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Entertainment / Sports Questions & Answers
Q: I'm a songwriter from the Netherlands that recently signed a music publishing contract with an American company.
2 Answers
| Asked
in
Contracts, Immigration Law and Entertainment / Sports
for
Florida
on
Answered on Apr 19, 2018
Answered on Apr 19, 2018
Kevin D. Slattery Esq.'s answer
Depending on the level of your recognition in your field (music), you may qualify for, among other possibilities, an O-1 visa. You should schedule a consultation with a competent immigration attorney who can evaluate your credentials to see what immigration options may exist for you. For some general information regarding O-1 status, visit: https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement Note also that an O-1 is a...
Depending on the level of your recognition in your field (music), you may qualify for, among other possibilities, an O-1 visa. You should schedule a consultation with a competent immigration attorney who can evaluate your credentials to see what immigration options may exist for you. For some general information regarding O-1 status, visit: https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement Note also that an O-1 is a...
Q: Can I be prosecuted if I am a fan refusing to leave a high school sports game (soccer), and the referee asks me to?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Entertainment / Sports, Criminal Law and Libel & Slander
for
Kentucky
on
Answered on Apr 18, 2018
Answered on Apr 18, 2018
Timothy Denison's answer
The ref does not have the authority to eject or remove anyone from the game or stadium and you do not have to leave. However, if school officials ask you to leave the game, you should leave becacuase if you remain you could be arrested and charged with Criminal Trespass.
The ref does not have the authority to eject or remove anyone from the game or stadium and you do not have to leave. However, if school officials ask you to leave the game, you should leave becacuase if you remain you could be arrested and charged with Criminal Trespass.
Q: Can Gaming Events offer cash prizes if children enter the event?
Carrie A. Ward's answer
You will need to make sure the structure of your game does not trigger an illegal lottery concern. Illegal lotteries consist of 3 elements: (1) provision of a prize; (2) chance; and (3) consideration (i.e., money is paid to play). Event organizers should consult experienced promotions and sweepstakes counsel to advise you on how to structure your game legally. Other considerations such as the age of entrants may have to be taken into consideration too. However, experienced counsel can...
You will need to make sure the structure of your game does not trigger an illegal lottery concern. Illegal lotteries consist of 3 elements: (1) provision of a prize; (2) chance; and (3) consideration (i.e., money is paid to play). Event organizers should consult experienced promotions and sweepstakes counsel to advise you on how to structure your game legally. Other considerations such as the age of entrants may have to be taken into consideration too. However, experienced counsel can...
Q: Dealing with an issue whether I'm able to use multiple song titles on a website that creates profit without song content
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Trademark
for
North Carolina
on
Answered on Apr 13, 2018
Answered on Apr 13, 2018
Jason Brooks' answer
I’m inclined to say yes, but definitely would need more info regarding the intended use. Feel free to email me at: Jason@altviewlawgroup.com to discuss
I’m inclined to say yes, but definitely would need more info regarding the intended use. Feel free to email me at: Jason@altviewlawgroup.com to discuss
Q: I want to know if I can sue a mobile game app.
Jason Brooks' answer
The beauty (and more often, the detriment) of our American legal system is that anyone can sue somebody for anything -- the more pertinent question to ask here is: Do I have a *legitimate* lawsuit against this mobile developer for their allegedly unfair/deceptive business practices? To that, the answer is... maybe. If you were to file a lawsuit, AND find actual evidence through the Discovery process that supports your theory, then yes you could stand to win big. But the harsh reality is...
The beauty (and more often, the detriment) of our American legal system is that anyone can sue somebody for anything -- the more pertinent question to ask here is: Do I have a *legitimate* lawsuit against this mobile developer for their allegedly unfair/deceptive business practices? To that, the answer is... maybe. If you were to file a lawsuit, AND find actual evidence through the Discovery process that supports your theory, then yes you could stand to win big. But the harsh reality is...
Q: I own a gaming website that blogs and reviews to promote gaming companies.
Carrie A. Ward's answer
You will need permission from the gaming companies to use images of their game that you are using in a promotional context. Taking screenshots from your own game and then using them for commercial purposes is not advisable.
You will need permission from the gaming companies to use images of their game that you are using in a promotional context. Taking screenshots from your own game and then using them for commercial purposes is not advisable.
Q: Can you tell a true story on a podcast, change names and locations and it be legal? Can a teacher do this?
2 Answers
| Asked
in
Entertainment / Sports, Communications Law and Libel & Slander
for
Pennsylvania
on
Answered on Mar 26, 2018
Answered on Mar 26, 2018
Peter Munsing's answer
Depends on the circumstances. It is not illegal but it could make it a case for libel.
Depends on the circumstances. It is not illegal but it could make it a case for libel.
Q: Is a satire I've created based on another work considered fair use? Can I sell it?
Ivan Jose Parron Esq.'s answer
"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.
"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.
Q: What rules apply to promoting products on social media?
Carrie A. Ward's answer
The FTC guidelines for endorsements govern promoting products on social media. The guides are specific, but in general you need to make it clear that any “mentions” on social media are paid advertisements. There are are many ways that this can be accomplished. An attorney experienced in advertising law could help you navigate through these issues.
The FTC guidelines for endorsements govern promoting products on social media. The guides are specific, but in general you need to make it clear that any “mentions” on social media are paid advertisements. There are are many ways that this can be accomplished. An attorney experienced in advertising law could help you navigate through these issues.
Q: Paid for something I didn't get! What sure I do?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Civil Rights, Entertainment / Sports and Small Claims
for
California
on
Answered on Mar 12, 2018
Answered on Mar 12, 2018
Louis George Fazzi's answer
Incomplete information, i.e. you ended before you asked the question or indicated what went wrong.
Incomplete information, i.e. you ended before you asked the question or indicated what went wrong.
Q: Is it considered gambling for players to put monetary wagers on skill based games?
Carrie A. Ward's answer
It is illegal when there are 3 elements present in the contest: (1) prize; (2) chance; and (3) consideration. In the scenario you describe above, the element of chance is missing in the equation.
It is illegal when there are 3 elements present in the contest: (1) prize; (2) chance; and (3) consideration. In the scenario you describe above, the element of chance is missing in the equation.
Q: If I shoot a music video at a college and spraying people with water guns What charges can I face
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Criminal Law, Entertainment / Sports and Federal Crimes
for
California
on
Answered on Feb 23, 2018
Answered on Feb 23, 2018
Dale S. Gribow's answer
Do you have permits?
if you commit any unauthorized touching of another that is a battery...........so shooting someone could be a battery, without any injuries.......hopefully.
Do you have permits?
if you commit any unauthorized touching of another that is a battery...........so shooting someone could be a battery, without any injuries.......hopefully.
Q: I have joint custody of my girls. My girls are going to be signed to a record label. Do we need a signature from him?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Contracts, Family Law, Entertainment / Sports and Child Support
for
Georgia
on
Answered on Feb 21, 2018
Answered on Feb 21, 2018
P. Justin Thrailkill's answer
If you have primary physical custody, it should not be an issue if you are signing on their behalf. You papers should address the signing of contracts for them. You may want to look at entertainment attorneys if you are looking for representation in the negotiation of contracts.
If you have primary physical custody, it should not be an issue if you are signing on their behalf. You papers should address the signing of contracts for them. You may want to look at entertainment attorneys if you are looking for representation in the negotiation of contracts.
Q: I'm writing a script from an idea given to me by a friend - how is the work treated from an ownership standpoint?
Donovan A Rodriques' answer
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.
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.
Q: Are we legally allowed to use names/addresses from old letters in new published works?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Copyright, Communications Law and Entertainment / Sports
for
Oregon
on
Answered on Feb 6, 2018
Answered on Feb 6, 2018
Mr. Michael O. Stevens' answer
This should not be an issue as to copyright, as addresses would not in this format likely be copyright-able.
Could be an issue as to personality rights though.
This should not be an issue as to copyright, as addresses would not in this format likely be copyright-able.
Could be an issue as to personality rights though.
Q: hello please i need advice on what to do i do photography and videography and couple months ago i did a reality show
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Copyright, Business Law and Entertainment / Sports
for
New York
on
Answered on Jan 29, 2018
Answered on Jan 29, 2018
Michael David Siegel's answer
You can sue. An oral contract is enforceable. It is just harder to prove. Here you have the commercial use.
You can sue. An oral contract is enforceable. It is just harder to prove. Here you have the commercial use.
Q: I want to share a life story on YouTube that doesn’t paint people in the best light. Can they sue me?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Personal Injury, Entertainment / Sports and Libel & Slander
for
New York
on
Answered on Jan 7, 2018
Answered on Jan 7, 2018
Mr. Beau Correll's answer
If you are that worried about it, you should probably consult with a defamation attorney in advance and have them vet your statement.
If you are that worried about it, you should probably consult with a defamation attorney in advance and have them vet your statement.
Q: If my spouse filed for divorce how can I find out
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Divorce, Bankruptcy and Entertainment / Sports
for
Ohio
on
Answered on Jan 4, 2018
Answered on Jan 4, 2018
Joseph Jaap's answer
Check with the court in the location where your spouse lives. Ohio requires that a person live in Ohio for 6 months, and in the county in which the divorce is filed, for 90 days. Other states also have residency requirements. So check all the courts where spouse has ever lived.
Check with the court in the location where your spouse lives. Ohio requires that a person live in Ohio for 6 months, and in the county in which the divorce is filed, for 90 days. Other states also have residency requirements. So check all the courts where spouse has ever lived.
Q: What if someone uses video of you in a TV commercial without your permission?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Copyright, Civil Litigation and Entertainment / Sports
for
Florida
on
Answered on Dec 8, 2017
Answered on Dec 8, 2017
Andy Wayne Williamson's answer
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 to ask them what authorization that they have to use the video footage of you to see what they will provide. I suggest that you consult with a lawyer in the Jacksonville area to get specific advice...
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 to ask them what authorization that they have to use the video footage of you to see what they will provide. I suggest that you consult with a lawyer in the Jacksonville area to get specific advice...
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