estates to name a few. We understand that people in the music industry face all kinds of legal issues that don’t necessarily always directly relate to music. In addition to being industry leaders in music, our diverse practice areas make us a one stop shop for all your legal needs.
We also offer pro bono services to not-for-profit organisations such as Music Victoria, Bigsound, Multicultural Arts Victoria and many more. Our goal is simple: to help our clients achieve their dreams!
Including recording and licensing agreements, publishing and distribution agreements, 360° deals, management agreements, band partnerships, touring, booking, sponsorship and merchandise agreements, venue hire agreements.
Including the rights of songwriters and songwriting ‘splits’, performers and producers rights, film, internet and television licensing, sampling, editing, and copyright infringement.
Including for authors and book publishers, film and television production companies, graphic, web and app designers, and general talent contracts (including for actors, TV presenters, models, radio presenters).
Such as setting-up structures for all entertainment-based businesses (including bands) whether by way of sole trader, partnership, company, trust or joint venture.
Including mediation and negotiation, Magistrates’ and Federal Magistrates’ Court Complaints, cease and desist notices.
Identifying, advising on, and drafting trade mark applications
Mary is a Senior Associate practising in Music Law, Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property, and Business and Commercial Law. She joined Sanicki Lawyers in 2025 and has extensive experience advising clients across the music and entertainment sectors, bringing a rare combination of legal expertise and first-hand industry experience to her practice.
Mary began her career in the music industry at Warner Music Australia, working in copyright, royalties, and licensing, before relocating to London to specialise in film, television, and games synchronisation licensing at Universal Music Publishing UK. Upon returning to Australia, she worked at Mushroom Music Publishing before completing a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and entering private practice.
Mary represents artists, songwriters, managers, producers, screen composers, filmmakers and other businesses, and has regularly worked on matters including:
publishing, recording and distribution agreements
music catalogue sale transactions
commercial contract negotiation in the creative industries
Passionate about artist remuneration and the protection of creator’s rights, Mary has published work on the 1% radio cap and, in 2024, appeared before a Senate Committee Hearing advocating for its removal from the Copyright Act. A self-confessed music copyright nerd, she has experience advising on local collection societies such as APRA AMCOS and PPCA, as well as international royalty collection options. She enjoys helping clients understand these frameworks so they can maximise remuneration for their work globally.
Known for her down-to-earth and collaborative approach, Mary combines attention to detail with practical problem-solving and long-term strategic thinking to achieve meaningful outcomes for her clients. Outside of work, she loves bringing her teenage daughter along to gigs and sharing the joy of live music.
Mary is a member of the Arts Law Centre of Australia.
Ant joined Sanicki Lawyers in late 2024 as a Special Counsel, bringing a strong background in media, entertainment, and the live events space. Most recently, Ant held the position of Director of Legal & Business Affairs for the Secret Sounds Group (part of Live Nation) which owns some of Australia’s leading Festival brands (Splendour In The Grass, Falls Festival), along with operating large-scale touring, artist management, agency representation, sponsorship and live music venues. Previously, Ant was Head of Legal for leading TV production company, Shine Australia (Endemol Shine), working on some of the world’s largest TV formats (The Voice, MasterChef, The Bachelor), and Director of Legal for pioneering social media giant, MySpace.
Ant’s legal career commenced at Minter Ellison Lawyers in 2003, where he worked in the corporate and intellectual property practice areas, before moving in-house where he held several senior legal roles. Ant completed his law degree with honours at Monash University in 2001, also holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Ant’s passion for music and understanding of the industry extends to being a songwriter and musician playing in various bands, including a Triple J Unearthed winning band (2003). Ant has also lectured at the Australian Institute of Music in areas of IP Law and Contract Negotiations. With extensive industry experience and solid commercial acumen, Ant focuses on building strong client relationships and thinking strategically in providing pragmatic advice.
Darren is principal lawyer and founder of Sanicki Lawyers which he opened in March, 2009. Darren completed his law degree with honours at Monash University and has completed post graduate courses in copyright law, trade marks, intellectual property, and industrial designs. Darren also holds a Bachelor of Economics degree from Latrobe University.
Darren’s legal career was forged at mid-tier firm Marshalls & Dent Lawyers, where he worked primarily as a commercial lawyer, specialising in business sales and acquisitions, franchising, commercial leases, corporate restructuring, and civil litigation. He was made a senior associate after three years.
Darren has also represented clients in high profile litigious matters including a leading Federal Court Case concerning the fixing of a statutory licence for use of an iconic song for the services of the Commonwealth. With a wealth of first hand business experience, Darren’s expertise extends to all aspect of commercial law with a particular emphasis on contract negotiations & drafting, corporate structuring, large scale commercial transactions and dispute resolution.
Darren’s client base now includes many iconic businesses; Windsor Smith, Bad Workwear, Medical One, Step One, Cargo Crew, Morris Jones and the Meatball & Wine Bar to name a few.
Through his passion for music and the law, Darren has become a fixture in Melbourne’s music and entertainment scene. Together with his team, Darren has seen Sanicki Lawyers also become one of Australia’s leading and respected music and entertainment law firms. Darren’s client base includes many of Australia’s best-known bands, artists and creative businesses. With a commitment to helping young creatives, Darren was personally selected by the Artists from The Voice as their legal representative for all 12 Seasons of the show, having previously been selected to represent contestants from X-Factor and Australian Idol.
In recent years, Darren has also developed an extensive practice and reputation as a defamation lawyer. He successfully represented Michael Barker (Split Enz) in a defamation action against News Ltd and Today Tonight and together with his team, have successfully advocated in a number of high-profile defamation matters.
Darren volunteers his services as a pro-bono solicitor for the Arts Law Centre of Australia and is a 9 time recipient of the Arts Law Pro Bono award! Darren spent 10 years as Chairman of The Push, a not-for profit Government funded Victorian youth music organisation. Darren was also a founding board member of Music Victoria, Victoria’s peak contemporary music industry body. Darren has also taught in the Music Business and Music Law degrees at Victoria University.
When not working (when exactly is that??), Darren enjoys spending time with family comprising his wife Carly and 2 young boys Jacob and Oscar (both under 2 years old!). His other passion is the Carlton football, which has helped him learn patience and resilience if nothing else!
Notwithstanding any of this, Darren is still best known for a song he co-penned more than 30 years ago, “More Than A Game” being the iconic theme song for Channel 9’s The Footy Show!
