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Entertainment / Sports Questions & Answers
Q: Is making a multiple choice game show with pixelated videos without original audio count as fair use?
Marcos Garciaacosta's answer
You are skating on very thin ice. I would not recommend you do this without proper licenses.
It is a great idea, but fraught with legal minefields.
You are skating on very thin ice. I would not recommend you do this without proper licenses.
It is a great idea, but fraught with legal minefields.
Q: If Someone Owes A Bookie, Is This Person Legally Obligated To Pay? And Would If The Bookie Decided To Track This Person?
Ali Shahrestani, Esq.'s answer
Was this a legal bet or part of illegal gambling activities? If you're facing assault or worse, you can report this to the police. If you're guilty of illegal gambling as well, you might face related criminal charges yourself. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my...
Was this a legal bet or part of illegal gambling activities? If you're facing assault or worse, you can report this to the police. If you're guilty of illegal gambling as well, you might face related criminal charges yourself. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my...
Q: I would like to do a skit that makes fun of some Star Wars tropes. How does that work now that Disney owns it?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property
for
Florida
on
Answered on Jan 24, 2019
Answered on Jan 24, 2019
Griffin Klema's answer
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 under Section 107. Besides copyright, you may have to contend with trademark infringement which, again, depends on the specific facts of what you're doing or planning on doing. If you really need an...
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 under Section 107. Besides copyright, you may have to contend with trademark infringement which, again, depends on the specific facts of what you're doing or planning on doing. If you really need an...
Q: Can you please explain this to me. So if I know where an abandoned house is. Do I need to file paper work and
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law, Foreclosure and Entertainment / Sports
for
Alabama
on
Answered on Jan 19, 2019
Answered on Jan 19, 2019
Kevin M Ryan's answer
Just because the house appears to be "abandoned" does not mean that there is not a legal owner. It may be owned by a bank, and in the process of foreclosure, probate or bankruptcy. You would need to contact the owner or the owner's legal representative in order to make an offer to purchase the property. You should not move forward on this type of transaction without any attorney.
Just because the house appears to be "abandoned" does not mean that there is not a legal owner. It may be owned by a bank, and in the process of foreclosure, probate or bankruptcy. You would need to contact the owner or the owner's legal representative in order to make an offer to purchase the property. You should not move forward on this type of transaction without any attorney.
Q: Hello, Can you me setup an entity like Hot Pancakes has with Bella Forrest and maintain privacy for my author business?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Business Formation, Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Trademark
for
Utah
on
Answered on Jan 4, 2019
Answered on Jan 4, 2019
Q: Want to get the rights to use music from an old TV show in a short film I am making. I believe it's owned by CBS.
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark
for
New York
on
Answered on Jan 2, 2019
Answered on Jan 2, 2019
Ali Shahrestani, Esq.'s answer
See my reply to your same question posted in the CA section of this forum. A license from the copyright owner would be required if you don't qualify under the "Fair Use" exceptions. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website, www.AliEsq.com. I...
See my reply to your same question posted in the CA section of this forum. A license from the copyright owner would be required if you don't qualify under the "Fair Use" exceptions. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website, www.AliEsq.com. I...
Q: Want to get the rights to use music from an old TV show in a short film I am making. I believe it's owned by CBS.
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark
for
California
on
Answered on Jan 2, 2019
Answered on Jan 2, 2019
Ali Shahrestani, Esq.'s answer
To use copyrighted material, one would need to find out who owns the copyright and contact them for a license. But you'd also need to determine whether your use qualifies as "fair use". More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website, www.AliEsq.com. I...
To use copyrighted material, one would need to find out who owns the copyright and contact them for a license. But you'd also need to determine whether your use qualifies as "fair use". More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website, www.AliEsq.com. I...
Q: What should I be aware of re: ownership if I submit an unsolicited screenplay to a studio?
Jason Brooks' answer
I would register your screenplay with the US Copyright office BEFORE submitting it anywhere. The age old "poor man's copyright" (i.e. mailing the creative work to yourself and keeping in a sealed envelope) doesn't really protect you like a valid copyright registration does, nor does it give you the right to collect statutory damages for infringement.
After you've registered your work, I'd still be weary of submitting any unsolicited material. If you do send something, know that most,...
I would register your screenplay with the US Copyright office BEFORE submitting it anywhere. The age old "poor man's copyright" (i.e. mailing the creative work to yourself and keeping in a sealed envelope) doesn't really protect you like a valid copyright registration does, nor does it give you the right to collect statutory damages for infringement.
After you've registered your work, I'd still be weary of submitting any unsolicited material. If you do send something, know that most,...
Q: In the state of Missouri, what are all the skateboarding laws? Where can I view them?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Traffic Tickets, Constitutional Law and Entertainment / Sports
for
Missouri
on
Answered on Oct 18, 2018
Answered on Oct 18, 2018
Timur Akpinar's answer
If you are not able to find laws in your ordinary searches under civil, traffic, recreational, and other laws, you could check with your elected officials on the city council, assembly, and other local, city, and state government bodies. One of the problems with skateboarding is that many places and parks do not want it because they consider it a liability, meaning that they’re afraid of getting sued if someone injures themselves or someone else. Good luck.
Tim Akpinar
If you are not able to find laws in your ordinary searches under civil, traffic, recreational, and other laws, you could check with your elected officials on the city council, assembly, and other local, city, and state government bodies. One of the problems with skateboarding is that many places and parks do not want it because they consider it a liability, meaning that they’re afraid of getting sued if someone injures themselves or someone else. Good luck.
Tim Akpinar
Q: What is the difference between a litigation and transactional entertainment lawyer?
Jason Brooks' answer
"Litigation" refers to the filing of lawsuits (i.e. courtroom lawyers), whereas "Transactional" refers to general business and legal affairs of a person or entity (i.e. negotiation,drafting and review of contracts; and other deal making).
Often times an entertainment attorney will place an emphasis on one area but still practices in the other from time to time when necessary, or has partners or other affiliates in his or her network to refer such ancillary work to when the need arises.
"Litigation" refers to the filing of lawsuits (i.e. courtroom lawyers), whereas "Transactional" refers to general business and legal affairs of a person or entity (i.e. negotiation,drafting and review of contracts; and other deal making).
Often times an entertainment attorney will place an emphasis on one area but still practices in the other from time to time when necessary, or has partners or other affiliates in his or her network to refer such ancillary work to when the need arises.
Q: If a nonprofit owns a film, but gives a portion of the revenue to the filmmakers, who truly owns it?
Donovan A Rodriques' answer
How does the agreement between the filmmakers and nonprofit treat the issue of ownership of the film? How do you know the nonprofit owns it? Are there any documentation evidencing copyright ownership of the film?
How does the agreement between the filmmakers and nonprofit treat the issue of ownership of the film? How do you know the nonprofit owns it? Are there any documentation evidencing copyright ownership of the film?
Q: Is there a law that governs college scholarship contract provisions regarding behavior or conduct outside of athletics?
Gregory J. Tarone's answer
Yes, and no, and to a certain extent it depends on the institution providing the scholarship and what the rule is. There is no specific "law" for it. That is, no state or federal statutes that apply. Scholarships are contracts governing the rights of the parties -- and that is where you begin to ascertain what regulatory bodies have authority over student-athlete conduct outside their athletic roles. Most student-athlete scholarships are provided by member institutions of the National...
Yes, and no, and to a certain extent it depends on the institution providing the scholarship and what the rule is. There is no specific "law" for it. That is, no state or federal statutes that apply. Scholarships are contracts governing the rights of the parties -- and that is where you begin to ascertain what regulatory bodies have authority over student-athlete conduct outside their athletic roles. Most student-athlete scholarships are provided by member institutions of the National...
Q: Question about dealing with dishonest practices by a Austin based company, Megolamedia. Want to know if I have a case.
Justin Charles Roberts' answer
Without more information (including seeing the agreement), it's difficult to determine whether or not you have a case. However, it generally sounds like you may need an attorney who can handle breach-of-contract cases, or potentially an attorney who can handle claims under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Without more information (including seeing the agreement), it's difficult to determine whether or not you have a case. However, it generally sounds like you may need an attorney who can handle breach-of-contract cases, or potentially an attorney who can handle claims under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Q: Can "Entertainment Inc." Purchase property? Multiple Properties?
2 Answers
| Asked
in
Entertainment / Sports, Real Estate Law and Tax Law
for
Arizona
on
Answered on Jun 8, 2018
Answered on Jun 8, 2018
Peter H. Westby's answer
Provided your corporation's governing documents allow it, your corporation can purchase real estate. Check with a lawyer in each state where you plan to purchase property. You may need to register your corporation as a foreign corporation doing business in each state. Your local lawyer will know.
Provided your corporation's governing documents allow it, your corporation can purchase real estate. Check with a lawyer in each state where you plan to purchase property. You may need to register your corporation as a foreign corporation doing business in each state. Your local lawyer will know.
Q: I need an entertainment attorney to look over a music feature contract that is 9 pages long. I have a budget.
H. Scott Aalsberg Esq.'s answer
Good lawyers are never cheap and generally cheap lawyers are never good. If the contract is important to you never skimp on a lawyer. Remember in life in general, including lawyers you get what you pay for. As for the contract in general most lawyers know contract law as it is first year law school mandatory course, but you are right to seek one that has clients that are in the music industry which many of us have if you have practiced more than a few years.
Good lawyers are never cheap and generally cheap lawyers are never good. If the contract is important to you never skimp on a lawyer. Remember in life in general, including lawyers you get what you pay for. As for the contract in general most lawyers know contract law as it is first year law school mandatory course, but you are right to seek one that has clients that are in the music industry which many of us have if you have practiced more than a few years.
Q: Can Delaware north sports group at Camden yards take a non profit volunteer without permission of the sub contractors
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Entertainment / Sports
for
Maryland
on
Answered on May 28, 2018
Answered on May 28, 2018
John Espinosa's answer
This sounds like a matter of contract. Have any attorney review the applicable contracts with your subcontractors to determine if you need their pernission or not.
This sounds like a matter of contract. Have any attorney review the applicable contracts with your subcontractors to determine if you need their pernission or not.
Q: Is it possible to use fictional characters from tv shows in music under transformative usage?
Benton R Patterson III's answer
In theory, yes it is possible. An attorney would need to know more about the work to give an opinion on whether the particular use is transformative.
In theory, yes it is possible. An attorney would need to know more about the work to give an opinion on whether the particular use is transformative.
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