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Entertainment / Sports Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Entertainment / Sports for Connecticut on
Q: How to acquire rights to Grinch characters for a play?

I am part of a local amateur theatre group interested in acquiring rights to characters such as the Grinch, Max, the Whos, and Whoville for a play we wish to produce. We also want to include the songs “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Welcome Christmas (Fa Who Foraze),” and “Trim Up... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2025

To secure rights for your play, you should first contact Dr. Seuss Enterprises directly, as they hold the copyright to all Grinch-related characters and materials. Visit their official website and look for licensing or rights permissions under their contact or FAQ section. If a specific licensing... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: Does an MIP ticket violate my school's athletic policy on substance violations?

I've been suspended for three games due to a Minor in Possession (MIP) ticket, and I'm trying to understand if this violates the school athletic handbook policy, which states "for any failed drug test, alcohol, vape, DAB, THC, or E-cigarette violation." The ticket I received was... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Entertainment / Sports and Small Claims for California on
Q: I just need an attorney to respond for me and review a case in which I was never served. How much should this cost?

It’s frustrating looking for a civil attorney in Riverside County everyone I called wants $25-$50,000 just to respond to a letter is this common? I only discovered that I was served because of my credit search that was the only way I found out.

Gerald Barry Dorfman
Gerald Barry Dorfman
answered on Feb 11, 2025

Your problem is not limited to a letter: even if the other side agrees to vacate the Judgment, you will still have to deal with the underlying lawsuit. The lawyers don't want $25-$50K to respond to a letter, except in the sense that "respond" involves representing you in a civil... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Civil Rights, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property on
Q: I started writing books in 2002, I am 82 years old. Amazon was my printer and seller (only) until September 2024.

I have 14 books on the market, Author xx, Editions Cotty.

I was selling many books until last September $$$$$$, then since last September I never sold another book and received a check neither fro Amazon or eBay.

Please go on Google, and check xx books, and editions Cotty. What... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 8, 2025

It may be a good idea to consult an attorney, especially if you suspect wrongdoing, such as unfair business practices, contract violations, or potential fraud. Since you had consistent sales for years and then suddenly stopped receiving payments, you have the right to investigate. An attorney can... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Internet Law for Wisconsin on
Q: What do I need to know in preparation for creating a YouTube channel that reviews entertainment media?

I'm a video producer and about to create a YouTube channel. I'd like to know everything I need to know before producing content. The series I plan to create will be a media review channel focusing on four areas. Movies/TV, Music, Books, and Interactive media(Video games, board games,... View More

Giancarla Sambo
Giancarla Sambo
answered on Feb 20, 2025

I agree with the previous answer. Here are some additional points to consider.

1. Creative Commons & Licensing: To avoid copyright claims, use royalty-free music or footage or create original content.

2. Fan Engagement: Set guidelines for fan submissions and provide disclaimers....
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1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Does featured content count as new advertisement?

My daughter's Term contract for an ad was finished on 1/30/25 (the last date of allowable usage unless renewed). The company stated that they're not renewing for the last Term, but we still see her featured on the company's website in one country but not others. The contract states... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 3, 2025

It sounds like you're dealing with a tricky situation where a company is continuing to feature your daughter's image beyond the contract's expiration. Even though the contract states that previously posted content can remain, the fact that it's still being actively promoted in a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Employment Law, Entertainment / Sports and Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: In Utah, can a pro sports association question or adversely act (deny pro membership) due to a pending case?

Pending case is showing up on a background check for membership application to a professional sports association. Membership is required to compete as a professional in said sport. No criminal record and case has barely started so no conviction, nolle, or not-guilty finding but a pending case in a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 28, 2025

If a professional sports association in Utah is a private entity, it typically has broad discretion in setting its membership criteria. Since there is no conviction, the question is whether the association can take adverse action based on a pending case. Utah's "ban-the-box" law... View More

Q: Hello!Is it legal to use the LYRICS ONLY of a song in a YouTube video? As in, a cappella only my own voice?

I'm a streamer playing Minecraft, Fortnite, etc. and know not to use the actual audio of a song (unless it's copyright free or old enough, etc.), but I'm not sure if I can just sing a pop song by someone famous without potentially getting into legal trouble... YouTube hasn't... View More

Sarah Teresa Haddad
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answered on Jan 25, 2025

If you are seeking to use the captions from a YouTube video as your own lyrics, this may be considered copyright infringement if you are not using the captions for a different purpose, such as for education or commentary purposes in Fair Use.

Captions to a YouTube video are justified for...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Georgia on
Q: is it illegal to photograph minors at school sports and sell them to the general public without consent
JJ Poole
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answered on Jan 21, 2025

The legality of photographing minors at school sports events and selling those photographs to the general public without consent can be complex and may vary depending on jurisdiction. However, there are several general principles that can and should be considered:

Expectation of Privacy:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: My nonprofit contractually co-owns a documentary with another Co. They are refusing access to the footage. Can they?

Hi, our nonprofit collaborated with a production company to make a film. The contract is clear that we co-own the work. The production company is refusing to allow us to access or possess a copy of the raw footage. Can we demand access and possession? The contract says the film can only be used for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 20, 2025

As a co-owner of the documentary, you have legal rights to access and possess the raw footage. The production company's refusal to share materials you jointly own could be considered a breach of your contractual agreement, especially since the contract explicitly states co-ownership.... View More

Q: If a trademark is being used for 2 different fields (by 2 different companies), can I trademark it in an unrelated field

The phrase I want to use is trademarked by one LLC in connection with fragrances and related products, and by another in connection with coffee-based beverages and caffeinated soft drinks. I would like the trademark for a YouTube video show about basketball, and potentially for merchandise... View More

Shefali Lakhani
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answered on Jan 17, 2025

Yes, it's possible to trademark a phrase for use in an unrelated field, even if it's already trademarked in other fields. If your trademark does not create a 'likelihood of confusion' with the existing trademarks in the minds of consumers, you may be able to register it for your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property, Criminal Law and Entertainment / Sports for Florida on
Q: Can I secretly record, in Florida, at a church event. If possible I will openly use my phone. Faces will be blurred, etc

I am attending an event in Florida at a church, a 'healing school'. I don't believe you have to sign any documentation to say you can't film. If I can film anything whilst there openly with my phone, I will. But I would like to wear a secret camera if not.

This is an... View More

Michael Rubin
Michael Rubin
answered on Jan 15, 2025

no, secret recordings are not legal in this situation because you are not a licensed investigator

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Can the words “Grand Theft” be used in the name of a business without any legal copyright/trademark risks?

Could the business also have a general car theme without any legal risks?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 15, 2025

While "Grand Theft" isn't exclusively owned by any company, using those words together could raise concerns due to their strong association with the popular video game franchise "Grand Theft Auto." Take-Two Interactive owns trademarks related to this phrase in the gaming... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for New York on
Q: I have a complicated question that is private

Is this confidential?

Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on Jan 11, 2025

No. This is a public forum. A private consultation with an attorney is confidential. Consider using Signal. Jack

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Entertainment / Sports for Oklahoma on
Q: I'm a musician. I am wanting to start up a Janis Joplin tribute band. Do I have to request permission ?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2025

Starting a Joplin tribute band is an exciting venture that can honor her incredible musical legacy. You don't need explicit permission to perform her songs live, as long as the venue has the proper performance licensing (typically through ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC).

If you plan to record...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Rights and Entertainment / Sports for Wisconsin on
Q: Freedom of intimate association to personally interact between 2 consenting adults.

Is it unlawful to prevent 2 consenting adults from personal contact in the form of writing, phone calls/video chats, or in person meetings??

Example: Australian Hollywood TV celebrity-woman falls in love with American man . They each would like to have personal contact with each other by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 9, 2025

This situation touches on fundamental rights to freedom of association and personal autonomy, which are protected under various international human rights frameworks and many national constitutions, including those of Australia and the United States.

Contract terms that excessively restrict...
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2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: sports betting

i am from california, my friend is from kentucky

fanduel is a sportsbook illegal in california but legal in kentucky

is it legal if i paypal money to my friend and he places a fanduel bet on HIS account and if he wins he sends me the winnings?

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jan 1, 2025

It is unlikely an attorney will advise you on how to circumvent California laws on a public forum, but there's JA'a AI generated responses, perhaps.

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2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Trademark on
Q: Looking to get a trademark where in Hartford area can I make this happen?

Artist

US Class Codes002, 005, 022, 023, 029, 037, 038, 050

Alan Harrison
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answered on Dec 30, 2024

I used to work in Hartford but now am based in Milford. If you're set on using a Hartford firm, McCormick Paulding & Huber is pretty good. Try to work with Mallory Hein, she's been doing trademarks for quite a while.

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: How can I claim the right to use a similar band name that was previously trademarked?

The name we had intended to use populates under USPTO search but is marked as dead and expired, and is not currently in the process of being renewed . Their usage is the singular case of the word while our usage is plural (we add an "s" to the end of the word). They aren't actively... View More

Sean Goodwin
Sean Goodwin
answered on Dec 15, 2024

File a trademark application with the USPTO.

Please note: the fees are non-refundable. I highly recommend using a competent trademark attorney to run a clearance search first to ensure that the mark you want to use is actually available. For example, there is a way for recently abandoned...
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1 Answer | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: RE: POS of SUBP-010 page 2. Why rule 8.25 not applicable? Which specific rule defines?

Why the filled-out Proof of Service, specifically page 2 of Subp-010, is not served on the witness or deponent of records?

Why rule 8.25 not applicable?

Which specific rule defines?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 5, 2024

The Proof of Service (form SUBP-010, page 2) is not served on the witness/deponent because it documents the service that has already taken place - serving them with the actual subpoena on page 1. It would be illogical to serve someone with proof that you served them.

California Rule of...
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