Entertainment Legal Questions

It is very difficult to make such a business legal. It is even more difficult to make such a business safe for for the dancers and the customers. If the breasts or sexual organs are exposed, this becomes adult entertainment. In some locations, it can be adult entertainment even without that. It is very difficult to get zoning and licensing and insurance on adult entertainment. if you think about this, where is the party being held? If it is at a bar, restaurant, or hotel, their licensing is in jeopardy if they have adult entertainment without proper zoning and licensing. If the party is in a home, frat house, or other such private place, there can be problems with regard to zoning, need for an entertainment license, homeowners association, and on. There is always a problem with where to advertise. Another problem is that police will be constantly trying to entrap the business and the dancers. Some of these businesses have ended with a dancer making allegations of rape. If you plan to start such a business, you need to hire a lawyer and go over all aspects of the law - municipal, county, state and federal - and look at things such as business license, insurance, zoning, sex entertainment laws, adult entertainment laws, etc. You need to know what the line is between dancing and prostitution. This line has caused many arrests. My guess is that most of these businesses last for under one year and end in some sort of arrest, accusation, threat or serious mishap. If you do all the homework to do it all legal, you will probably find that it really can't practically be done all legal, because each location where the dancers go to perform presents a new set of laws, zoning, homeowner or business regulations. That is why a strip dancing business that is constantly moving is not likely to be legal. That is why strip dancing businesses that want to be legal are located in one static location that is very carefully chosen for their zoning and local laws. Such clubs that want to stay in business run with very specific rules about what can and cannot be shown and a strict ban on touching. They also hire big men as bouncers.... Read More

The answer to this question differs from state to state, depending on the Talent Agency law of that state. In the two states in which I am licensed, California and Illinois, the laws are quite similar to each other, though California enforces and publicizes the law much more rigorously. California is much better at protecting actors, musicians, and other talent from unscrupulous people who claim to be agents or bookers. A booking agent is a talent agent that works on behalf of venues to book talent for them. A booking agent is required to be licensed as a Talent Agent. To get such a license, a person must apply to the state and must meet requirements such as a background check, testing, insurance, an in-state place of business, and other requirements. It is not cheap or easy to become a talent agent. The purpose of licensing of talent agents is to protect actors, musicians, and other entertainers, as well as the venues that book them. The talent agent is required to make sure the whole deal meets the requirements of the law so that people get paid and safety and decency laws are met. Working with a non-licensed talent agent or booking agent is terribly risky. Many people that call themselves booker or booking agents are actually operating without a license. Before doing business with them, you should ask if they are licensed and check it out. There are two other types of people that might be booking talent for shows. One is called a Talent Buyer. A Talent Buyer is an employee of a venue or of a company that owns numerous venues. A Talent Buyer books talent for a venue and usually deals with the licensed agent that represents the talent, or with the manager or talent directly, if the talent has no agent. It will be the duty of the licensed Talent Agent to be sure the contract offered by the Talent Buyer meets the requirements of the law as well as the needs of the Talent. The other type of person that might be booking a show is called a Producer. The producer is a person who takes financial and legal responsibility for creating a show. Like a Talent Buyer, a Producer will work with the licensed Talent Agent that represents the talent. If the talent does not have an agent, a lawyer should be engaged for and by the talent to be sure the contract and deal are acceptable.... Read More

I don't know why. However, perhaps it is considered a supporting documents, like a birth certificate. You need to go get a state-issued I.D. card or driver's license using your Green Card. ID Requirements for Washing State Liquor Control Board: Identification MUST be valid (not expired) and show: The bearer's date of birth, The bearer's signature (except US Military ID see below) A photograph of Bearer Types of Acceptable ID 1. Driver's License, Instruction Permit, or I.D. Card issued by any U.S. State, U.S. Territory and District of Columbia. 2. Driver's License, Instruction Permit, or I.D. Card issued by any Canadian Province 3. Valid Washington State Temporary Driver's License 4. U.S. Armed Forces I.D. Card (Encrypted signature acceptable) 5. Merchant Marine I.D. Card issued by the U.S. Coast Guard 6. Official Passport 7. Washington State Tribal Enrollment Card (No expiration date required)... Read More

You need to have this contract worked out and written by a good music and film lawyer. When I write such a contract, I figure out what the parties are agreeing to and then write the contract in clear plain language to reflect that agreement. It sounds like the lawyer writing your contract will need to consider all angles and possibilities and work out how you and the composer agree to treat each situation. Some of the situations you will address will be film distribution, possible sound track distribution, use of the songs for other purposes, such as individual sales, mechanicals, performing rights, copyright ownership, derivative works, and on and on. On each of these, the lawyer will work to determine how it is you two agree to handle it, who will have the right to make decisions, who will handle any money, how that money will be divided for years to come, even as elements of the project change hands. Then the lawyer will write it all up in a contract that makes all these things clear so they can be understood by both of you and by everyone working for either of you for years to come, as well as by any judge or arbitrator. Working on such a contract may sound complex, and it is, but to a lawyer such as me, it is joyous work that I love doing.... Read More

Sexually explicit content is not allowed on Youtube. There may be content that is allowed, but must be age-restricted. Then it will be marked with a screen to be viewed by those 18 years old and over. If your children attest that they are over 18, they will be able to view it. Tell your children not to do that. However, there are many videos on Youtube that are not appropriate for a 12 year old and most of the videos on Youtube are not appropriate for a 4 year old. The problem is not with Samsung. The problem is you are putting a 4 year old on Youtube. Keep in mind that Youtube is a community. Videos are automatically uploaded by the users and are removed or marked as Adult content when other users flag them. The videos are not prescreened by Youtube. There is no statement that Youtube is a safe place for children. It has become safer, but it is not a safe place for young children. If you see a video you think should be flagged as Adult content, click the flag that is below the video and report it. If you want your child to watch Youtube videos, watch the videos yourself in advance and select the ones you want your child to view. Bookmark those videos to watch later with your child. Then sit with your child and watch them together. Discuss each video with your child. There are many other internet portals that are designed specifically for children. On those portals, all material is selected to be apt for certain age. There are wonderful internet portals filled with education and fun for a preschool children and other portals designed for older children. If you want your child to view alone, put your child on a portal that is designed for children. Even with your child on an age-appropriate internet channel, you should be nearby to discuss, respond, and check up. Do not just put your child on the internet. Your children need to be supervised by you while using the internet. There is a constant stream of children and teens who are lured away by people on the internet, or who have run-ins with creepy people who use the internet to exploit children for sexual purposes. Always keep the camera and microphone covered on the computer, at all times, unless you are actually using it at that moment. Teach your children never to do anything that anyone on the internet instructs them or dares them to do. Explain that it is impossible to know how old someone is on the internet and that someone saying they are 10 years old might be a 50 year old creep. Use the experience on the internet to teach your children what is appropriate and what is not and how to take basics steps to safeguard themselves. Keep the lines of communication open so your children feel safe coming to you if something bad happens to them or others on the internet.... Read More

A musician work for hire is when a musician is hired to perform music, such as on a recording, but agrees that he or she will own no copyright or moral rights on the music. In the U.S., a work for hire contract must be in writing, must state clearly and in big print that it is a work for hire contract, and the contract must be offered and signed before the work is done. I do not know how this relates to the second part of your question. If you recorded an album with a band, the contracts you had then control what you can do with the music. If there were no formal written contracts, maybe there was a contract that was formed by emails or letters. The contract with the musicians and others who worked on the album will control what you can do or what you will need to do to proceed ahead. You may need to make new contracts with them to cover this new remastering. You need to show all the contracts to a music lawyer and let them help you.... Read More

Begin by seeing your doctor and following any recommended course of treatment/counseling. You may have a case, but proving it is more difficult than in your typical injury situation. Was there a report made, information taken about the company involved and the sponsor of the event, etc.? Further guidance and evaluation of the claim would have to be through a consultation in which all the facts can be thoroughly examined. Any answer given here is going to be limited. Act promptly to preserve any possible claim.... Read More

Congratulations on your great success as a musician! As a business operator, you will to have all of the documents, certificates, and licenses that are required to establish and conduct a business in your state, county, and town/city. Since these can vary from location to location, I recommend that you talk to a private music teacher (preferably of another instrument) in your community about his/her business set up. You will also need to pay personal income taxes on the money you make so keeping records will be important.... Read More

Ubisoft Entertainment Corporation of Rennes, France and Montreal, Quebec, Canada has a U.S. Trademark in an International Class on the words "Black Flag" for Game software and electronic game programs, namely, software games recorded on CD-ROM and digital video discs for computers; software games recorded on CD-ROMs, digital video discs, and cartridges for console and individual, portable gaming systems; software games that are downloadable from a remote computer site and electronic game software for mobile phones, personal digital assistants, and handheld computers. This means you are out of luck on using the name "Black Flag." To protect their trademark, they are required to stop you from using it. You need to come up with a unique, original name that is yours only.... Read More

Yes, it sounds like you would be violating the trademark of the other company. You need to come up with a name and premise that is original and yours only. You should work with a lawyer on this, while you are planning the game. Secure a unique and original name and have the lawyer file a trademark registration for you before you proceed.... Read More

There are many issues to consider. First, if you have not registered copyright, go quickly and do that at Copyright dot gov. Do not do this anywhere else. That address is the U.S. Copyright office and it will cost you $35 to register copyright. Second, making a new arrangement is creating a derivative work. As the owner of the copyright on the original song, you have the right to control who makes a derivative work. If you agreed to let the man make a new arrangement, then he should be able to register copyright as the arranger on his new work, with you as the person who created the music, which is the melody, and the lyrics. So, yes, you will be co-owners on the copyright on the new arrangement. If you wanted the man to create a new arrangement for a flat fee, as a work for hire, you would have had to have a contract in writing in advance, before he did the work, that clearly stated it was a work for hire and that you would own the copyright and he would not and that he was giving up certain rights and ownership. If you did not have such a contract in advance of him doing the work, then it is too late, because the law requires such agreements for works for hire to be made in advance. Since the man is part owner of the copyright on the new arrangement, he can register copyright on his arrangement. He can also collect a share of the songwriter royalties, if any should occur. It sounds like you two now need a good contract that spells all this out. Please have the contract written by a lawyer who actually knows music law. You asked if the man could ever win in court. Yes, he sure could. But you two should not be thinking of suing each other. You should be thinking about sharing ownership of the wonderful song you two have created and of how you are going to promote the song. Lawsuits are for people who cannot cooperate and create nicely with others. Let's hope you two are not like that.... Read More

I think your questions sound good and you should get a lawyer on board immediately. If the lawyer is experienced in this area, they will be able to tell you things without you even asking. One of my concerns would be what to do about those under 18 who will surely want to be in the competition. Another area of concern is to follow privacy laws as to what information you will gather and what notice you will give about that. Privacy laws are much greater for those under age 13, so you may want to limit plan to those age 13 and up, unless the parent joins for the child and supervises play at all times. I think California is the best state to run anything internet from, because the laws are well developed. Yes, this means that California has more restrictions, but they are the right kind of restrictions based on real life experience.... Read More

Your grandparents have done what many other grandparents have done: put money aside for education. The best thing to do would be to contact the trustee of the trust fund to find out what the trustee would require in the way of documentation. Sometimes it might be a letter from the college in other cases the trustee might have to make tuition payments directly to the college. If there is no trust you should contact the personal representative of the estate (this would be the executor). In any event, the first thing you need to do is follow whatever direction the will or trust suggests.... Read More

If the art can be considered fine art it might meet the requirements for Fair Use under Copyright law. To be considered Fine Art in this context, it might need to be a single original work of art. Think of the Andy Warhol paintings of Campbell Soup cans. If you need a further examination of whether your art might violate copyright or trademark, please discuss with a lawyer.... Read More

Probable cause means that the officer has a reasonable suspicion that a crime is being or has been committed. That reasonable suspicion can be based upon complaints from neighbors or others who would have a good reason to know about what was going on at the house or on things the officer can personally observe when at the location. Providing alcohol to minors is a crime that would allow an officer to enter a private residence. The court-imposed consequences to the owner of the property, the person(s) in residence, and the person who provided or made the alcohol available can range from a fine to jail time. Social consequences can include loss of employment, social shunning, loss of opportunities at school/work/clubs/events, increase in insurance rates, and other limitations.... Read More

Openly carrying any fake weapon can result in being stopped by police, or even shot or killed. Such things happen now with some frequency. The legal technicalities of whether it is legal or not to carry a prop sword are not really what matter. What will happen if you carry such an item matters. What is your purpose in openly carrying such an item? Where are you going with it? Expect to be treated as an armed, potential assailant.... Read More

Your problem is not with using the town's name and layout many authors place their stories in real locations. The bigger concern is that someone actually living in the community will believe that a character or situation in your book is defamatory to that person, that it harms his or her reputation, or is out-and-out false. Brush up on defamation laws before making a decision, especially if you're dealing with a small community.... Read More