Get free answers to your Entertainment / Sports legal questions from lawyers in your area.
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?
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.
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
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
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
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?
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
Original agreement -music producer who is also a well-known musician, wanted to do a project pro bono with me, ran into some funding and this made it possible to get excellent session players, also very well known, they were all paid for their work as session players, so they are not considered in... View More
answered on Oct 21, 2023
When collaborating on a musical project, royalty splits are typically governed by the agreement between the parties. In the absence of a written agreement, contributions to the underlying composition (i.e., the songwriting) and the sound recording (i.e., the actual performance and production) are... View More
This app allows you to log in using profiles from various streaming services like Netflix, Max, Disney+, and more. It enables you to watch movies and TV shows with friends and family, not through screen sharing, but together in a shared viewing experience.
The app will store copies of all... View More
answered on Oct 19, 2023
It would be wise to tread carefully. Many actions that raise issues of potential copyright infringement risk raising the ire of individual companies. With regard to movies or other forms of entertainment, the stakes are higher. There is not only the risk of getting sued by an individual company,... View More
This app allows you to log in using profiles from various streaming services like Netflix, Max, Disney+, and more. It enables you to watch movies and TV shows with friends and family, not through screen sharing, but together in a shared viewing experience.
The app will store copies of all... View More
answered on Sep 21, 2023
The app storing copies of all available movies and shows on your server is going to be an issue - this amounts to unlawful copying and performing of a copyrighted work without permission. You should consult a copyright attorney to better understand your legal options.
This app allows you to log in using profiles from various streaming services like Netflix, Max, Disney+, and more. It enables you to watch movies and TV shows with friends and family, not through screen sharing, but together in a shared viewing experience.
The app will store copies of all... View More
answered on Sep 21, 2023
Creating an app that stores and streams copyrighted content from various platforms without proper authorization may infringe on copyright and licensing agreements, potentially leading to legal issues. It is essential to consult with legal counsel and obtain necessary permissions or licenses from... View More
I have proof that the entertainment media in question is about me.
I have been victim of emotional distress. Where due to leaking of my private information, I have been divorced, & i have gotten mentally ill.
I was studying Electrical Engineering with minors in Chemistry, I had... View More
answered on Sep 10, 2023
Here are the potential legal avenues you might explore:
1. What can I sue them for if my private messages from Facebook were stolen to make entertainment media?
Under California law, you might consider pursuing a case for invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional... View More
answered on Sep 1, 2023
Creating an app where users can upload and play back their own MP3 files can be legally complex. The legality depends on various factors, including copyright law and privacy considerations. To ensure compliance, it's crucial to address copyright issues by verifying that users have the legal... View More
answered on Sep 2, 2023
Creating an app where users can upload their own MP3 files for personal playback is generally not illegal if the files are indeed private and not shared with others. However, you could run into legal issues if your app facilitates the sharing of copyrighted material without proper authorization.... View More
What types of licenses are required to:
1. film a concert
2. subsequently keep it in an archive to be uploaded as a recording
3. recording will be released to public on a platform that offers pay-per-view subscriptions?
also, what are the potential legal issues could... View More
answered on Aug 14, 2023
To film a concert, you would likely need a performance agreement or license from the event organizer, allowing you to record the event.
Archiving the recorded concert may require obtaining the performers' consent and potentially negotiating a licensing agreement, especially if you plan... View More
I published a book on a story sharing website that focuses on the long term effects of sexual abuse. The main character is a 16 year old girl and her abuser is much older. There are some graphic sexual scenes, but they’re to paint just how horrible her situation is. I understand it’s a... View More
answered on Aug 14, 2023
While fictional works often receive protection under the First Amendment, certain subjects, particularly those involving explicit sexual content or minors, can raise legal concerns. If your story contains explicit content involving a minor, it could potentially be subject to laws addressing child... View More
Since NIL is fairly new what are the boundries of using photos, guarding the players Name Image and Likeness. The Sports Cards are custom made and packaged for the athlete. This a specialty business on a new platform. Each card is customized for the platform
answered on Jun 20, 2023
When producing sports trading cards that feature athletes' Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), it's important to obtain proper consent from the athletes and ensure compliance with licensing agreements and copyright laws. Stay updated on NIL regulations specific to your jurisdiction and... View More
The entertainment agency is based in California but I'm from India. It's been over 3 months yet the invoice hasn't been paid. As a freelancer I'm not able to afford a lawyer yet. Kindly advice on what to do.
answered on May 31, 2023
In your situation, where you are based in India and the entertainment agency is located in California, there are a few steps you can consider taking. First, initiate direct communication with the agency, preferably in writing, to remind them of the outstanding invoice and politely request payment.... View More
A porn actress signed a long term contract for a specific amount of money yrly. That amount hasn't been paid. She's asked for a copy of her contract. The production company refuses to provide it. What has to be done to force the company to produce the contract?
answered on May 21, 2023
Your question crosses several areas of law- Contract, employment and entertainment law, so the answer is not so easy or quick. Basically the answer is "YES" the entertainer is entitled to a copy of the contract and any other documents they filed, this would be part of an employment file... View More
answered on Apr 25, 2023
It may be possible to pursue legal action against Mobile Strike if they banned you without explanation of what terms you broke and you spent $20k on their game. However, the success of such a lawsuit would depend on several factors, including the terms of service that you agreed to when signing up... View More
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