Get free answers to your Entertainment / Sports legal questions from lawyers in your area.
On my website I'd like to have an unrecognizable character jump up and strike a block having an item come out of the block. The motion would be similar to the Mario bros. Would this create any copyright issues with Nintendo?
answered on Feb 1, 2024
Using an unrecognizable character in a video game-like scenario, where the character jumps and hits a block to release an item, may still raise potential copyright issues with Nintendo or other video game companies. While the character itself may not be recognizable as a specific copyrighted... View More
I just want to be sure about this idea before I propose it. It would be informal and the people who would be involved have to sign a waiver and follow a carefully selected moveset to minimize liability or potential injury, but I am still unsure about the legality of hosting a backyard wrestling... View More
answered on Apr 3, 2023
I doubt the Association bylaws sanction promotional events within the confines of the Association grounds. Liability waivers aside, if someone gets injured, or a fight among non-particpants breaks out, or someone flashes a guns, you're homeowner's insurance may not cover you. Contact an... View More
My friend & I like to design & create sports cards of wrestlers from different companies both past and current using images (png) we find online from whatever website has what we're looking for, then using an app on our phone we assemble & alter/manipulate (color/brightness etc)... View More
answered on Feb 25, 2023
It is not legal to use images that you find online without permission from the copyright holder. Even if you manipulate them to create a new product, you could still be infringing on the original creator's rights. If you want to create sports cards using images of wrestlers, you should obtain... View More
Can I use a group name and copyright it for entertainment purposes?
answered on Nov 20, 2020
Names that are used to identify the source of goods or services, such as a group providing entertainment services, may be registered as trademarks. This is different from registering literary or musical works for copyright protection. Consult with a trademark attorney for more information.
Broken L4 & L5, broken Rt Hip with surgery, shattered pelvic bone with Pelvic Ring insertion surgery
answered on Aug 6, 2020
So sorry to hear about your son's injuries. The local government that owns the park could be liable depending on all the facts and circumstances. The issue is, what did the park or government staff do WRONG; how is it their fault? If you are asking if they are AUTOMATICALLY liable for any... View More
Also, if I can register it, would I need to register it as an LLC?
answered on May 26, 2020
Yes. And, we can help:
Bill Hulsey
IP & Patent Lawyer
Nuclear Engineer (USN-SS); Member, National Society of Professional Engineers
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To represent works of filmmaker and art creators
answered on Apr 1, 2020
Better not.
check if somebody, movie company, has any rights to it.
they may decide not to do anything, as in fanclub scenarios, but that does not mean they do not own the rights
www.legalbizglobal.com
We have a pageant that has been in our community for over 30 years! Its never been filed as an official entity or organization. It has always been ran by different volunteers within the community. I know for several years our local Chamber sponsored the pageant. Then there was a issue with... View More
answered on Apr 1, 2020
You definitely need to consult with an attorney.
Anybody can own a pageant and call it anyway they want.
The question is whether it is exclusive, and if what you do, your work, is owned by somebody else.
Check if they ever signed or got a contract from somebody.
Even... View More
I have a 125cc dirtbike that cannot go really fast. I live in a pretty laxed equestrian neighborhood. The roads are gravel with no line markings or anything, but isn't rural. I am very confused on the laws in my neighborhood. There is no sign that specifically targets golf carts, but a street... View More
answered on Feb 7, 2020
The statute doesn't apply; your bike is not an ATV (which would not be "street-legal" but nevertheless can be operated under the enumerated conditions).
For the local laws you would have to ask somebody in your locality..
I am orginally from the UK and had this business idea for over two years now I see alot of people online doing this method illegally (well in the UK you need a license to do this). I want to start a business to host these methods legally the business may come under gambling as it would be a hosting... View More
answered on Jul 30, 2019
Free practical advice offered for the last 41 years to people starting or operating small businesses: Look out.
The main difference between successful small businesses and those that fail within a relatively short period of time is good legal advice. The owners of most successful small... 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
answered on Dec 14, 2018
It generally depends upon the terms of the agent's contract.
answered on May 12, 2018
Register it with the copyright office: https://copyright.gov/registration/
Does that mean I can apply for a immigration visa?
answered on Apr 19, 2018
It Depends on the level of skill and what you have accomplished in your field. If you have the necessary recognition and achievements in your career, you may qualify for an O visa. Discuss in private with counsel.
answered on Mar 21, 2018
"Fair Use" is not an affirmative right, it is only a defense. In other words, you would have to be sued first and use the "Fair Use" arguments as a defense. You should consult with an experienced entertainment lawyer before taking any action or inaction.
answered on Feb 9, 2018
Depending on how well-developed the idea is and how much is used, you are the sole owner of the copyright in the script. You may give your friend "story by" credit. You should contact a qualified entertainment attorney to review all the facts.
I was in a program 14 years ago (18 years old) that helped young people with interview skills and making a resume. Recently I have seen a commercial on tv with me in it. I did not agree to this and I do not want to be in this commercial. I contacted the agency and they emailed me the commercial to... View More
answered on Dec 8, 2017
When you participated in the program 14 years ago and video was taken it is possible that you signed paperwork that gave them the right to use the video footage however they see fit. I am guessing that you would not have any of the paperwork that you may have signed from then.
You may want... View More
answered on Oct 3, 2017
Same reason that any business might have salespersons, as well as an attorney to draft sales contracts, and litigate alleged breaches of such contracts.
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