Music Ecosystems Institute (MEI) undertakes research, education, and policy innovation with regard to music ecosystems around the world. Our mission is to foster better support systems for musicians–and the individuals and organizations who work with them–through improved law and policy informed by best-in-class research and education activities.
MEI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation established in Washington, D.C. by Founder and Executive Director, Seán O’Connor.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Seán O’Connor (they/them), Founder, Chairperson, and Executive Director, is Professor of Law at George Mason University, Antonin Scalia Law School. They have been a professional musician and currently serve as Editor for the Oxford Handbook on Music Law and Policy (Oxford Univ. Press). Seán received their law degree from Stanford Law School, a master’s degree in philosophy concentrating on the history and philosophy of science from Arizona State University, and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. They research, write, and consult on intellectual property and business law related to commercialization of new technologies and artistic creations. They are also Editor for 5G and Beyond: Intellectual Property and Competition Policy in the Internet of Things (forthcoming Cambridge Univ. Press 2023) with Jonathan Barnett. Their scholarship can be found on SSRN.
Lita Rosario-Richardson (she/her), Director and Corporate Secretary, is a Shareholder at Schulman Rogers, where she leads the Entertainment Practice. She is widely recognized for the legal advice she provides for creators in the arts and entertainment arena and her expertise in copyright recapture, previously through her renowned firm Lita Rosario PLLC. She began her career in entertainment law as a co-founder/owner and VP of Business and Legal Affairs for University Music Entertainment, a music production company that produced multi-platinum recording artist Dru Hill, Mya and ultimately SisQó. Lita went on to represent such artists as Missy Elliott (and is responsible for Missy owning her copyrights), Crystal Waters, Tank and Robin S. She has secured back royalties for many artists and songwriters including, Peaches & Herb, Mr. Cheeks, Das EFX, and Big Pun. Lita has negotiated distribution and publishing agreements with all of the four major record distribution/music publishing companies including Warner Music Group, Sony/RCA, Universal Music Group, EMI/Capital Records as well as major television and cable companies, including Disney, UPN, TV One, BET, VIACOM/MTV, DISCOVERY CHANNEL, E! NETWORK and Universal Pictures.
Lita is also an adjunct professor at the University of the District of Columbia’s Department of Mass Media Visual and Performing Arts (from 1994 to present), teaching “The Business of Music,” a course focusing on legal, accounting, and other business aspects of music, TV and film industries. Among many other notable achievements and skills, Rosario-Richardson was successful in securing the ownership rights for Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force for arguably the most sampled song in Hip Hop — “Planet Rock,” and all songs that sampled “Planet Rock.” Rosario-Richardson has represented members of Parliament Funkadelic, including Garry Shider (Diaper Man) and George Clinton, in matters to regain ownership of their catalogs, including the iconic hits records “Atomic Dog,” and “ One Nation Under A Grove” and the estate of a founder of KC & the Sunshine Band.
Bradfield Biggers (he/him), Director and Treasurer, is an attorney at McDermott Will & Emery. He has also founded Timshel, a fintech company that offered secured cashflow management solutions to members of the music and entertainment communities. Before law school, Bradfield worked in the music industry.
Sarah Gilbert (she/her), Legal Fellow, is a recently licensed attorney and a graduate of George Mason University, Antonin Scalia Law School. While attending GMU Law, Sarah studied under the founder of MEI, Seán O’Connor, whose passion for music and intellectual property reignited her desire to pursue music law as a career. Sarah also attended George Mason University for her undergraduate studies, earning a degree in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a minor in Well-being studies.
Tate Kaufman (He/Him), Research Assistant, is a second-year law student at George Mason University. He hails from Calgary, Canada and is an avid fan of boundary pushing punk, metal, and experimental music. He previously worked as a music journalist and photographer for Discorder Magazine in Vancouver, Canada. He has worked on issues of federal and state constitutional law as a Dave Kennedy Fellow at The Institute for Justice. When not in school or working with the Music Ecosystems Institute, he is usually training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, writing, or attending a local show (The Rhizome and Pie Shop are his favorite DC venues).