Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.
answered on Aug 9, 2018
How does the agreement between the filmmakers and nonprofit treat the issue of ownership of the film? How do you know the nonprofit owns it? Are there any documentation evidencing copyright ownership of the film?
answered on Feb 9, 2018
Depending on how well-developed the idea is and how much is used, you are the sole owner of the copyright in the script. You may give your friend "story by" credit. You should contact a qualified entertainment attorney to review all the facts.
answered on Nov 6, 2017
You should be able to use your aunt's name, unless barred by some other principle of law, such as trademark infringement.
can I quote her verbatum and use a picture of her on said talk show in my company's sales catalog?
answered on Sep 11, 2017
You may quote her so long as it is not done in such a manner that implies celebrity's endorsement of your goods/services. You will need celebrity's permission to use her/his name and likeness in your catalog. You may also need permission from the talk show's owner to use the image... View More
answered on Sep 1, 2017
If the organization fails to fulfill their promised obligation, you may send them a demand letter and/or bring a claim for breach of contract.
The video will be posted on social media and the winner will receive scholarship money for college.
answered on Aug 31, 2017
It probably is. You should get clearance first. Best of luck!
.My husband and I own a business corporation 50/50. We are the only 2 shareholders.We opened a corporation bank account under the corporation name and listed him as owner #1 pres and myself owner #2 sec /treas on the bank signature card. Both our SS# are listed on the card and also the EIN#. . I... View More
answered on Aug 28, 2017
The corporate documents, such as shareholder agreement, bylaws and the bank account agreement will need to be reviewed regarding the rules in connection with the conduct of the officers and shareholders of the business. You should speak with a business attorney for advice.
I ran a search in TESS for the stage name that I would like to use and came across a DEAD trademark under the IC 009 category. They were using it for a "series of musical recordings..." which is what I'd like to use it for, however it was filed in March 2006, and abandoned in April... View More
answered on Jul 25, 2017
You will need to conduct a search to see if the mark is still in use. A trademark may be still valid at common law despite being listed as "dead" at the USPTO. If the mark is in use you may contact the owner for permission to use it, via a transfer of rights or trademark license. If the... View More
In that same thread, how is a videogame like Deus Ex allowed to feature and reference an organization like FEMA? What are the rules regarding the use of these US federal government agencies in a work of fiction?
answered on Jul 25, 2017
The particular use of the organizations may be "nominative fair use" or protected by First Amendment interests in artistic expression. Read the following article for an in depth analysis: http://rodriqueslaw.com/blog/how-use-brands-and-products-film
answered on Jun 30, 2017
Your options may depend on your type of business entity and shareholder/member agreements currently in place. In general, you will need a power of attorney. Preferably, you may appoint the individual as a manager of the business, with all powers necessary to conduct the operations and business... View More
answered on Jun 23, 2017
In order to guard the proprietary information of the business, it is generally best practice to enter into a NDA before you begin to disclose specifics. Make sure to consult with a mergers and acquisitions lawyer regarding the specific considerations when negotiating an NDA.
is a video script considered a tangible medium in order to protect the idea?
answered on Jun 14, 2017
It is usually wise to register the copyright in your work before pitching it. However, you cannot obtain a copyright in an idea. You can obtain a copyright in the original, creative expression of the idea, such as by adding vivid details of scene(s) or story (usually in the form of a treatment or... View More
answered on May 26, 2017
You should be aware that most studios will not read unsolicited scripts, for fear of copyright infringement litigation. You should contact an entertainment attorney or talent agent who can pitch your script on your behalf. Of course, you should ensure that your script is registered with the US... View More
answered on Apr 21, 2017
The parties may agree on which state's law is to govern the transaction. Typically, it is the law of the state of the surviving entity.
answered on Apr 20, 2017
You will need to obtain a Group Family Day Care License. You should also consider: (1) what business entity to use for your business, in terms of liability, tax consequences, management and operations, etc.; and (2) General liability and workers compensation insurance.
What rights need to be sought, how do you avoid defamation of character suits, what protections need to be sought before publishing?
answered on Apr 19, 2017
You should ensure that all proper copyright registrations are in place, obtain a book clearance report, general liability and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, and proper contracts with publishers and other parties. “Script clearance” means that a clearance service will go through the... View More
Suppose I want to open a new hair salon service with the business name 'American Haircut Club' but another company doing a similar service is operating in the same state as me with the name 'Haircut Club'. Does the fact that my name is a little different since it has the word... View More
answered on Apr 6, 2017
Firstly, you will need to apply for a New York Natural Hair Styling license. Secondly, if you plan to setup your business as a LLC, partnership or corporation, the New York Division of Corporations may reject your proposed business name if it is not "distinguishable" from existing names... View More
answered on Apr 3, 2017
Not only should you obtain model releases, you ought to also obtain license from the photographer(s) and clearance for the artwork depicted in the pics.
answered on Mar 30, 2017
That depends on who you would like to sell or license your song to. Your question is too vague for a proper answer. You should speak with an experienced entertainment lawyer.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.