Get free answers to your Entertainment / Sports legal questions from lawyers in your area.
It’s frustrating looking for a civil attorney in Riverside County everyone I called wants $25-$50,000 just to respond to a letter is this common? I only discovered that I was served because of my credit search that was the only way I found out.
answered on Feb 11, 2025
Your problem is not limited to a letter: even if the other side agrees to vacate the Judgment, you will still have to deal with the underlying lawsuit. The lawyers don't want $25-$50K to respond to a letter, except in the sense that "respond" involves representing you in a civil... View More 
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
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
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
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
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?
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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
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.
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
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.
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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
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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
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
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
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?
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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... View More
I'm looking for advice on drafting new clauses for a consultation contract related to my role in providing advice for a film. The current contract only addresses film ownership, and I want to include provisions preventing the company from using my name or the fact that I consulted with them in... View More
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answered on Apr 6, 2025
To protect your privacy and prevent any publicity, you should include a Non-Disclosure and Non-Disparagement Clause. This clause should state that the company may not disclose your involvement, use your name, likeness, or refer to your participation in any promotional materials, credits,... View More
In California, are there specific laws or regulations regarding the responsibility and legal implications if a female pornstar becomes pregnant on set while filming? Are there standard agreements or industry practices related to this situation?
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answered on Mar 15, 2025
In California, there aren't specific laws that directly address pregnancy responsibility for adult performers who become pregnant on set. Instead, general employment and workplace safety regulations apply, meaning that film producers must provide a safe working environment. You would likely... View More
My daughter's Term contract for an ad was finished on 1/30/25 (the last date of allowable usage unless renewed). The company stated that they're not renewing for the last Term, but we still see her featured on the company's website in one country but not others. The contract states... View More
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answered on Feb 3, 2025
It sounds like you're dealing with a tricky situation where a company is continuing to feature your daughter's image beyond the contract's expiration. Even though the contract states that previously posted content can remain, the fact that it's still being actively promoted in a... View More
Hi, our nonprofit collaborated with a production company to make a film. The contract is clear that we co-own the work. The production company is refusing to allow us to access or possess a copy of the raw footage. Can we demand access and possession? The contract says the film can only be used for... View More
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answered on Jan 20, 2025
As a co-owner of the documentary, you have legal rights to access and possess the raw footage. The production company's refusal to share materials you jointly own could be considered a breach of your contractual agreement, especially since the contract explicitly states co-ownership.... View More
Could the business also have a general car theme without any legal risks?
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answered on Jan 15, 2025
While "Grand Theft" isn't exclusively owned by any company, using those words together could raise concerns due to their strong association with the popular video game franchise "Grand Theft Auto." Take-Two Interactive owns trademarks related to this phrase in the gaming... View More
i am from california, my friend is from kentucky
fanduel is a sportsbook illegal in california but legal in kentucky
is it legal if i paypal money to my friend and he places a fanduel bet on HIS account and if he wins he sends me the winnings?
answered on Jan 1, 2025
It is unlikely an attorney will advise you on how to circumvent California laws on a public forum, but there's JA'a AI generated responses, perhaps.
Why the filled-out Proof of Service, specifically page 2 of Subp-010, is not served on the witness or deponent of records?
Why rule 8.25 not applicable?
Which specific rule defines?
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answered on Dec 5, 2024
The Proof of Service (form SUBP-010, page 2) is not served on the witness/deponent because it documents the service that has already taken place - serving them with the actual subpoena on page 1. It would be illogical to serve someone with proof that you served them.
California Rule of... View More
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answered on Nov 14, 2024
Using someone else's private communications like emails and texts in songs without permission can lead to serious legal issues. Personal communications are protected by copyright law, and the original writer typically owns the rights to their content. Additionally, publishing private messages... View More
The x is identical to the other ads but it doesn't work
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answered on Oct 21, 2024
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating ad glitch in Golf Clash. When the "X" button doesn't respond, it can often mean the ad is not coded correctly or is experiencing a bug. This issue can sometimes resolve itself if the app is updated or if the ad service running the... View More
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answered on Oct 3, 2024
When dealing with the enforcement of your intellectual property, a 50% contingency fee plus expenses can be common, particularly in cases where the outcome is uncertain. This arrangement means that the attorney only gets paid if the case is successful, aligning their incentives with yours. However,... View More
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