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
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...
View More

View More Answers

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

Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Dec 16, 2024

In order to claim rights to a prior trademark you must file a trademark application with the USPTO. If the mark is abandoned and it cannot be renewed or revived then you can file a trademark application for the same or similar mark in the same class of services. I recommend using a Trademark... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: Making a motion-comic with real copyrighted music synced to it! Legal to tell readers to listen to specific song?

Is it legal to tell my readers to listen to specific songs at certain times in my motion-comic? For example, having a notice at the start of the comic telling readers that the comic is read best with certain songs to accompany it, and saying "Now Playing: *Song Name*" at the top of my... View More

Alan Harrison
PREMIUM
Alan Harrison pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 7, 2024

I would want to think more about this before giving an opinion you could rely upon. First thought is that this seems like it MIGHT be a viable way to escape the need for a "sync license" as you would not personally be synchronizing the music to the images. But there may be court cases... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Copyright on
Q: If I write my own lyrics and generate music free Suno AI,can I,usethe resulting song in YouTube videos without copyright

If I write my own lyrics and use Suno AI to generate music, can I use the resulting song in YouTube videos without copyright issues? The lyrics are mine, but I want to ensure there are no problems with the music from Suno. If there are potential copyright concerns, what steps should I take to... View More

Ivan  Parron
Ivan Parron
answered on Oct 3, 2024

Like everything else “It Depends.” If the lyrics are 100% yours then you are good to go with that. If the AI generates original music for your lyrics, you are fine too. However, if the AI scraped previous copyright protected recordings like “X” and/or if you asked the AI, for instance to... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Copyright on
Q: If I write my own lyrics and generate music free Suno AI,can I,usethe resulting song in YouTube videos without copyright

If I write my own lyrics and use Suno AI to generate music, can I use the resulting song in YouTube videos without copyright issues? The lyrics are mine, but I want to ensure there are no problems with the music from Suno. If there are potential copyright concerns, what steps should I take to... View More

Sean Goodwin
Sean Goodwin
answered on Oct 3, 2024

In addition to what Mr. Parron contributed, I would recommend reading the Terms and Conditions of Suno AI to determine what you can and cannot do with the resulting product. You need to learn as much as you can about the AI and how it was built so that you can determine if the output might infringe... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: AI Music Making

There's this AI music making software called Suno. Suno's TOS states that anything made with their software are not permitted for commercial use (and Suno owns the song) unless it the song was made during a premium subscription.

From what I see, you can't own AI generated... View More

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

No, you cannot use the songs generated by Suno for commercial purposes without a premium subscription. According to Suno's terms of service, they retain ownership of any music created using their software unless it is made while you have an active premium subscription.

If you try to...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: AI Music Making

There's this AI music making software called Suno. Suno's TOS states that anything made with their software are not permitted for commercial use (and Suno owns the song) unless it the song was made during a premium subscription.

From what I see, you can't own AI generated... View More

Bao Tran
PREMIUM
Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Given the terms of service (TOS) for Suno and the current legal landscape regarding AI-generated music, here are the key points to consider regarding the commercial use of songs generated by Suno without a premium subscription:

Suno's Terms of Service

Ownership and Commercial...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Is it legal to make amateur pornography and upload it in Texas?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 20, 2024

Creating and uploading amateur pornography in Texas is generally legal, provided that all participants are consenting adults. It's crucial to ensure that everyone involved is over the age of 18 and has given explicit consent to be filmed and have the footage distributed. Failure to verify ages... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: Can I copyright songs made in a game making mobile app?

I was wondering if songs in any game making mobile app made are eligible to copyright whether it's made by me or anyone else

The songs I believe would be public domain, and in the app you're able to take the "MIDI" of the song and change it (if you want)... View More

Bao Tran
PREMIUM
Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

When considering whether songs created in a game-making mobile app can be copyrighted, several factors come into play. Here’s an analysis based on the provided context and general copyright principles:

Ownership and Copyright of AI-Generated Content

Terms of Service (TOS): The TOS...
View More

View More Answers

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

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, International Law and Intellectual Property for Colorado on
Q: Can I link to copy-righted material on Patreon?

I have a patreon where I transcribe scenes (movies, television, video games, etc...) for actors to practice with. Would it be legal for me to add a link to a 30s-60s clip of the scene for reference if its unlisted-demonetized on youtube? Also, does the use of overseas media change anything?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 19, 2024

Here are a few thoughts on linking to copyrighted content on Patreon, but please note that this shouldn't be taken as legal advice:

In general, linking to copyrighted material, even if it's unlisted and demonetized on YouTube, could still be considered copyright infringement...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for Georgia on
Q: I frequent a pub where they feature music bingo.

For the final round, everyone pays $5 per bingo card. The first person to fill their entire card wins the pot, sometimes it's over $1000. Is this completely legal and is there anything to watch out for?

JJ Poole
PREMIUM
JJ Poole pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2024

It depends. Under Georgia law, most bingo games require licensing, however, recreational bingo is a nonprofit bingo game or a bingo game operated by an employer with ten or more full-time employees for the purpose of providing a safe workplace incentive and is not subject to the licensing... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for Georgia on
Q: I frequent a pub where they feature music bingo.

For the final round, everyone pays $5 per bingo card. The first person to fill their entire card wins the pot, sometimes it's over $1000. Is this completely legal and is there anything to watch out for?

Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus
answered on Jun 12, 2024

Whether a bingo game where players pay for cards and win a cash prize is legal depends on the jurisdiction. Here are some general considerations to keep in mind:

1. Legal Framework

- Gambling Laws: Many regions have specific laws regulating gambling, which include games like bingo....
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for Wyoming on
Q: Can a volunteer sports program require volunteer coaches to not drink alcohol in between games?
Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus
answered on May 29, 2024

In New York, volunteer sports programs generally have the authority to set conduct standards for their volunteer coaches, including policies about alcohol consumption. These programs aim to ensure the safety and well-being of the participants, maintain a professional environment, and set a positive... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Trademark and Intellectual Property on
Q: Could i use Iron Giant as a darts nickname and sell darts with an image of the Iron Giant?

I'm curious to know how the trademark works and copyright of the images.

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

There are a few intellectual property considerations to keep in mind here:

Copyright: The Iron Giant character and images from the film are likely protected by copyright, which is held by Warner Bros. Entertainment. Using copyrighted images of the Iron Giant on darts you plan to sell,...
View More

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

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

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.