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I wrote the music and helped them write words. They pressed up copies and won't well them to me at cost. I never gave permission to use any of the music I made and wrote. When I asked to buy copies st cost, they said no. That I would have to buy them. The concerts we all played made the money... View More

answered on Apr 7, 2024
In situations where multiple individuals collaborate on creating music, it's crucial to establish clear agreements regarding ownership, distribution, and compensation. If you've contributed to the creation of music and lyrics but haven't given permission for their use, you may have... View More
I wrote the music and helped them write words. They pressed up copies and won't well them to me at cost. I never gave permission to use any of the music I made and wrote. When I asked to buy copies st cost, they said no. That I would have to buy them. The concerts we all played made the money... View More

answered on Apr 8, 2024
From what you've described, it does seem reasonable that you should be able to obtain copies of the CDs containing music you wrote and helped create, either for free or at cost. Here are a few key points to consider:
1. Copyright: If you wrote the music, you likely own the copyright to... 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
I want to host survivor pools (contestants pick a winner of an NFL game each week) and season long contests (contestants will create a lineup each week picking from a pool of NFL players, accumulating a score correlating to how the NFL player performs that week). Is this legal? Are these... View More

answered on Apr 3, 2024
Many states have laws specifically addressing gambling. Some have exceptions for "games of skill," but the definitions and interpretations vary. In most states, to avoid gambling issues, there have to be no entry fees and prizes must be predetermined and not based on entry fee totals.
I want to host survivor pools (contestants pick a winner of an NFL game each week) and season long contests (contestants will create a lineup each week picking from a pool of NFL players, accumulating a score correlating to how the NFL player performs that week). Is this legal? Are these... View More

answered on Apr 6, 2024
The legality of hosting fantasy football contests for money depends on the specific laws of the jurisdiction where you plan to operate the website. In the United States, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 includes a carve-out for certain fantasy sports contests, deeming... View More
I have some nonmonetary videos on YouTube and they're like slideshows of pictures of me. In some of them I'm at my boyfriend's parents old house. I took the pictures and they're just of me no one else but the background is inside one of the rooms of his parents old house. In the... View More

answered on Mar 30, 2024
Based on the information provided, it is unlikely that your ex-boyfriend or his parents would have a valid basis for a copyright claim on your videos. Here's why:
1. Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as photographs, videos, and other creative content. In this case,... 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

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... View More

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
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.

answered on Apr 2, 2024
For a dispute with a social media platform where you believe discrimination occurred, a civil rights attorney would be the best first contact. Music attorneys typically handle issues related to contracts, royalties, and intellectual property within the music industry itself.
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.

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
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.

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... 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
the names Hawkamania and Hockamania are unclaimed and I'd like to buy them for my business/

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

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
Film will be entered in film festivals

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
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?

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
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?

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... View More
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

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... View More
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