Join Gordon Firemark and Tamara Bennett in Episode 168 of the Entertainment Law Update podcast as they delve into recent pivotal legal and business news stories. In this episode, we talk about significant rulings and notable legal battles in the entertainment industry. Warner Chappell v. Nealy: Supreme Court’s Ruling Discovery Rule in Copyright Cases X… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Gordon Firemark
The Birth and Death of the Fairness Doctrine
June 7, 1949 – A landmark decision in the realm of entertainment and broadcast law was made this week 75 years ago when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced the Fairness Doctrine. This doctrine required broadcast licensees to present controversial issues of public importance and to do so in a manner that was honest, equitable,… Continue Reading
Navigating the Use of 911 Calls in Your Podcast: A Legal Perspective
By Gordon Firemark In the dynamic world of podcasting, creators often seek unique content to engage their audience. One intriguing idea that a team of creators from California, brought to me was the use of a short, 19-second clip from a 911 call in their podcast episode. They planned to integrate it into their script… Continue Reading
Be Careful When “Partnering” in the Creative Fields
In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of creative industries, collaborations and partnerships are often the driving force behind groundbreaking projects and innovative works. From podcasters and filmmakers to musicians and visual artists, many creative professionals find that teaming up with others can amplify their talents and expand their reach. However, while the allure of partnership… Continue Reading
Why You Absolutely Shouldn’t Worry About Copyright Law: A Sarcastic Guide
Oh, copyright law—what a trivial little detail in the grand scheme of your creative masterpiece! Who needs to fret over such mundane legalities? Here’s why you should definitely not worry about copyright law at all. (Spoiler alert: you absolutely should.) Ignoring Copyright Protection Why protect your work when you can just let anyone and everyone… Continue Reading
Is it Live, or is it? (Entertainment Law Update 167)
Join Gordon Firemark and Tamara Bennett in episode 166 of the Entertainment Law Update podcast as they provide detailed analysis and commentary on various legal and business news stories. Paramount’s triumph in the Top Gun copyright case and Tennessee’s enactment of the Elvis Act to combat AI deepfakes are highlighted, alongside new legislation aiming to… Continue Reading
FTC’s Non-Compete Ban: A Shakeup for Media, Entertainment, and Online Industries?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently banned most non-compete agreements, impacting how businesses operate across the board. This is particularly interesting for media, entertainment, and online industries known for their talent mobility and creative collaborations. What’s Changing? Previously, non-compete agreements restricted employees from working for competitors for a certain period after leaving. The FTC’s rule… Continue Reading
From Script to Stage or Screen: Clear Agreements Streamline Entertainment Projects
In the glamorous world of entertainment, the focus is often on creativity, star power, and the end product. However, the backbone of any successful entertainment project isn’t found in the spotlight—it’s in the mundane yet crucial early stage of establishing clear agreements. These agreements are not merely paperwork; they are the foundational elements that ensure… Continue Reading
5 Hard Lessons About the Use of Music Rights in Films No One Will Discuss Openly
Music can define a film, evoking emotions and enhancing narratives. However, the legal complexities surrounding music rights are a landscape fraught with pitfalls that filmmakers often underestimate. Here’s a deep dive into the hard lessons about using music in films, complete with real-life examples and case law. 1. Music Licensing Can Be Costly Securing the… Continue Reading
Gordon Firemark Appears on Digital Trailblazer Podcast for 2nd time
What a pleasure it was to join Host Leah Rae Getts to talk about the legal side of online business, media, courses, etc. Check out this episode, and let me know in comments or via email if you have questions. Prefer audio? Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-trailblazer-podcast/id1717325062 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2krxAi7r6e2teFmNFoKDG5?si=4ccb1f7022f24eb4 Continue Reading
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