Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Entertainment / Sports legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Entertainment / Sports View Questions by State

Your current state is Ohio


US Territories

  • Puerto Rico

Show More States

Entertainment / Sports Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Minnesota on
Q: Is there a way I can stop a former employer from using pictures and videos that I am in?

I worked at a haunted house and these are pictures and videos of my characters used on their website and social media.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 15, 2023

If you are no longer employed by the haunted house and you did not sign any agreement that allows them to use your image or likeness, you may be able to take action to stop them from using your pictures and videos. Here are some steps you can take:

Send a cease and desist letter: You can...
View More

3 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Trademark and Intellectual Property for New York on
Q: A colleague (musician-turned-lawyer) and I have written a musical piece together.

A colleague (musician-turned-lawyer) and I have written a musical piece together. Can he himself represent the music legally and handle the copyright registration? He would also have to be the legal third-party regarding the publishing company. It seems to me this would all present a conflict of... View More

Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus
answered on Mar 10, 2023

If you and him are business partners, one may thing that their interests are aligned. However, it may not be the case for ever. It is a good practice to have independent counsel. Thereafter, you can make an informed decision as to who should be in charge of the legal aspects of the registration of... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can I sell products that incorporate names/quotes from a television series?

I operate a Facebook group based on a popular television show, and it has grown to over 100,000 members. We are considering monetizing the group to sell apparel, accessories, etc. with quotes and graphics from the show. What is considered copyrighted material, and therefore not able to monetize,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 1, 2023

If you are considering monetizing products based on a popular television show, you should be aware that many elements of the show, including quotes, characters, and names, may be protected by copyright law. The copyright owner of the show has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Entertainment / Sports, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: can I sell sports cards I design & create legally or is a copyright violation or some other law violation

My friend & I like to design & create sports cards of wrestlers from different companies both past and current using images (png) we find online from whatever website has what we're looking for, then using an app on our phone we assemble & alter/manipulate (color/brightness etc)... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 25, 2023

It is not legal to use images that you find online without permission from the copyright holder. Even if you manipulate them to create a new product, you could still be infringing on the original creator's rights. If you want to create sports cards using images of wrestlers, you should obtain... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and International Law for Illinois on
Q: How do you resolve a wrongful copyright claim for a cover song when you obtained a license properly?

I have obtained a legal mechanical license for each cover song in my album. However, my album was taken down for copyright infringement on ONE song. I tried contacting the company via their website but the contact form doesn't work and shows an error. I found their email and have sent them 5... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 25, 2023

If you have obtained a legal mechanical license for the cover song in question, you have a valid defense against any copyright infringement claim related to that song. You can try contacting the company or person who made the claim and provide them with a copy of the mechanical license. If you have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Is pro wrestling (with predetermined outcomes like WWE and AEW) regulated by Athletic Commission in California?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 20, 2023

Yes, professional wrestling (including WWE and AEW) is regulated by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) in California. The CSAC oversees the health and safety of participants and enforces rules and regulations related to professional wrestling events in the state. This includes... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for California on
Q: If I make a Car Quiz mobile game will I get in trouble? I don't have any permission from any brand, but isn't a racegame

Also I would like to put the cars in Cards, and Packs where you can find them, so It became also a card collecting game

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 20, 2023

If you create a mobile game that uses images or trademarks of car brands without permission, you may be infringing on the intellectual property rights of those brands. This can potentially result in legal action being taken against you.

To avoid potential legal issues, it is recommended...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for California on
Q: I got an offer to play a game for money if I reached the goal in 21 days. They have paid me before for other game offers

This time it’s the run around for like 3-4 weeks they said it would be resolved in 10 days. Now they have stop replying to my emails. I was really depending on that money, now it’s costing me money I don’t have.

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Feb 5, 2023

You can contact the Labor Commissioner's office by going to their website (https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/). Once you get to the main page, click the link for labor law and then click the link for Wages, where you will find out how to file your wage claim. If they can help with your situation,... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Car Accidents and Entertainment / Sports on
Q: A baseball coach took our team on a bus that was not registered nor insured and the bus doors flew open and shattered

The glass shattered onto players and cars in behind us. Coach’s negligence caused harm to many players and other vehicule.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 5, 2023

I'm sorry for your terrible accident. I hope everyone is okay. If you could repost this and include a state, that could be helpful to attorneys here to respond by region. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming, Trademark and Intellectual Property on
Q: I want to release a video game called "Trauma Team". Is there a trademark for this name? Is it available now?

When I checked whether there was a trademark of this name, I came across the game company named "Atlus" released in 2009 with the same name. However, when I researched a little more, I saw that this trademark was canceled in 2021 in several sources. Is this true or will I run into any... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Jan 3, 2023

The trademark registration of Atlus Co., Ltd. for the TRAUMA TEAM mark expired in 2020 for failure to renew. However, if the mark is still being used (despite the registration expiring) you would be infringing by selling similar goods with the same mark.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Can my clipsite store be completely terminated for DMCA even if I was never warned or able to defend myself

I had a clupstore open on an adult clipsite. I was able to upload MP3 audios and get paid when people purchased them . One day out of nowhere I received an email from the clipsite I did business with and it simply said that my store was permanently terminated and closed due to DMCA. I had never... View More

Lindsay Gunn Spiller
Lindsay Gunn Spiller pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 27, 2022

Using film clips owned by someone else without their authorization violates the copyright. If the film clip was posted online, it might be taken down through the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The DMCA allows individuals to file a complaint with website administrators when they believe... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: Will pages of a script used as illustration in an ebook on screenwriting be covered under Fair Use?

I'm writing a 30 to 40-page e-book for screenwriters on how to incorporate hidden movie Easter eggs in their scripts to deepen the meaning of their story and keep viewers coming back to see their movie over and over again.

I'm analyzing three particular movies. Within the... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Oct 5, 2022

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Ohio on
Q: Is it alright to name an Ohio sports club with a mascot name from a high school in Illinois? Can we use their colors?

Is it alright to name an Ohio sports club with a mascot name from a high school in Illinois? Can we use their colors? We would not use their images and the letting on our jersey design would be different.

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Sep 30, 2022

The only way to find out if it is "alright," is to contact the trademark owner and obtain permission. Without prior permission, there is a risk that the trademark owner could sue for trademark infringement.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming, Intellectual Property and Trademark on
Q: if I were to post videos online of a group playing a tabletop game based on copyright material could I be sued?

if I were to post videos on youtube of me and some friends playing tabletop RPG based around copyrighted material (pokemon) could I be sued for copyright infringement and could I monetize it without legal repercussions?

Thomas James
Thomas James
answered on Sep 26, 2022

This response is based on U.S. copyright law. Laws in other jurisdictions may be different.

While game rules are not protected by copyright, the manner in which they are expressed might be. Images (artwork, drawings, photographs, etc.) generally are protected by copyright. Names of games...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for New York on
Q: Hi, I’m an actor in NYC who is represented by a talent manager, not an agency.

To my knowledge a talent manager is unable to procure work and negotiate contracts in NY State. I recently made the decision to part ways with my manager but am currently working on a job that they negotiated. I was told that even with our contract ending they are still entitled to the commission... View More

Di Ma
Di Ma
answered on Sep 3, 2022

Hi. Do you have a written agreement with your former talent manager that dictates the terms of the representation? If so, it may have language in there that addresses a breakup. Best of luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for Texas on
Q: What kind of restrictions and red-flags might I need to avoid and look over when developing a mobile app?

Essentially I have an app in development that requires the user to utilize their phones movement (throwing or spinning it) as an in-game feature. I am concerned however on what would occur if a person accidently drops or breaks their phone and whether they are able to take any legal actions against... View More

Erik Špila
Erik Špila
answered on Aug 22, 2022

Dear Mrs or Mr,

thank you for your question and I will be starting with the fact that its very good (from the legal point of view) that you are already warning your users and you provide safery instructions before usage of such app.

Other relevant precautions might be to enlist...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Employment Discrimination and Entertainment / Sports for California on
Q: How can I fight a no rehire status? I resigned didn't give 2 weeks now I'm at six flags with a no rehire status.

My father was septic then had a seizure so I left to take care of him. According to six flags policy I have to wait 2 years for a change. Please help thank you.

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Jul 22, 2022

You should have asked to take a leave of absence under the federal Family Medical Leave or California Family Rights Act Leave to care for a sick family member, instead just quitting without notice.

I suggest that you explain that you had the right to take an immediate legal protected...
View More

Q: Can i get an attorney to sue a record label for copies of my catalog & portfolio without a copy of my contract?

Well i signed a distribution deal with the label 80/20% cut and i own all Masters and music i created for 5 albums to be distributed over 5 years 2014 . i only have given And released 4/5 before i lost contact with them _ them = the label . i have had head trauma after signing to where i forgot... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 21, 2022

A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. You could continue to await a response, but there is a category here, Entertainment/Sports Law. You could try reposting and adding that as a category. There's no guarantee all posts are answered, but attorneys... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Maryland on
Q: Hi! I was given an offer by a music company, and I wanted to know if this contract seems good before signing!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5cohamsbl2j9z6y/BR%20Artist%20Development%20Platform%E2%84%A2%20Deal%20Kadence%20Brooks.pdf?dl=0

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Jun 29, 2022

You are going to need to consult with an attorney that practices Entertainment law to review the contract and suggest changes or warn you about any issues. You should expect an attorney to charge for his or her time. There are many good attorneys out there and you can look for one on Justia or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Intellectual Property for Georgia on
Q: Game Copyrights, and Intellectual Property

I am planning on making a 2D Platformer game (when finished, I want it to be released on Steam, and possibly outside of the US if sales are good). I will be making the music for the game - I don't know too much on how copyrights work besides the fact that I have to file it, and I don't... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Mar 28, 2022

The game product you envision has elements that, as the fruits of your original creative effort, are separate subjects of copyright: the code, the visual appearance, and the music. To assure the greatest protection for your work(s), you should register the copyright in each of these elements. Then... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.