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Entertainment / Sports Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Is it legal to release music about a TV show using the name of the show and characters within it?

For example, could a musician release an original song called "Star Wars is Awesome" that talks about characters within Star Wars using lightsabers, etc. The music is completely original, doesn't use samples, and it doesn't talk poorly about the franchise or characters.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 9, 2024

Creating music that directly references a TV show, its title, and its characters can potentially lead to legal issues. The show's name, characters, and other iconic elements are often protected by copyright and trademark laws. Even if your music is entirely original, using these elements... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Texas on
Q: Can my wife be sued for TikTok or Instagram content that uses edited audio book clips?

My wife cosplays a book character on TikTok and Instagram. In many of her videos she uses audio that another creator has edited together from the Graphic Audio Book. All less than a minute long. On TikTok the sound links automatically to the other creator, but on Instagram she tags the creator of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 5, 2024

If your wife received a direct request from Graphic Audio Book to remove videos containing their audio, she should take it seriously. The company may have the legal right to protect its copyrighted material, even if it is edited or used in short clips. Ignoring the request could lead to potential... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Hi everyone, I recently purchased an sNFT through the platform Opulous, which promised a percentage of music royalties

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased an sNFT through the platform Opulous, which promised a percentage of music royalties from an album by the artist Kyle. Unfortunately, Opulous later canceled the sNFT, claiming it wasn’t profitable, but Kyle still received the money I invested.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 26, 2024

You may have potential grounds to pursue legal action, but there are several challenges to consider. Filing a lawsuit in Los Angeles, especially as a non-citizen, could be complex and costly. Jurisdictional issues might arise, and you would need to prove that the court in Los Angeles has the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Trademark on
Q: I found a phrase I'd like to use on my merch as a registered trademark. Would using it be an issue?

I would like to use the phrase "I podcast where you vacation" on merchandise, like clothing and stickers. I found that phrase registered as a trademark name. It seems to be the name of some podcast on youtube, which has been inactive for 9 months. Would using that phrase on merch along... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 20, 2024

Using the phrase "I podcast where you vacation" on your merchandise could potentially lead to legal issues. Even though the podcast that registered this phrase as a trademark has been inactive for nine months, the trademark registration could still be valid. The trademark owner may have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Indiana on
Q: Can I use my movie title that has the same name as a short film that was made on YouTube 2 years ago from the UK?

I am an independent filmmaker in Indiana and later found out late in my production there exists a short with the same title, a little video that has almost no recognition. My story is different, the only similarity is it involves a pizza delivery. I just want to make sure it's legal without... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 17, 2024

You're allowed to use the same title as the short film on YouTube, especially since the content, story, and production are different. Titles generally aren't protected by copyright law, which means multiple works can share the same name without infringing on each other's rights.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: What happens if you co-wrote a screenplay and intend to sell it, but your co-author goes insane (not a joke) and MIA?

I own a shared piece of intellectual property (screenplay) with a writing partner. My partner had a psychotic break, stopped taking his bi-polar medication, was briefly institutionalized, blocked all communication from me and hasn’t been seen by anyone in weeks. Is the script dead because he’s... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 3, 2024

Navigating the situation with your co-author can be challenging, especially given their current circumstances. Since you co-wrote the screenplay, both of you generally have equal rights to the work, which complicates matters when one party is unresponsive. It's important to gather all... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Formation, Business Law and Entertainment / Sports for New York on
Q: If a dissolution agreement (New York State) has been sent, is there a time limit for the agreement to be signed?

I am attempting to dissolve a partnership for a company created to produce a musical I created. The agreement entitles me to all the rights back to my work. They have had the dissolution agreement since December and haven't responded.

Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on Jul 10, 2024

I would think not, unless the agreement has a stated expiration date within it. Watch for Statute of Limitations.

Jack

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1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for New York on
Q: How much would it cost to patten a modification to the game of pickle ball?

In Ny state

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 23, 2024

It looks like your question may involve intellectual property issues - that could be why it remains open. Not all questions are picked up here, but you could repost and add Intellectual Property categories for better chances of a response. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Maryland on
Q: What If I Compleated My Music Contract And The Old Company Saying I'm Still Under Them

Have multiple Witnesses That Got The Same Contract Out Of 30 Artist Under The Label I'm The Only One Dealing With This

Sheldon Starke
Sheldon Starke
answered on Jan 24, 2024

It is absolutely impossible to answer your question as much as i'd really like to. This happens time and time again and everything depends upon an entertainment lawyer reviewing the agreement. We have so much experience and there are so many moves to make that you really need professional... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Federal Crimes, Internet Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: Can I sue youtube for having videos with naked children on their site?

They have vids with kids going to the bathroom, kids running around with no clothing on, etc. Why is this legal to do?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

I would be very cautious of this. I would contact YouTube directly to try to have them to take down the video(s). I would ask report those video(s) directly to YouTube moderators.

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for North Carolina on
Q: I was offered a contract for 55,000$ to sign my royalties over and I believe I am being lowballed
Ivan  Parron
Ivan Parron
answered on Jan 10, 2024

You need to consult with an experienced entertainment lawyer and have them review the proposed agreement and give your their opinion before signing anything.

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2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Tennessee on
Q: I am wanting to find out if any entertainment contracts have been fraudulently signed in my name or who approved the use

Of my insinuated self through the Kardashian -Jenner family and the Ozboure's family on TV shows and CNN etc. How do I find out if such contracts exists

David H. Relkin
David H. Relkin
answered on Nov 1, 2023

You should retain counsel to demand copies of all contracts. You have your suspicions about fraud and you should discuss the facts underlying these suspicions with counsel. Your prior contracts should be provided to counsel to review to identify to whom such demands should be made.

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property on
Q: Am I allowed to use a trailer of a movie(snippets of it) in a commercial webinar that gets recorded and sold?

I am doing a webinar for a commercial company in America, and basing the Strategic Selling course on a case study of the Michael Jordan and NIke deal. There is a film that has trailers on YouTube am I allowed to use snippets of that in the talk and recording or who do I ask permission to use or not?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 31, 2023

Using copyrighted material, including movie trailers, without permission in a commercial setting can constitute infringement. Fair use might be a defense if the use is transformative, such as for commentary, criticism, or education, but commercial use can weigh against a finding of fair use. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: Besides the IP itself; What do I need to sell an IP to a broadcasting company?

I'm planning to create an IP of and episodic TV show and am planning on giving the company full creative control, apart from a creation credit, if possible. However, I'm not entirely sure what I need, besides the IP of course.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 26, 2023

To sell an IP to a broadcasting company, beyond the intellectual property rights, you should have a well-structured pitch or presentation that outlines the concept, target audience, and potential value of the TV show. A clear and compelling pilot script or episode outline can significantly enhance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Searching for the proper royalty credits in this case.

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for Georgia on
Q: is i rage quiting if my friend quits a game because he was mad and threw his rubiks cube at a wall and left to go clean

he continued to not play the game for a month

typo at the begining i was suposed to be it

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 19, 2023

If your friend quit a game out of frustration, threw his Rubik's cube at a wall, and left to clean, it could be considered a form of rage quitting, especially if it was driven by intense emotions. His decision to not play the game for a month afterward may also indicate that he needed a break... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can I legally create an app for watching movies and shows together from various streaming platforms?

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

Julie C Hancock
Julie C Hancock
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.

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: Writing a song based off another

I'm writing a song but it's based off another 90% words have been change composition and meaning could they sue me?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2023

If you've substantially changed the lyrics, composition, and meaning of the song to create something new, it's less likely to be considered copyright infringement. However, whether a lawsuit can be brought against you would depend on the specific details and nuances of your song and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Internet Law for California on
Q: Dear Sir or Madam, My private messages from Facebook were stolen to make entertainment media. What can I sue them for?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: is it illegal to create an app where users can upload their own mp3 files and play it back, the files are private to the
T. Augustus Claus
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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

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