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3 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can I legally create an app for watching movies and shows together from various streaming platforms?

This app allows you to log in using profiles from various streaming services like Netflix, Max, Disney+, and more. It enables you to watch movies and TV shows with friends and family, not through screen sharing, but together in a shared viewing experience.

The app will store copies of all... View More

Julie C Hancock
Julie C Hancock
answered on Sep 21, 2023

The app storing copies of all available movies and shows on your server is going to be an issue - this amounts to unlawful copying and performing of a copyrighted work without permission. You should consult a copyright attorney to better understand your legal options.

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: Writing a song based off another

I'm writing a song but it's based off another 90% words have been change composition and meaning could they sue me?

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answered on Sep 14, 2023

If you've substantially changed the lyrics, composition, and meaning of the song to create something new, it's less likely to be considered copyright infringement. However, whether a lawsuit can be brought against you would depend on the specific details and nuances of your song and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Internet Law for California on
Q: Dear Sir or Madam, My private messages from Facebook were stolen to make entertainment media. What can I sue them for?

I have proof that the entertainment media in question is about me.

I have been victim of emotional distress. Where due to leaking of my private information, I have been divorced, & i have gotten mentally ill.

I was studying Electrical Engineering with minors in Chemistry, I had... View More

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answered on Sep 10, 2023

Here are the potential legal avenues you might explore:

1. What can I sue them for if my private messages from Facebook were stolen to make entertainment media?

Under California law, you might consider pursuing a case for invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: is it illegal to create an app where users can upload their own mp3 files and play it back, the files are private to the
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 1, 2023

Creating an app where users can upload and play back their own MP3 files can be legally complex. The legality depends on various factors, including copyright law and privacy considerations. To ensure compliance, it's crucial to address copyright issues by verifying that users have the legal... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for California on
Q: Online marble race with bidding entry and paid power-ups legal?

Presume an online livestream of a digital marble race. There are no stakes for winning besides a score for the player on a small leaderboard visible on-screen at all times. Viewers may enter the race by sending a chat message during the setup for the next race. It's first-come first-serve (up... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 25, 2023

I am not aware of any specific California law that directly addresses this specific scenario. However, hosting an online marble race with bidding entry and paid power-ups could potentially raise legal and regulatory issues related to gambling, contests, and online gaming. It's advisable to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Can certain subjects be illegal to write about in fictional stories?

I published a book on a story sharing website that focuses on the long term effects of sexual abuse. The main character is a 16 year old girl and her abuser is much older. There are some graphic sexual scenes, but they’re to paint just how horrible her situation is. I understand it’s a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 14, 2023

While fictional works often receive protection under the First Amendment, certain subjects, particularly those involving explicit sexual content or minors, can raise legal concerns. If your story contains explicit content involving a minor, it could potentially be subject to laws addressing child... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for California on
Q: What type of licence would I need to film a concert and upload the recording on a pay-per-view based platform?

What types of licenses are required to:

1. film a concert

2. subsequently keep it in an archive to be uploaded as a recording

3. recording will be released to public on a platform that offers pay-per-view subscriptions?

also, what are the potential legal issues could... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 14, 2023

To film a concert, you would likely need a performance agreement or license from the event organizer, allowing you to record the event.

Archiving the recorded concert may require obtaining the performers' consent and potentially negotiating a licensing agreement, especially if you plan...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Small Claims for New York on
Q: If compulsory censorship happens to a digital good, artbook or game AFTER a sale. is that effectively theft?
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answered on Aug 10, 2023

Compulsory censorship of a digital good, such as an artbook or a game, after a sale may not be considered theft in the legal sense, but it could potentially lead to other legal issues or breaches of contract, depending on the circumstances and the terms of the sale or licensing agreement.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Iowa on
Q: Is it legal to use Marvel characters on a poster - and sell them?

Given the Marvel cinematic universe, I would create a comic book-style poster in both cinematic and chronological order. The posters would have the characters, quotes, and small details that can be seen in the movies - such as 'I am Iron Man', or the New Asgard town sign. The art style... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Aug 8, 2023

This product is likely to be found infringing of Marvel's copyrights as well as trademarks. The characters are all protected by copyright, and most of them are trademarks as well. Compiling several of them adds fuel to the fire and shows predatory intent which could subject you to punitive damages.

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1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for Colorado on
Q: Can I Use a pellet gun to hunt small game on public land
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 20, 2023

In Colorado, using a pellet gun to hunt small game on public land is generally not allowed. You must adhere to the state's hunting regulations and use legal firearms suitable for the specific type of game you are hunting. Using a pellet gun for hunting purposes may be considered illegal and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Internet Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I record voice chat on a game server in memory (never written to disk) for moderation purposes?

I'd like to allow a team of moderators to review voice chat manually. There is no automated system in place, and the team would need to manually listen to and subsequently make decisions from the data.

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answered on Jul 6, 2023

The recording of voice chat on a game server for moderation purposes may raise legal considerations, particularly in relation to privacy laws. In Michigan, it is generally required to obtain consent from all parties involved in a conversation before recording it. However, laws can vary, and there... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and International Law for Michigan on
Q: Looking to start a D&D podcast using the Legend of Zelda world. Could this path have legal issues with Nintendo?

I am wanting to run a Zelda D&D session on a podcast, and I was wondering if there was any problems with doing so.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2023

Creating a D&D podcast set in the Legend of Zelda world can potentially raise legal concerns related to intellectual property rights. Nintendo owns the rights to the Legend of Zelda franchise, including its characters, settings, and storylines. It's important to note that unauthorized use... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Business Law for California on
Q: I have a graphics company and have teamed with a certifed NIL agent and want to produce sports trading cards what legal?

Since NIL is fairly new what are the boundries of using photos, guarding the players Name Image and Likeness. The Sports Cards are custom made and packaged for the athlete. This a specialty business on a new platform. Each card is customized for the platform

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 20, 2023

When producing sports trading cards that feature athletes' Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), it's important to obtain proper consent from the athletes and ensure compliance with licensing agreements and copyright laws. Stay updated on NIL regulations specific to your jurisdiction and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for Florida on
Q: How can I sell alcoholic beverages at an event (dinner party) without buying or owning a liquor license? (Miami, FL)
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 7, 2023

Talk to a caterer who has a liquor license.

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property on
Q: If something is in the public domain, can we use the title, name, music, etc without issues?

If something like a book, movie, music, etc is in the public domain (eg, Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Wizard of Oz, etc), does that mean that we can use the title, character names, music, etc for free without permission? I realize that if the modernized version is different from that of the public... View More

Kingsley Ugochukwu Ani
Kingsley Ugochukwu Ani
answered on Jun 6, 2023

To start with, it is pertinent to point out that Copyright is not granted or owned in perpetuity. That being the case, Copyright is granted for a term certain; usually for the entire duration of the copyright holders' lifetime and a specified period after their death. From the end of their... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Collections and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Hi. An Indian citizen here. I wanted to inquire about how to proceed with a pending invoice still not paid by agency.

The entertainment agency is based in California but I'm from India. It's been over 3 months yet the invoice hasn't been paid. As a freelancer I'm not able to afford a lawyer yet. Kindly advice on what to do.

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answered on May 31, 2023

In your situation, where you are based in India and the entertainment agency is located in California, there are a few steps you can consider taking. First, initiate direct communication with the agency, preferably in writing, to remind them of the outstanding invoice and politely request payment.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: If a person signs a contract isn't it there legal right to have a copy of it?

A porn actress signed a long term contract for a specific amount of money yrly. That amount hasn't been paid. She's asked for a copy of her contract. The production company refuses to provide it. What has to be done to force the company to produce the contract?

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 21, 2023

Your question crosses several areas of law- Contract, employment and entertainment law, so the answer is not so easy or quick. Basically the answer is "YES" the entertainer is entitled to a copy of the contract and any other documents they filed, this would be part of an employment file... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for California on
Q: Could i sue Mobile Strike if they banned me without explanation of what terms i broken and i spent $20k on their game.
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answered on Apr 25, 2023

It may be possible to pursue legal action against Mobile Strike if they banned you without explanation of what terms you broke and you spent $20k on their game. However, the success of such a lawsuit would depend on several factors, including the terms of service that you agreed to when signing up... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: Can I cosplay as a fairy similar to Melanie Martinez’s new look at her concert Can I get in trouble for this?
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answered on May 7, 2023

No, you cannot get in trouble for cosplaying as a fairy similar to Melanie Martinez's new look at her concert. Cosplay is generally considered a form of fan art and is protected under fair use laws. However, if you were to sell or profit from the cosplay, you may run into legal issues as you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Idaho on
Q: I am planning on releasing a tabletop rpg "Raid Master," but a game called Rolemaster already exists. Too close?

My game is nothing like Rolemaster, different system, different theme (Indiana jones inspired while role is fantasy). However I plan on releasing other games with the "-Master" suffix such as "Myth Master," but the publisher also had a "Space Master" at one time and is... View More

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answered on May 2, 2023

It's difficult to determine whether there is potential for a lawsuit without more information. Generally, the key question in cases involving trademarks is whether there is a likelihood of confusion between the marks. This analysis involves considering a number of factors, such as the... View More

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