Monthly Archives: November 2009

Asked and Answered: Idea Theft and Submission Releases/Waivers.

Q:  Can a writer give a waiver not to sue to a producer to steal their property, since theft is a crime and would be prosecuted in the criminal courts? Is their any civil remedy to the writer for theft? A:  Yes, a writer CAN sign a ...

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Asked and Answered: My script is based on real people. What rights do I need?

Q:  I'm writing a modern  spec screenplay based on a true story I discovered through Internet research, and based on interviews with two participants int eh events depicted in the story.     The interviewees both eagerly agreed to participate, and have not asked for anything in exchange. ...

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Entertainment Law Update Podcast: Episode 006: Britney worships the man downstairs?

Episode 6 of my Entertainment Law Update podcast is now available. Please visit the site to subscribe using iTunes or your favorite RSS Reader. Attorneys can get California MCLE (Continuing Legal Eduction) credit, too! [audio:http://media.libsyn.com/media/entertainmentlawupdate/EntertainmentLawUpdateEpisode006.mp3] Download Episode (right click) Approximate Running Time: 1:07 In this ...

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Asked and Answered: Do I need BOTH an agent and an attorney?

Q: What is the relationship between an entertainment attorney and an agent? The promotion and the protection of intellectual property are inextricably related. Can an erstwhile screen author obtain combined services? A: Your Agent and your lawyer are ...

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Business Owners: Don’t be fooled by official-looking solicitations

California business owners have recently been plagued by phony  notices suggesting that they're in danger of losing their corporate status, or being subjected to fines.  These official-looking notices from organizations with names like "corporate compliance center" request a fee and completion of a form to ensure the ...

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