Entertainment / Sports View Questions by State

Your current state is Ohio


US Territories

  • Puerto Rico

Show More States

Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Entertainment / Sports Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Illinois on
Q: I volunteerd w/ a nonprofit for adults w/ disabilities a place to make music. Shouldn't I get free CDs of music we made?

I wrote the music and helped them write words. They pressed up copies and won't well them to me at cost. I never gave permission to use any of the music I made and wrote. When I asked to buy copies st cost, they said no. That I would have to buy them. The concerts we all played made the money... View More

Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus
answered on Apr 7, 2024

In situations where multiple individuals collaborate on creating music, it's crucial to establish clear agreements regarding ownership, distribution, and compensation. If you've contributed to the creation of music and lyrics but haven't given permission for their use, you may have... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Illinois on
Q: I volunteerd w/ a nonprofit for adults w/ disabilities a place to make music. Shouldn't I get free CDs of music we made?

I wrote the music and helped them write words. They pressed up copies and won't well them to me at cost. I never gave permission to use any of the music I made and wrote. When I asked to buy copies st cost, they said no. That I would have to buy them. The concerts we all played made the money... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 8, 2024

From what you've described, it does seem reasonable that you should be able to obtain copies of the CDs containing music you wrote and helped create, either for free or at cost. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Copyright: If you wrote the music, you likely own the copyright to...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can I show the title and author of book in my short film if i don't' use the cover art?

The film is about a pregnant woman and the camera pans to show some of the pregnancy and parenting books she is reading. The books are not mentioned or quoted, only the titles and authors are shown. The plan is to create our own cover art but use the actual titles and authors.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 6, 2024

In most cases, simply showing the title and author of a book in a film without using the cover art would be considered fair use and not require permission from the copyright holder. This is because you are not reproducing a substantial portion of the copyrighted work.

However, there are a...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can I show the title and author of book in my short film if i don't' use the cover art?

The film is about a pregnant woman and the camera pans to show some of the pregnancy and parenting books she is reading. The books are not mentioned or quoted, only the titles and authors are shown. The plan is to create our own cover art but use the actual titles and authors.

Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus
answered on Apr 6, 2024

When featuring the title and author of a book in your short film without using the cover art, you need to consider both copyright and trademark law.

1. Copyright Law: Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including literary works such as books. Displaying the title and...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Internet Law for New York on
Q: I want to create a website that hosts fantasy football contests for money. Is this legal?

I want to host survivor pools (contestants pick a winner of an NFL game each week) and season long contests (contestants will create a lineup each week picking from a pool of NFL players, accumulating a score correlating to how the NFL player performs that week). Is this legal? Are these... View More

Eddie Burnett
Eddie Burnett
answered on Apr 3, 2024

Many states have laws specifically addressing gambling. Some have exceptions for "games of skill," but the definitions and interpretations vary. In most states, to avoid gambling issues, there have to be no entry fees and prizes must be predetermined and not based on entry fee totals.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Internet Law for New York on
Q: I want to create a website that hosts fantasy football contests for money. Is this legal?

I want to host survivor pools (contestants pick a winner of an NFL game each week) and season long contests (contestants will create a lineup each week picking from a pool of NFL players, accumulating a score correlating to how the NFL player performs that week). Is this legal? Are these... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 6, 2024

The legality of hosting fantasy football contests for money depends on the specific laws of the jurisdiction where you plan to operate the website. In the United States, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 includes a carve-out for certain fantasy sports contests, deeming... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for New York on
Q: Can someone copyright strike your picture if you took it and it's of you but the background is inside their house?

I have some nonmonetary videos on YouTube and they're like slideshows of pictures of me. In some of them I'm at my boyfriend's parents old house. I took the pictures and they're just of me no one else but the background is inside one of the rooms of his parents old house. In the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 30, 2024

Based on the information provided, it is unlikely that your ex-boyfriend or his parents would have a valid basis for a copyright claim on your videos. Here's why:

1. Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as photographs, videos, and other creative content. In this case,...
View More

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Michigan on
Q: How can I as a filmmaking student contact DC Comics and try to get authorization in order to use their characters?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 8, 2024

As a filmmaking student wanting to use DC Comics characters in your project, you should follow the proper channels to obtain permission and avoid potential copyright issues. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Determine the rights needed: Identify which characters you want to use and in...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Can u parody oompa loompa song for an ad on a new product that has nothing to do with the song. Title rhymes w product.
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 5, 2024

Parodying a song for commercial purposes requires careful navigation of copyright and trademark laws, even when the intent is to create a humorous or satirical advertisement. When you consider using a melody or lyrics similar to the "Oompa Loompa" song from "Charlie and the Chocolate... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Entertainment / Sports and Internet Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I need a civil rights Attorney, or Music Attorney?

I am an independent musician who has been in dispute with a social media platform. If I feel I was discriminate against for several reasons and can prove it, and would like to take legal action. Do I contact a civil rights attorney, or a music attorney? Thanks in advance.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 2, 2024

Based on the details provided, you have a few options in terms of legal representation:

- Civil rights attorney - If you feel you were discriminated against by the social media platform based on your protected class status (race, religion, gender, etc.), then consulting a civil rights...
View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Entertainment / Sports and Internet Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I need a civil rights Attorney, or Music Attorney?

I am an independent musician who has been in dispute with a social media platform. If I feel I was discriminate against for several reasons and can prove it, and would like to take legal action. Do I contact a civil rights attorney, or a music attorney? Thanks in advance.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 15, 2024

A civil rights attorney is a usual starting point for matters in involving discrimination. It isn't fully clear by what you mean by music attorney - music contract terms dispute, music intellectual property rights, royalties? Maybe with additional details, an attorney could better determine... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Entertainment / Sports and Internet Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I need a civil rights Attorney, or Music Attorney?

I am an independent musician who has been in dispute with a social media platform. If I feel I was discriminate against for several reasons and can prove it, and would like to take legal action. Do I contact a civil rights attorney, or a music attorney? Thanks in advance.

Eddie Burnett
Eddie Burnett
answered on Apr 2, 2024

For a dispute with a social media platform where you believe discrimination occurred, a civil rights attorney would be the best first contact. Music attorneys typically handle issues related to contracts, royalties, and intellectual property within the music industry itself.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: My father was a Hall of fame football player some companies are using his image and making your own sports cards do they

DO they need my permission TO use his image and name to make money without my authorization. Do they need my permission YES or NO ?? Thank's very much. George... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 28, 2024

Under California law, the use of a person's image or name for commercial purposes without permission could infringe on their right of publicity. This right extends to celebrities and public figures, allowing them to control how their persona is used commercially. It's designed to prevent... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Trademark and Intellectual Property on
Q: How do I purchase rights to an unclaimed/abandoned copywrite?

the names Hawkamania and Hockamania are unclaimed and I'd like to buy them for my business/

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 25, 2024

When you're interested in using specific names like Hawkamania and Hockamania for your business, and you believe these are unclaimed or abandoned, the first step is to conduct a thorough search. This search should include existing copyrights, trademarks, and any other form of intellectual... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming, Civil Rights and Entertainment / Sports for Mississippi on
Q: CAN I SUE A CASINO FOR MENTAL ABUSE, BRAINWASHING, MIND CONTROL, FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING FROM LOSING EVERYTHING I OWN?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 24, 2024

While it may be emotionally distressing to lose everything you own at a casino, suing the casino for mental abuse, brainwashing, or mind control for pain and suffering is unlikely to be successful. Casinos operate within the bounds of the law and provide warnings about the risks of gambling.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Can I use a short clip of a video game being played on a Nintendo Switch with audio for a total of 3secs in short film?

Film will be entered in film festivals

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 21, 2024

Using a short clip of a video game being played on a Nintendo Switch in your short film may raise copyright concerns, even if it's only for three seconds. Nintendo is known for being vigilant in protecting its intellectual property rights, including the use of its video game footage. While... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: can I use an unrecognizable video game character to hit a block similar to Mario Bros?

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?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Entertainment / Sports and International Law on
Q: Hi! How is it possible for a person who provides entertainment services work legally around the world?

How is it possible for a person who provides entertainment services like acting for commercials, movies, singing at weddings etc. legally work around the world?

How is done for celebrities?

How do they have the right to work anywhere without having to apply for work visas and permits?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 29, 2024

For a person providing entertainment services like acting or singing to work legally around the world, they typically need to comply with the immigration and work regulations of each country they intend to work in. This usually involves obtaining the appropriate work visas or permits.

For...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Intellectual Property for Alabama on
Q: Can I add 3rd party IP characters to my copy of a video game?

I play a video game that allows for modding, meaning you can add, remove and/or augment most things, from character models to game mechanics.

I want to add 3 fairly popular movie characters to my game and also make YouTube videos and have live streams with them included.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 21, 2024

Modding a video game and adding 3rd party intellectual property (IP) characters can potentially raise legal issues. Using popular movie characters without proper authorization may infringe on copyright and trademark rights held by the owners of those characters.

Displaying these modded...
View More

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.