Raising funds for a film or theatrical production often requires navigating complex financial and legal landscapes. For producers seeking investment from private individuals or entities, a Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) is an essential tool. This document not only provides potential investors with detailed information about the project and its financial risks but also ensures compliance… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Entertainment Law
Actor’s Test Option Contracts: A Key Tool in Casting for Film, Television, and Theatre
In the fast-paced world of entertainment, finding the right actor for a project is crucial. For producers and casting directors, an Actor’s Test Option Contract is a valuable tool that balances the need to audition talent thoroughly with the practicalities of securing an actor’s commitment to a potential role. These contracts are particularly common in… Continue Reading
The Power of Trademark Registration: Protect Your Brand and Elevate Your Business
In today’s competitive marketplace, your brand is one of your most valuable assets. It represents your reputation, sets you apart from competitors, and creates trust with your audience. Whether you’re a podcaster, entrepreneur, or creative professional, protecting your brand with a registered trademark is essential to securing your business’s future. What is a Trademark, and… Continue Reading
Understanding Rights Acquisition Contracts in Entertainment: Key Considerations for Film, TV, and Theatre Rights
In the entertainment industry, securing rights to a literary work is often the first step in creating a successful film, television series, or stage production. A rights acquisition contract governs this process, defining the terms under which producers can adapt a screenplay, novel, play, or other literary property into a new medium. Whether it’s a… Continue Reading
The Legal Skeletons in the Closet of Halloween Costumes: Copyright and Trademark Law
Halloween costumes aren’t all fun and games; behind the masks and makeup lie legal complexities around copyright and trademark laws. For those who make, sell, or even wear costumes inspired by popular characters and brands, it’s essential to understand the rights that may (or may not) apply. Here’s a look at how copyright and trademark… Continue Reading
2 Live Terminations – Entertainment Law Update Episode 173
In Episode 173 of the Entertainment Law Update podcast, My co-host Tamara Bennett and I explore a range of crucial copyright decisions, including a key ruling for 2-Live Crew, whose bid to reclaim their masters stays alive due to the personal rights of copyright termination even through bankruptcy. Atari’s copyright case against State Farm also… Continue Reading
How the New FTC “Click to Cancel” Rules Impact Online Course Creators and Membership Business Owners
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently introduced new “Click to Cancel” rules designed to protect consumers by making it easier to cancel recurring subscriptions and memberships. For online course creators and membership business owners, these rules represent a critical shift that requires some operational adjustments. In this post, we’ll break down the new rules, explain… Continue Reading
California’s New Law Protecting Child Influencers: A Positive Step Toward Safeguarding Young Performers
California has once again set a precedent in the entertainment industry by taking bold action to protect its youngest content creators. In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed two new bills that expand protections for child influencers and online content creators. This legislation is an important move to prevent financial exploitation and ensure that children… Continue Reading
Top Trademark Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them
Navigating the trademark application process can feel like running an obstacle course—especially if you don’t know about the hidden traps. One of the biggest challenges isn’t filing the application itself, but avoiding the scams and schemes that prey on unsuspecting trademark applicants. Let’s explore some of the most common trademark scams and how you can… Continue Reading
Navigating the New FTC Rules: What Podcasters and Other Creators Need to Know About Fake Reviews and Testimonials
In the fast-evolving world of podcasting, where credibility and trust are key to building a loyal audience, the recent updates to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) guidelines on reviews and testimonials should be on every creator’s radar. The FTC has officially declared war on the practice of buying and selling fake reviews and testimonials, a… Continue Reading
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