Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Entertainment / Sports legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Entertainment / Sports View Questions by State

Your current state is Ohio


US Territories

  • Puerto Rico

Show More States

Entertainment / Sports Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Entertainment / Sports for Florida on
Q: I live in a gated community. We need help with a conflict with the hoa. We believe we are being denied rights.

There is a rental policy for the clubhouse. For 2 years we rented and hosted house concerts. Private event. Hoa does not like inviting outsiders. Changing rules to specifically exclude us.

Jennifer Isaksen
Jennifer Isaksen
answered on Jun 30, 2017

You will need to review the HOA Declarations to determine the policy in place. If they changed the policy after you purchased your property, you will want to review the provisions regarding amendments. There is usually a notice and meeting requirement to call a vote of the homeowners to approve... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for New York on
Q: Copyright reg: does 'authorship on appl' for 'entire work' protect music and vocals in a motion picture live recording?

I received the answer to my question so thank you.

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
answered on Jun 27, 2017

You need to copyright the individual songs. What you did covers the video, but not the songs re-done on an album.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for New York on
Q: A group of friends are developing a video game - what's the best way to make sure we all get credit if we sell it?
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jun 25, 2017

You should hire a lawyer to draft a partnership agreement and IP agreement. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, said Ben Franklin -- and with good reason! More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for Florida on
Q: Are the theme parks in Florida unionized in any way?
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 17, 2017

You would have to look into each specific park to see.

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: I am looking for the California labor law pertaining to rendering payment for personal working on a TV production.

The company never came up with deal memo's or contracts prior to production. Though we should be on payroll, they insisted we send invoices. It has been over 70 days with no payment and the company states they are within the law, since we did not have a signed contract.

Robert P. Cogan
Robert P. Cogan
answered on Jul 24, 2017

The company's position seems to be unsupported. It is impossible to know without listing all the facts. What was the work? Should you have been an employee? Other factors besides labor include contract law and civil procedure. Based on your question it seems unlikely that quoting a statute to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for New York on
Q: Trying to find out what the common practice is for an agent's cut of a person's salary

- this is for my child who is interested in acting.

Jonathan Bradford Ripps
Jonathan Bradford Ripps
answered on Jun 2, 2017

Hi there - an agent's commission can be between 10 and 20 percent, depending on what type of project is procured. Each agent or manager should have a commission structure in their agreement. I hope that helps!

Best,

Jon

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property, Internet Law and Trademark for California on
Q: What're the Parody/Fair Use laws concerning impersonating fictional characters humorously narrating public domain works?

The idea is to impersonate various fictional characters from various forms of entertainment, such as Mario (Nintendo video game) or Gollum (Lord of the Rings), reading various public domain works of fiction in as close to the character's syntax as possible ("And the princess pricked her... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jun 1, 2017

This might qualify as a parody. Have a lawyer review the facts and business carefully to help you try to avoid IP violations. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Contracts and Intellectual Property on
Q: My contract w/my agent exclusively binds me & my co-author to her. Are my solo projects also exclusively tied to her?

The wording of our agreement is vague on this. It's obvious that our joint project is the main focus, and clearly states that any work that my co-author and I do together are legally bound to her services.

But if I write my own solo books, on other topics, must I use her as my agent?... View More

Griffin Klema
Griffin Klema
answered on Jun 11, 2017

Yes, you can always shop around for a lawyer who is willing to work within your budget. I suggest trying to find a lawyer who will charge a flat fee rather than an hourly rate. Also find someone who can look over the contract during a free consultation. You might not get an answer during that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for Florida on
Q: What should I be aware of if I submit an unsolicited screenplay to a studio in terms of ownership, etc.?
Donovan A Rodriques
Donovan A Rodriques
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

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Entertainment / Sports and Internet Law for North Carolina on
Q: Could I have a website and provide a service to users that allows for uploading screenshots from video games for profit?

This website and web service would allow users to upload their screenshots from video games and share it with their friends. There is more to it, but as far as legal, would it be copyright or other IP conflicts if users screenshot their own in-game experience and upload it to the site and share it.... View More

Will Blackton
Will Blackton
answered on May 18, 2017

If you're going to allow users to post potentially infringing material, you should become familiar with the DMCA takedown process and register a DMCA takedown agent with the U.S. Copyright Office. Qualifying for the DMCA safe harbor would shift the concerns of copyright infringement from you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for California on
Q: 1. I'm a musician. Do I need a (police) 'permit' to sell tickets and play live gigs in my California apartment?

I'm a musician. I play live solo acoustic guitar some evenings in my apartment for friends and friends of friends etc. All my sets are cover songs from various artists. I receive many requests that differ on each evening of course. Each guest usually contributes between $10 - $20. Some... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on May 16, 2017

You may be violating your lease, zoning, and/or licensing laws relating to music venues. You may need contracts with the additional musicians. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Starting a sports league with a unique format. Can Intellectual property help protect the format from being copied?

I have a concept for a track and field league that I'm putting together with a unique format. Before I put it fully together I wanted to know if I could protect the idea so it can't be copied by others. It's a different system then a normal track meet .The events will be the same but... View More

Will Blackton
Will Blackton
answered on May 16, 2017

I will not speak to patent protection, as that's outside of my practice area. Copyright law will protect the expression of your ideas or rules, that is, the creative organization of words used to write the rules, but not the underlying ideas or rules themselves. Trademark law will protect... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, International Law and Consumer Law on
Q: I bought a ticket for a concert but I didn't receive it,and they kept delaying the fact that they didn't have the ticket

I bought the ticket in November and it's been 6 months now so I am very concerned. They keep telling me that it will arrive but I am pretty sure it won't because I have seen reviews and I am not the first victim of that company. In case I don't receive it, what can I legally do to get my money back?

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on May 13, 2017

If you charged it on a credit carf, charge it back. If not, you can sue the defendant where you can find him. In the modern economy, credit (more than debit) cards are very useful.

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for New York on
Q: Someone told me an E&O insurance policy is essential to have prior to negotiating a contract for my screenplay. What

benefits does it offer?

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on May 8, 2017

It depends on what type of duties you would have under the contract.

See: http://www.aeesq.com/business-law/art-law/

More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: What kind of work permit do I need for my child that would like to get into commercials?
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on May 5, 2017

They may need a SAG membership and an entertainment work permit from the CA DIR. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and Entertainment / Sports for Florida on
Q: Hi, what are the requirements for adding a recurring charge to a customer's account? (For instance billed at later date)

We run a subscription based service where we would like users to be automatically billed X months after signing up. We would like to know what consent we would require from the buyer before charging them (for example, terms of service etc). Thank you!

Andy Wayne Williamson
Andy Wayne Williamson
answered on May 4, 2017

The best thing that you need to do is consult with a business law attorney and have him or her draft you an agreement. Your question is detailed, or rather requires a detailed answer. I don't think that a lawyer is going to give you detailed advice on how to draft a contract via a service... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Contracts, Copyright and Entertainment / Sports for Florida on
Q: I am working on a film documentary, and out of bad spirits, an interviewee refused to sign release, can I sue him?

I am wondering if I can sue him for bad intentions because this is for college applications. Also, if I were to release the film, could he sue me? It is under my company's name and I am a minor

Will Blackton
Will Blackton
answered on Apr 28, 2017

Many states have a "misappropriation of likeness or image" cause of action, which means broadly: It is illegal to use someone's likeness or image without their consent or beyond the scope of their consent. Generally, you do not have the right to use someone's performance on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for Florida on
Q: If my school has a boys soccer team, do they have to have a girls one too?
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Apr 15, 2017

Generally, yes, if it's a public school. You might want to consult an attorney versed in the particulars of education law.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Entertainment / Sports for Indiana on
Q: I'm 17. I want to copyright one of my songs. Is it possible that I can copyright it? Am I able to use it in court too?

Like say I get the copyright while I'm a minor. Someone else tries to claim the song as their own. Will I be able to take that to court and show that it's copyright by me? Even if I am a minor? In the State of Indiana.

Will Blackton
Will Blackton
answered on Apr 14, 2017

Minors may claim copyright, and the Copyright Office issues registrations to minors, but state laws may regulate the business dealings involving copyrights owned by minors.

According to Rule 17 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure: The following representatives may sue or defend in...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for New York on
Q: What kind of licensing agreement should I have for a song I wrote and I'd like to sell?
Donovan A Rodriques
Donovan A Rodriques
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.

View More Answers

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.