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Monthly Archives: September 2017

Episode 89 – you’re a mean one, Dr. Seuss

Posted on September 29, 2017 by Gordon Firemark • 0 Comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:14 — 52.3MB)

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Show notes are located at http://entertainmentlawupdate.com. The Latest episode of my Entertainment Law podcast, Entertainment Law Update, is now available for your enjoyment. Listen here, or subscribe and download in your favorite podcast listening app.

Here's what we talked about..

1 SCREEN ACTORS GUILD URGES JUDGE TO SAVE AGE-CENSORSHIP LAW TO COMBAT RAMPANT BIAS
2 FOLLOW UP: MONKEY SELFIE SETTLES (KINDA)
3 “OH MICKEY” SINGER FILES LAWSUIT FOR RIGHT OF PUBLICITY
4 STEINBECK HEIRS CASE VERDICT
5 2ND CIRCUIT: GRINCH PLAY PARODY IS FAIR USE
6 FACEBOOK TO PAY RECORD COMPANIES (Jackie)
7 FACEBOOK TO PAY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO MUSIC INDUSTRY TO PROTECT USERS FROM COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
8 APPELLATE COURT HOLDS THAT ROLLING STONE WILL FACE DEFAMATION LAWSUIT OVER UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA RAPE STORY
9 GAWKER Bankruptcy Judge: Slapp not viable in Federal Court)
10 WE SHALL OVERCOME GOES INTO PUBLIC DOMAIN
11 FILMCHELLA TRADEMARK LAWSUIT

Register your DMCA Agent by December 31 or risk losing your “safe-harbor” protection against copyright infringement lawsuits.

Posted on September 21, 2017 by Gordon Firemark • 0 Comments

Earlier this year, the copyright office finalized the plan to modernize the process for registering your DMCA Agent. Registration offers important protections for all operators of online service providers. This includes you if you have a website, blog, podcast or other online presence. Operators of sites with a registered DMCA Agent can benefit from a “safe harbor” providing immunity from certain kinds of infringement suits if they comply with some basic protocols. I wrote about this several years ago here (https://firemark.com/2015/07/10/have-you-filed-your-dmca-agent-designation/).

How to Register (Do-it-yourself)

The new process is very simple, is handled online (https://www.copyright.gov/dmca-directory/), and unlike the old system costs only $6. Also unlike the old system, your registration will now need to be renewed every three years.

Copyright Office is Issuing Reminders

Recently, the Copyright Office began sending reminders to Agents registered under the old system

The text of official notice can be seen here.

Some of my clients who’ve received this have asked whether this is a real email from the Copyright Office.

Have no fear. It is real. The Copyright Office has announced that it will be sending these notices several times before the end of the year.

You should still be careful about email notices

But, given recent data breaches in the news, it is worthwhile to be vigilant about any notices asking you to provide business data or payments. Be sure you’re visiting legitimate government websites, and only make payments through the copyright office payment system. If you’re unsure about it, contact me for help figuring out the authenticity of any notice you’ve received.

And remember, you will need to complete the online registration by December 31, 2017, and renew it every three years, to continue to enjoy the valuable protections of the DMCA safe harbor.

Need help? Contact me now!

The Equifax Breach, and what you should do to protect your credit

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Gordon Firemark • 0 Comments

While this post is not, strictly speaking, on the “Entertainment Law” beat, several clients asked me about it, and I addressed their concerns in my e-newsletter (sign up in the sidebar). On recommendation from a friend, I'm reposting it here as a service to readers.

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a data-security expert, and the above should not be considered legal advice. This is not an exhaustive list of recommendations. If you deal with sensitive, confidential or private information, it's your responsibility to ensure you're following prescribed protocols. If you need help, contact me, and I'll be happy to refer you to a qualified expert.

By now, you've certainly heard that credit reporting company Equifax suffered a massive data breach over the past few months, and that means that we are all much more vulnerable to identity theft. According to news reports, the breach affects somewhere around 143 Million people… nearly half of the U.S. Population. The hackers not only got identities, they also stole addresses, Social Security numbers, birth dates and driver’s license numbers, and even some folks' credit card numbers.

A few of my clients and friends have asked me what they can do to protect themselves. Here's what I've learned.

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