Languages

• English

Law Firm Overview

The Law Offices of Melissa K. Dagodag specializes in serving entrepreneurial businesses and creative individuals and provides an excellent alternative to large, impersonal law firms.

 Prior Related Experience
◦ Lawyer at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips (a top California law firm)
◦ In-house attorney for BCBG (a major fashion company)
◦ Founder of successful home accessories company

 Education
◦ UCLA School of Law (JD)
◦ Stanford University (BA, MA)

 Price
◦ Free Consulation
◦ Better rates than the large firms
◦ Flat fees for many services

 Network
◦ Provides clients with access to an exceptional team of business and legal professionals

 Involvement
◦ Board Member of Rotary Club of Santa Monica
◦ Board Member of Meals on Wheels West
◦ Former Commissioner for City of Santa Monica

 General Counsel for Your Business
◦ Forming your business entity and protecting your intellectual property
◦ Offering preventative legal medicine to avoid common legal pitfalls
◦ Advising you about your best options when you face legal challenges

 Services include
◦ Registering trademarks and copyrights
◦ Forming corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs)
◦ Preparing contracts: non-disclosure, employment, trade secret, entertainment, music, licensing, buy-sell, publishing, leases, etc.
◦ Writing cease and desist letters
◦ Preparing business plans
◦ Providing good advice on your legal issues

Areas of Practice

• Business Formation and Contracts
• Trademarks and Copyrights
• Entertainment Contracts (Including Music)
• Licensing
• Employment Contracts

Classes and Seminars

• Fashion Law 101, California Lawyers for the Arts, 2007
• The Music Business, California Lawyers for the Arts, 2008

Pro Bono Activities

• Board Member, Meals on Wheels West, 2007 - Present
• Director, Santa Monica Rotary Club, 2006 - Present
• California Lawyer for the Arts, 2006 - Present
• Commissioner, City of Santa Monica

Representative Clients

• David Hernadez, American Idol Finalist 2008
• Right Bank Babies, Apparel Manufacturer
• A Common Thread, Production Company
• Cutting Edge Intelligence, Technology Company

Ancillary Businesses

• Entertainment Contracts/Business Entity Formation/Business Contracts
• Trademark Registration/Music and Book Publishing/Production Agreements
• Copyright Registration/Cease and Desist Letters/Internet Law
• Technology and Artwork Licensing

West Practice Categories

Business & Commercial Law, Commercial Leasing, Contracts, Transactions, Business Organizations, Business Successions, Closely Held Businesses, Dissolution, Formation & Business Planning, Joint Ventures, Limited Liability Companies, Non-profit & Tax-exempt Organizations, Partnerships, Collections, Communications & Media Law, Internet, Print Media, Television & Film, Employment Contracts -- Employee, Employment Law -- Employer, Employment Contracts -- Employer, Entertainment, Sports & Leisure Law, Art, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, Travel & Leisure, Intellectual Property Law, Copyrights, International Intellectual Property, Technology Licensing, Trade Dress, Trade Secrets, Trademarks, International Law, Business & Trade, Internet - Cyberspace, Computer Law, Domain Names, Science & Technology Law