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Illinois Entertainment / Sports Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Illinois on
Q: I volunteerd w/ a nonprofit for adults w/ disabilities a place to make music. Shouldn't I get free CDs of music we made?

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

Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn 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

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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Illinois on
Q: I volunteerd w/ a nonprofit for adults w/ disabilities a place to make music. Shouldn't I get free CDs of music we made?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Can I use a short clip of a video game being played on a Nintendo Switch with audio for a total of 3secs in short film?

Film will be entered in film festivals

James L. Arrasmith
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: I am a start up indie music label. I am currently looking to draft contracts for my artists. Where do I start?

Just not sure where to start as far as contracts. Not really sure what information should be in a contract. This is why I'm seeking legal assistance.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 30, 2023

Starting with artist contracts for your indie music label is a crucial step in establishing your business. The first thing to consider is what you want the contract to cover. Common elements include the scope of the rights granted to the label, the duration of the agreement, financial arrangements... View More

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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
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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 Illinois on
Q: My account has been suspended from the service Venmo, and they refuse to tell me why. I did not violate their terms.

I was randomly barred from using the service and after reaching out to them they said I violated their terms. They refuse to tell me what I did that violated their terms. They say they deemed my account “high risk” and will not tell me why, I barely used the service and for agreeable and... View More

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Jun 29, 2020

Unfortunately, they can choose not to do business with you and terminate the agreement. They do not need to explain why in most cases. You posted this under entertainment / sports. Did you use the account for gambling? That is against their TOS. If you have evidence your account was hacked, you can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Illinois on
Q: Does this artist management clause allow a manager to collect post-term from platforms like Tunecore or Distrokid?

I was curious if these digital platforms would fall underneath this clause if the manager uploaded the music, because while they are considered DIY platforms, technically they are creating a contract with the distributor whether it's Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby etc. Here's the exact... View More

Edward X. Clinton, Jr
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Edward X. Clinton, Jr pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 7, 2019

Yes, the agreement requires the artist to pay commissions on contracts entered into during the term of the agreement. So if an artist enters into an agreement with medis company X during the term of the agreement, the manager would seek to collect a percentage of that income.

This clause...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Entertainment / Sports for Illinois on
Q: Is viewing a movie from a streaming sight illegal? Owning no copy of the movie.
Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Feb 27, 2019

Very possible.

If the streaming site is not licensed you may be contributing.

Stick to official channels and pay, it is not worth the risk

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law, Entertainment / Sports and Gov & Administrative Law for Illinois on
Q: What permits would I need to be able to use abandon buildings for my business?
Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Aug 28, 2015

Find out from the city government.

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