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Entertainment / Sports Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Patents (Intellectual Property) on
Q: Disney has recently published a face re-aging algorithm. Is that protected? Can we use it for our low budget production?

We are a young company from Germany trying to find out where we can use Disney's paper on Production-Ready Face Re-Aging for a music video we are producing as an educational project, with an extensive making of. While I am pretty sure one may do that without asking, I don't know if... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 18, 2024

It's great that you're considering using cutting-edge technology for your project. Disney's face re-aging algorithm, like most proprietary technologies, is likely protected by intellectual property laws, including patents or copyrights. While the research paper itself might be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Civil Rights and Entertainment / Sports for New York on
Q: If I shoot a music video for a new song in public, and regular people wind up in the recording, is that a problem?

We are planning to shoot a music video for a new song in various locations, Arizona, California, Nevada, New York. The video will be published to YouTube for the band. Normally on a set, the actors and everyone involved know they will be in the music video. However, this video will be out in public... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 17, 2024

When filming a music video in public spaces, it's important to understand the legal implications of capturing individuals in the background. Generally, people in public places have a lower expectation of privacy, meaning they can be filmed without explicit consent, especially if they are not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Is it legal to release music about a TV show using the name of the show and characters within it?

For example, could a musician release an original song called "Star Wars is Awesome" that talks about characters within Star Wars using lightsabers, etc. The music is completely original, doesn't use samples, and it doesn't talk poorly about the franchise or characters.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 9, 2024

Creating music that directly references a TV show, its title, and its characters can potentially lead to legal issues. The show's name, characters, and other iconic elements are often protected by copyright and trademark laws. Even if your music is entirely original, using these elements... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Texas on
Q: Can my wife be sued for TikTok or Instagram content that uses edited audio book clips?

My wife cosplays a book character on TikTok and Instagram. In many of her videos she uses audio that another creator has edited together from the Graphic Audio Book. All less than a minute long. On TikTok the sound links automatically to the other creator, but on Instagram she tags the creator of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 5, 2024

If your wife received a direct request from Graphic Audio Book to remove videos containing their audio, she should take it seriously. The company may have the legal right to protect its copyrighted material, even if it is edited or used in short clips. Ignoring the request could lead to potential... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Hi everyone, I recently purchased an sNFT through the platform Opulous, which promised a percentage of music royalties

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased an sNFT through the platform Opulous, which promised a percentage of music royalties from an album by the artist Kyle. Unfortunately, Opulous later canceled the sNFT, claiming it wasn’t profitable, but Kyle still received the money I invested.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 26, 2024

You may have potential grounds to pursue legal action, but there are several challenges to consider. Filing a lawsuit in Los Angeles, especially as a non-citizen, could be complex and costly. Jurisdictional issues might arise, and you would need to prove that the court in Los Angeles has the... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for Florida on
Q: Can I sign my son up for sports, if it has no impact on the mother’s time sharing?

Even if it says extra curricular have to be agreed upon by both parents? If it doesn’t infringe on her time at all is there any basis for her to use this against me in court?

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Entertainment / Sports for Florida on
Q: There is this website called Clash.GG. I'm trying to see if this site goes against consumer protection laws.

The site is free to play, so it isn't considered gambling and I believe this site is misleading and false advertising.

If you decide to play for free you will not be able to withdraw your winnings. Many innocent players are banned.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Trademark on
Q: I found a phrase I'd like to use on my merch as a registered trademark. Would using it be an issue?

I would like to use the phrase "I podcast where you vacation" on merchandise, like clothing and stickers. I found that phrase registered as a trademark name. It seems to be the name of some podcast on youtube, which has been inactive for 9 months. Would using that phrase on merch along... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 20, 2024

Using the phrase "I podcast where you vacation" on your merchandise could potentially lead to legal issues. Even though the podcast that registered this phrase as a trademark has been inactive for nine months, the trademark registration could still be valid. The trademark owner may have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Indiana on
Q: Can I use my movie title that has the same name as a short film that was made on YouTube 2 years ago from the UK?

I am an independent filmmaker in Indiana and later found out late in my production there exists a short with the same title, a little video that has almost no recognition. My story is different, the only similarity is it involves a pizza delivery. I just want to make sure it's legal without... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 17, 2024

You're allowed to use the same title as the short film on YouTube, especially since the content, story, and production are different. Titles generally aren't protected by copyright law, which means multiple works can share the same name without infringing on each other's rights.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: What happens if you co-wrote a screenplay and intend to sell it, but your co-author goes insane (not a joke) and MIA?

I own a shared piece of intellectual property (screenplay) with a writing partner. My partner had a psychotic break, stopped taking his bi-polar medication, was briefly institutionalized, blocked all communication from me and hasn’t been seen by anyone in weeks. Is the script dead because he’s... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 3, 2024

Navigating the situation with your co-author can be challenging, especially given their current circumstances. Since you co-wrote the screenplay, both of you generally have equal rights to the work, which complicates matters when one party is unresponsive. It's important to gather all... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: AI Music Making

There's this AI music making software called Suno. Suno's TOS states that anything made with their software are not permitted for commercial use (and Suno owns the song) unless it the song was made during a premium subscription.

From what I see, you can't own AI generated... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

No, you cannot use the songs generated by Suno for commercial purposes without a premium subscription. According to Suno's terms of service, they retain ownership of any music created using their software unless it is made while you have an active premium subscription.

If you try to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Is it legal to make amateur pornography and upload it in Texas?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

Creating and uploading amateur pornography in Texas is generally legal, provided that all participants are consenting adults. It's crucial to ensure that everyone involved is over the age of 18 and has given explicit consent to be filmed and have the footage distributed. Failure to verify ages... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: Can I copyright songs made in a game making mobile app?

I was wondering if songs in any game making mobile app made are eligible to copyright whether it's made by me or anyone else

The songs I believe would be public domain, and in the app you're able to take the "MIDI" of the song and change it (if you want)... View More

Bao Tran
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Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

When considering whether songs created in a game-making mobile app can be copyrighted, several factors come into play. Here’s an analysis based on the provided context and general copyright principles:

Ownership and Copyright of AI-Generated Content

Terms of Service (TOS): The TOS...
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4 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Formation, Business Law and Entertainment / Sports for New York on
Q: If a dissolution agreement (New York State) has been sent, is there a time limit for the agreement to be signed?

I am attempting to dissolve a partnership for a company created to produce a musical I created. The agreement entitles me to all the rights back to my work. They have had the dissolution agreement since December and haven't responded.

Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on Jul 10, 2024

I would think not, unless the agreement has a stated expiration date within it. Watch for Statute of Limitations.

Jack

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Business Law and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Can an entertainment company fire its entire staff and rehire everyone to do their exact jobs as freelancers?

Company is planning on laying off its entire staff (sales, creative development, VFX, post production, accounting, and beyond) and rehiring everyone as freelancers for less pay and without benefits. Is this legal?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 24, 2024

Hi! I can offer some general information about this situation:

1. At-will employment: In most states, including California, employment is generally "at-will," meaning employers can terminate employees for any reason that isn't illegal (such as discrimination or retaliation)....
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, International Law and Intellectual Property for Colorado on
Q: Can I link to copy-righted material on Patreon?

I have a patreon where I transcribe scenes (movies, television, video games, etc...) for actors to practice with. Would it be legal for me to add a link to a 30s-60s clip of the scene for reference if its unlisted-demonetized on youtube? Also, does the use of overseas media change anything?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2024

Here are a few thoughts on linking to copyrighted content on Patreon, but please note that this shouldn't be taken as legal advice:

In general, linking to copyrighted material, even if it's unlisted and demonetized on YouTube, could still be considered copyright infringement...
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2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for Georgia on
Q: I frequent a pub where they feature music bingo.

For the final round, everyone pays $5 per bingo card. The first person to fill their entire card wins the pot, sometimes it's over $1000. Is this completely legal and is there anything to watch out for?

Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2024

Whether a bingo game where players pay for cards and win a cash prize is legal depends on the jurisdiction. Here are some general considerations to keep in mind:

1. Legal Framework

- Gambling Laws: Many regions have specific laws regulating gambling, which include games like bingo....
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1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for Wyoming on
Q: Can a volunteer sports program require volunteer coaches to not drink alcohol in between games?
Giselle Ayala Mateus
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answered on May 29, 2024

In New York, volunteer sports programs generally have the authority to set conduct standards for their volunteer coaches, including policies about alcohol consumption. These programs aim to ensure the safety and well-being of the participants, maintain a professional environment, and set a positive... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Trademark and Intellectual Property on
Q: Could i use Iron Giant as a darts nickname and sell darts with an image of the Iron Giant?

I'm curious to know how the trademark works and copyright of the images.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 29, 2024

There are a few intellectual property considerations to keep in mind here:

Copyright: The Iron Giant character and images from the film are likely protected by copyright, which is held by Warner Bros. Entertainment. Using copyrighted images of the Iron Giant on darts you plan to sell,...
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