Catalog Sales: Nuts & Bolts – 9/23/26
The 
Copyright Society of the South hosted its September luncheon and CLE lecture on September 23, 2026, offering Society members and guests an in-depth look into the mechanics of purchasing and selling copyrighted works.
As the modern music economy is defined by unprecedented catalog valuations, navigating the complex financial, tax, and legal mechanics behind multi-million-dollar transactions requires specialized expertise. Titled Catalog Sales: Nuts & Bolts, the event featured expert presentations by Sam Powers and Chip Petree, who broke down the critical due diligence and asset structuring required to protect and maximize value in today’s high-stakes copyright acquisition market.
The featured speakers brought decades of industry-leading experience to the podium:
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Sam Powers is a Partner at the Nashville-based business management and consulting firm O’Neil Hagaman, LLC, where he co-heads the Intellectual Property Group, guiding clients through IP operations, catalog valuations, label administration, and royalty strategy. A 1993 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Sam began his career in publishing and administration with Little Big Town Music and Sony/ATV Tree Publishing, following years of global touring from 1999 to 2003 as a bassist and songwriter for the indie rock band Superdrag. He joined O’Neil Hagaman’s Special Projects department in 2007, advancing through roles as Senior Manager and Principal before being named Partner in 2023.
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Chip Petree opened the Nashville office of Ritholz Levy Fields in 2014 as a Partner in the firm’s Entertainment Group after a decade heading up his own law practice, Petree Law. Specializing in transactional work in the music and entertainment industries, Chip represents a diverse group of individuals and companies, including #1 songwriters, chart-topping recording artists, record producers, independent music publishers, new media service providers, and on-air television talent. In addition to his law practice, since its inception in 2004 Chip served as General Manager for Copyright Exchange, LLC, a consulting and brokerage firm specializing in buying and selling copyright catalogs. Through his practice and Copyright Exchange, Chip has closed over forty catalog sales worth over $100 million, establishing himself as a leader and authority on the catalog market. Chip is a 1993 graduate of Davidson College and a 1997 graduate of the Wake Forest University School of Law.
The event provided attendees with critical insights into current market trends, valuation strategies, and legal best practices for managing intellectual property assets in today’s dynamic entertainment landscape.
About The Copyright Society of the South
The Copyright Society of the South was formed in 1988 in Nashville, Tennessee, consisting of music publishers, attorneys, music industry personnel, and academicians interested in the field of copyright law. Its mission is to provide a forum for study and discussion of domestic and international copyright law and other matters pertaining to the entertainment industry. It provides seminars, speakers, presentations, and the opportunity to present various points of view on subjects of interest to the membership. The Society refrains from taking a lobbying role or endorsing or sponsoring political positions or candidates.
Members are accepted into the organization by board vote. If you are interested in joining the Copyright Society of the South please send an email with your resume/bio/CV to copyrightsocietyofthesouth@gmail.com .
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