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1 Answer | 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?
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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...
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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.
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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

2 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.

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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...
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2 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

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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

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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

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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/

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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?
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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
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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?

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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?

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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...
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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

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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...
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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

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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

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming, Intellectual Property, Internet Law and Copyright for Texas on
Q: Can I create content using a known superhero's cowl and just the cowl and escape copyright infringement and the such?

Long story short I want to create youtube videos of RANDOM and just RANDOM content while using ex: Flash cowl. Just the top part of the mask not even the one that covers the whole face. I will use a different name, and although use some mannerisms, it will be obvious it is pure satire/parody. I got... View More

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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Using elements of a copyrighted superhero character, such as the Flash's cowl, in your content can be legally risky, even if you're only using part of the costume and intend it as satire or parody. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including characters and their... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Internet Law for Virginia on
Q: Is it legal to manage small bets between individuals online using a website in VA? Would this be consider gambling?

Bets would be just between the individuals, like "I bet you $20 if you beat me in this game" And I would be the "middle man" holding the $20

and giving it to the winner later.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Managing small bets between individuals online in Virginia, or in any state, can indeed be considered gambling. The key factor in defining gambling is the element of chance or skill in determining the outcome, along with a wager or bet. Even if the bets are between individuals and you're... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Internet Law for Virginia on
Q: Is it legal to manage small bets between individuals online using a website in VA? Would this be consider gambling?

Bets would be just between the individuals, like "I bet you $20 if you beat me in this game" And I would be the "middle man" holding the $20

and giving it to the winner later.

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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In Virginia, as in many jurisdictions, the legality of managing small bets between individuals online depends on the specific circumstances and the nature of the bets. Generally, if the bets are private and do not involve a broader public or commercial gambling operation, they may fall under social... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law and Entertainment / Sports for Virginia on
Q: I'm opening up a restaurant and wanted to know if I'm able to hang up purchased pictures of Muhammad Ali I'm not selling

Want to purchase pictures of sports memorabilia and then hang it in the restaurant for design but I'm not sure if I'm allowed to do that

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 7, 2024

Generally, purchasing and displaying sports memorabilia, like pictures of Muhammad Ali, in your restaurant for decorative purposes is permissible. This falls under the concept of "fair use," particularly if the memorabilia is being used in a way that doesn't imply endorsement or... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: I am a start up indie music label. I am currently looking to draft contracts for my artists. Where do I start?

Just not sure where to start as far as contracts. Not really sure what information should be in a contract. This is why I'm seeking legal assistance.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 30, 2023

Starting with artist contracts for your indie music label is a crucial step in establishing your business. The first thing to consider is what you want the contract to cover. Common elements include the scope of the rights granted to the label, the duration of the agreement, financial arrangements... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and International Law on
Q: I want to sue the company EGoGames: the company banned me wrong, not process my withdraw, …

reasons the company used to not process the payment(28350$) was wrong .

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 30, 2023

To pursue legal action against EGoGames for banning you and not processing your withdrawal of $28,350, first review the company's terms of service and user agreement. These documents often contain clauses related to dispute resolution, which can include arbitration or specific legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Civil Rights for Oregon on
Q: I am a member of a band that plays music for family dances and retirement centers. I also maintain the Facebook page

and website for this band. We have videos on these sites of our events. I'm particularly concerned with the retirement centers as those performances might be considered a more private event. Do I need written permission to post the videos? Could someone sue me for having a video out there?... View More

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answered on Dec 5, 2023

Your question asked if someone 'could' sue you for the described action. Unfortunately, yes, someone could and might. Could they win? That is a different story. This questions deals with the right to privacy in Oregon. (Oregon really does not have a right to publicity unless you have a... 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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