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I'm an aspiring film director. I have some questions to you! 1 - I want to use Freddie Mercury image. I know that it's impossible. But what about if I will draw his portrait by myself? Can I use it in my film?
2- the same question... View More 
answered on Jun 18, 2015
Use of a celebrities image (whether drawn or photographed) may give right to publicity rights claims, depending on the jurisdiction of use. Many states, including CA and NY have state law protecting the rights of individuals to control the use of their name and likeness. Some of these laws even... View More
answered on Jun 18, 2015
Watching itself does not constitute copyright infringement. Using a reference to a colleague who previous used this example, you are not infringing copyright by watching a band perform cover songs on stage.
However, copyright infringement in the United States is a strict liability offense.... View More
I sampled the music from a song that was originally written in 1923. It has been sampled many times since then. I have added new words to the song and changed a few bars. What do i need to do to protect my version of the song? The original composer is no longer living.
answered on Jun 16, 2015
Works published before the end of 1923 are most likely in the public domain - which means that you do not need permission from the original (or current) copyright owner to sample the song.
If the work was originally published outside the US, or if the song was published after 1923,... View More
I want to create artworks to sell based on scenes from famous films. No names or titles will be used just scenes. Are there any copyright issues with this?
answered on Jun 16, 2015
Yes, you will have a copyright claim to your work. However, creative works based on previous works are considered a "derivative work" and require the permission of the original copyright owner before registration, distribution or pubic display/performance of the subsequent work.... View More
answered on Jun 16, 2015
Most likely no. A creative work based on a previously created work is known as a "derivative work" and requires the permission of the original copyright holder in order to distribute or publicly perform the subsequent work.
There are exceptions available, (and maybe some defenses... View More
I wrote from interviews for the purpose of posterity. The person has since died. What is fair compensation to the heirs for use of his story in a book and/or film? (Written on spec.)
answered on Jun 16, 2015
Fair compensation really depends on what the heirs will charge you for use of the person's "name and likeness" as the subject in your novel/film. Depending on your jurisdiction, the heirs may also have the right to prevent circulation of your novel/film without their express... View More
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