Get free answers to your Entertainment / Sports legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Your current state is Ohio
answered on Jul 16, 2019
If you use images of Waldo and other recognizable features of the books, then yes, it would infringe the copyright. Getting permission might be difficult to track down the owner. The book publisher might have the rights, or the author might have retained them. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain... View More 
I'm doing research for my book.
The character is my antagonist. He's the father to a boy who's got ADHD. The father is not present in the boy's life at all and left him with his mom at the age of four.
He's a manager for a famous band and wants to stop one... View More
answered on Jul 3, 2019
This is a free legal advice forum intended to help non-lawyer consumers better understand common legal terms and to explain general legal principals and procedures to non-lawyers interested in understanding more about the law.
This free legal forum is not the place to seek a lawyer's... View More
I havent been able to get a clear answer on this. If DFS is not regulated and taxed in NC then i shouldn't have to pay state taxes on my yearly winnings right? Only Federal taxes. If so what is it taxed under and at what %
answered on Jun 17, 2019
Wrong. The income is taxable, whether legal or not. Same as for income from embezzlement, illegal drug sales, or racketeering.
I intend to begin performing on the stage as well as sell my music and other media content via digital platforms: all under my name. On the longer run I intend to establish a company that will be specializing in producing media content, managing artists performances (primarily as a booking agency),... View More
answered on Jun 11, 2019
What is "gov legal name"? Do you mean your name? You actually need to trademark your name. While it seems odd, if your name is a brand, you need to protect it. Whether you incorporate at this point or not (and it generally is beneficial to do so), if your name will be the name of the... View More
I was curious if these digital platforms would fall underneath this clause if the manager uploaded the music, because while they are considered DIY platforms, technically they are creating a contract with the distributor whether it's Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby etc. Here's the exact... View More
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answered on Jun 7, 2019
Yes, the agreement requires the artist to pay commissions on contracts entered into during the term of the agreement. So if an artist enters into an agreement with medis company X during the term of the agreement, the manager would seek to collect a percentage of that income.
This clause... View More
on a 3% gross royalty of SLRP for $50 w/ $10 poster merch, is the producer entitled to 3% of $50 or 3% minus merch costs
answered on May 1, 2019
It depends on how "Gross Royalty" is defined in the contract. It's not uncommon to allows for deductions for actual expenses which could include your hard costs for merch, but if it's not specifically stated in the contract, then the inference would be 3% of the total royalty... View More
answered on Apr 24, 2019
Maybe. There's not enough information in your question to answer it.
I’m planning on having a couple spears made (Heritage purposes). One as a family heirloom to pass down, and one for hunting/recreational purposes. Is it even legal to hunt with spears?
answered on Apr 12, 2019
Hunting opportunities in this state with a spear and/or atlatl are limited. No big or small game species could legally be taken with one. However, animals that are classified as "non-game" species could be (coyotes, rodents, opossum, etc). You would first need to obtain a hunting license.... View More
So let me start by stating that I know I need an agent ASAP and I'm in the process of getting one. My question is about a well known movie theatre company using my image. I responded to a post that asked for models for a 'test shoot' and that they would choose from us those who would... View More
answered on Apr 9, 2019
Your rate depends on a variety of factors, including the scope of their use -- for example, where will they be using your image and for how long? In what capacity can they use it? Also your own stature as a model/actress/celebrity factors into this equation.
An agent or an attorney can... View More
WE were shooting a scene with an actor in a bar who was playing an extra, he agreed to be in the video and as we ran out of release forms we agreed to send him a copy via email. Days later he had a change of heart about signing and contacted his lawyer that he wants me to talk to directly in... View More
answered on Apr 8, 2019
I practiced intellectual property law for several years. The general rule is that if a person in the background of a movie scene is unrecognizable, they probably cannot sue for anything. However, the company's promise to send him a contract complicates matters somewhat, and could come up in... View More
I suffer from blood-injury-and-injection phobia and anxiety.
Sunday afternoon I was at a Regal theater to watch a drama film. To my surprise, graphic content full of blood and lifelike surgeries started playing. With nausea overwhelming me I proceeded towards the exit. I sensed the coming... View More
answered on Apr 4, 2019
much more info needed.
I have never heard of a condition like yours and suspect it is incumbent on YOU to check on films you go to see to be sure there are no scenes that could hurt you.
anyone can sue at any time for anything but I certainly would not accept the case on a... View More
He gets them half of summer and is trying to take them on a vacaction where my son will miss games I have paid for
answered on Apr 20, 2019
This may be something the court would not want to get involved.
It is probably too much hassle to go in front of the judge, but you can do that if you do not come to an agreement.
answered on Feb 28, 2019
I always recommend suing where the defendant is located. It saves a step in enforcing the judgment.
answered on Feb 27, 2019
Very possible.
If the streaming site is not licensed you may be contributing.
Stick to official channels and pay, it is not worth the risk
I want to make a YouTube channel, were I use copyrighted material for a guessing game. In these videos, I take small clips from movies, TV shows, or Internet videos. I pixelate the videos and switch the audio out with one of YouTube's royalty free music. The clip would be less than 30... View More
answered on Feb 15, 2019
You are skating on very thin ice. I would not recommend you do this without proper licenses.
It is a great idea, but fraught with legal minefields.
The person is down $3500 and doesnt have the money to pay, this person is scared that if he cant pay, that the bookie would come after him. Is this legal? What should This Person do if he cant pay at all? And how can he stay safe after letting the bookie know?
answered on Feb 4, 2019
Was this a legal bet or part of illegal gambling activities? If you're facing assault or worse, you can report this to the police. If you're guilty of illegal gambling as well, you might face related criminal charges yourself. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis... View More
Does is fall under satire or parody?
answered on Jan 24, 2019
It depends on just how much of your skit would be considered parody. Parody may be considered fair use under U.S. law (17 USC 107), but whether a particular performance/video/etc. actually provides a fair use defense depends on the specific facts, and then how those facts compare to the factors... View More
Move in asap? If so what paperwork do I need to file. I've noticed a couple different forms that could be filed. I Know to change the locks. I need to know the right way to go about it so I don't get in trouble or go to jail for something I didn't understand.
answered on Jan 19, 2019
Just because the house appears to be "abandoned" does not mean that there is not a legal owner. It may be owned by a bank, and in the process of foreclosure, probate or bankruptcy. You would need to contact the owner or the owner's legal representative in order to make an offer to... View More
The music is from two 1961 episodes of The Twilight Zone that were scored by composer Jerry Goldsmith. How would I go about getting the rights to use that music in a short film I am working on? Would this even be possible? Any idea of what it would cost? Thanks!
answered on Jan 2, 2019
To use copyrighted material, one would need to find out who owns the copyright and contact them for a license. But you'd also need to determine whether your use qualifies as "fair use". More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step... View More
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