CAFTA Case List

Here is the list of arts-related pro bono opportunities that are currently seeking a referral through Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA). Thanks for your interest in providing legal assistance to support Colorado’s artists, performers, cultural organizations and creative businesses.

If you are interested in taking on one of the CAFTA matters below, please contact CAFTA@cbca.org and reference the case # in the subject line.

Available CAFTA Matters

Updated July 24, 2026

#26068 [Game Copyright Counsel] NEW
Client is an independent tabletop role-playing game designer. Client adapted an existing game and created original elements, such as new processes, characters, artwork, rules and other materials. Client is seeking legal assistance to determine if he has sufficiently changed the adapted game to be a new original work and if he can receive copyright protection on this game. The prior game does offer a “Third-Party Tabletop License” for community creators. Client is not currently operating under that license because he believes he has changed enough from the prior game.

  

#26072 [Film Ownership Rights] NEW
Client is an artist, writer and creative facilitator. In 2001, Client developed a screenplay adaption of a novel, originally published in 1973. Client was offered money by the novel’s author to option the motion picture rights. Before that deal was finalized, the Client received a cease-and-desist letter from a major movie studio claiming they held the motion picture rights to the book. Client would like to now continue working on this project. Client is seeking legal assistance to determine who owns the motion picture rights to this book and see how she can continue to be involved in the development of this film.

 

#26075 [Publishing Business Contracts] NEW 
Client is an author who is starting this own publishing company. Client is seeking legal assistance to draft agreements with initial shareholders and investors for the business. These agreements would pertain to ownership percentages, payment of commissions and similar terms.

  

#26045 [Music Dispute Resolution]  
Client is a music group with an LLC. Client is seeking legal assistance regarding a dispute with their music distribution platform over withheld royalties. Client began using this music distribution platform in January 2026. There is no signed contract other than the standard Terms and Conditions. Client also promoted their music organically to their niche audience. As of May 2026, the music distribution platform has refused to pay royalties, claiming that the Client engaged in fraudulent streaming activity. The platform has subsequently terminated the Client’s account. As a result, Client not only lost access to earned royalties that remain unpaid, but they also lost the ability to continue generating revenue through the platform. Client would like to recover all unpaid royalties and obtain any additional compensation that may be available for losses resulting from the wrongful termination of their account.

  

#26020 [Music Licensing Agreements] 
Client is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that produces interactive orchestra programs for young people. Client is seeking legal assistance to license their original programs to other orchestras. Client has identified 2-3 of their prior shows that they could package and license. These shows feature musical compositions that are in the public domain. The Client’s Music Director has created original arrangements of these pieces and the organization owns the copyright to those unique arrangements. The packages also include scripts, activities, marketing language and educational resources. Client is seeking legal assistance to develop these packages and a licensing agreement that protects all parties.

  

#26048 [Copyright Counsel and Contract Review] 
Client is a musician and DJ. Client was engaged by a local entertainment company to develop a curriculum and training for other DJs. Client created the curriculum and led one training session. Client was paid for the one training session, but not for the curriculum development. After this work was completed, the company sent the Client an independent contractor agreement, which the Client hasn’t signed yet. Client would like to retain full ownership of this curriculum and maintain sole control over it. Client has submitted a registration with the US Copyright Office for this training material. Client is seeking legal assistance to navigate his ownership rights and review this contractor agreement.

   

#26041 [Public Accommodations] 
Client is a sole proprietor business that produces aerial dance performances. Client is seeking legal assistance to create a policy about barring certain audience members at their performances. Recently, performers have requested to bar entry to specific people at their performances because of behavior that makes them uncomfortable. These performances occur at a private dance studio. There is no formal rental agreement between the Client and the studio. Client charges admission for the performances. Performers must sign a code of conduct and a photo release, but there is no other formal agreement between them and the Client. Client would like legal counsel regarding her legal responsibilities and recourse as it relates to performer safety and audience access.
*Client’s household annual income exceeds CAFTA’s threshold for pro bono eligibility.

 

#26036 [Defamation, False Light, Misrepresentation Claim] 
Client is a visual artist. Client is seeking legal assistance regarding an alleged defamation situation. Client applied for a call for artwork by a local transit authority. Client won the call and designed a public piece of artwork featuring a well-known individual on it. The individual featured in the design was not contacted during this process and the Client has no affiliation with the individual. The individual has since been made aware of her likeness being used in this way and is very upset. There has been media attention and negative comments made about the transit authority for using the individual’s likeness without her permission. The transit authority claims they assumed the Client had permission from the individual and has shifted the blame to the Client. There was a signed contract between the Client and the transit authority for this artwork commission. The Client believes the transit authority’s public statements constitute defamation, false light or negligent misrepresentation, and that this situation is damaging his career.

 

#26014 [Property Tax Counsel] 
Client is a 501c3 nonprofit community art center. Client is seeking legal assistance regarding their property tax exemption. Client purchased their property in 2020 and were granted 100% tax exemption of personal property and 33% of real property in 2021. They were recently informed that their property is only 67% exempt because a portion is used for a non-qualifying purpose as an art gallery and store that supports local artists. Client is seeking legal assistance to dispute this determination and/or change the determination by reducing the size of their gallery and store.
*Client’s annual operating budget is slightly above CAFTA’s pro bono eligibility threshold.

 

Check out CAFTA’s Description of Pro Bono Services (2026) to learn more about the referral process and expectations for volunteer attorneys.