What sets us apart from other law firms is our genuine connection to the world of music. Our Melbourne 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 team, which includes an experienced music copyright lawyer, brings a unique perspective to the challenges clients face, whether on the creative or business side.
When it comes to finding a music lawyer in Melbourne, few can offer the level of expertise that Sanicki Lawyers does. Unlike other firms, we’re backed by a litigation team with experienced litigators running matters in court every day. Choosing a firm with this depth of experience makes all the difference when you face disputes or issues where your intellectual property has been infringed. Our practice also extends to related areas, with a dedicated copyright lawyer and music licensing lawyer supporting artists in protecting and managing their rights. Beyond music, we advise on property, defamation, franchising, liquor licensing, and wills & estates, recognising that people in the music industry often face legal issues that reach well beyond their creative work.
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!
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 Club, 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!
Recording, licensing, publishing, distribution, 360° deals, management, band partnerships, touring, booking, sponsorship, merchandise, venue hire and more.
Songwriters and songwriting ‘splits’, performers and producers rights, film, internet and TV licensing, sampling and editing.
Authors and book publishers, production companies, designers, and general talent contracts.
Structures for all entertainment-based businesses (including bands) including sole trader, partnership, company, trust or joint venture.
Mediation and negotiation, Magistrates’ and Federal Magistrates’ Court Complaints, cease and desist notices.
Business and band name registration.
