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California Entertainment / Sports Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Civil Rights, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for California on
Q: How can I find out if I'm blacklisted in the entertainment industry, and address ageism and favoritism hindering my acting career?

I am seeking advice on whether I have been blacklisted or blackballed in the entertainment industry, preventing me from pursuing a career as an actor. I've encountered obstacles, such as favoritism and ageism, which have made it harder for me to advance compared to others. Family members have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 19, 2025

Determining if you're experiencing blacklisting in the entertainment industry requires careful assessment and documentation. Under California law, individuals over 40 are protected from age discrimination, which may intersect with your concerns about favoritism and career obstacles.

To...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Seeking clauses for a film consultation contract to protect privacy and prevent publicity.

I'm looking for advice on drafting new clauses for a consultation contract related to my role in providing advice for a film. The current contract only addresses film ownership, and I want to include provisions preventing the company from using my name or the fact that I consulted with them in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 6, 2025

To protect your privacy and prevent any publicity, you should include a Non-Disclosure and Non-Disparagement Clause. This clause should state that the company may not disclose your involvement, use your name, likeness, or refer to your participation in any promotional materials, credits,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Contracts for California on
Q: Laws on pornstar pregnancy responsibility in California

In California, are there specific laws or regulations regarding the responsibility and legal implications if a female pornstar becomes pregnant on set while filming? Are there standard agreements or industry practices related to this situation?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2025

In California, there aren't specific laws that directly address pregnancy responsibility for adult performers who become pregnant on set. Instead, general employment and workplace safety regulations apply, meaning that film producers must provide a safe working environment. You would likely... 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 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 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

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

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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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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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Identity Theft and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Is it legal for an artist to use someone else's personal emails and text for their songs?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

Using someone else's private communications like emails and texts in songs without permission can lead to serious legal issues. Personal communications are protected by copyright law, and the original writer typically owns the rights to their content. Additionally, publishing private messages... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for California on
Q: So I play golf clash and almost every game. An and from raid pops up. They have an X on the ad but it doesn't do anythin

The x is identical to the other ads but it doesn't work

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 21, 2024

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating ad glitch in Golf Clash. When the "X" button doesn't respond, it can often mean the ad is not coded correctly or is experiencing a bug. This issue can sometimes resolve itself if the app is updated or if the ad service running the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Is 50% contingency + exp. normal in a K to enf. the client's IP that is his artistic work?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 3, 2024

When dealing with the enforcement of your intellectual property, a 50% contingency fee plus expenses can be common, particularly in cases where the outcome is uncertain. This arrangement means that the attorney only gets paid if the case is successful, aligning their incentives with yours. However,... 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 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

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

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 Entertainment / Sports, Social Security and Tax Law for California on
Q: I went to the casino & won $2,000 then went again & won $2,000 & $4,000 I’m on SSI do I need to report that to SSI ?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2024

If you're receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it's important to understand that this program has strict rules about reporting income and assets. Winnings from gambling, such as the $2,000 and $4,000 you mentioned, count as income in the month they are received and could be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can someone explain this to me? I want to ensure the video footage of me is only used for the one project.

Talent/Model Release

For valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, I hereby agree as follows: I hereby give and forever grant to ______________, licensees and producers or publishers of its promotional materials and their successors and assigns,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

Under California law, the language in this talent/model release grants extensive rights to the party you're signing with. By agreeing to these terms, you're permitting them to use, publish, and copyright your image, not only for the specific project named but potentially for broader... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Hello, I have an issue with disneyland. I currently have a pass and my pass penalty state ended on November 27th.

I tired to make a reservation but the system isn't letting me. I called disneyland and now they tell me there system is down and won't be able to book it until 2 week? I asked them if I will get compensation but they said no. What do I do?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 29, 2023

Good morning,

Great question. If you are experiencing issues with your Disneyland pass, particularly with making a reservation due to their system being down, your first step is to document the problem. Keep records of your attempts to make a reservation, including dates and times, as well...
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