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 a project runs smoothly from inception to completion. Why Clear Agreements Matter Clear agreements are vital in laying down the rules of engagement for all parties involved in a project. They serve as comprehensive blueprints that i ..read more

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 rights to use a specific piece of music in a film can be a major financial hurdle. The cost of music licensing varies widely depending on the song’s popularity, its creators, and the intended use. For instance, licensing a famous song by ..read more

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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The post Gordon Firemark Appears on Digital Trailblazer Podcast for 2nd time originally appeared on Entertainment Law Offices of G ..read more

Join Gordon Firemark and Tamara Bennett in episode 165 of the Entertainment Law Update podcast as they provide detailed analysis and commentary on various legal and business news stories. The episode covers a range of cases, from Alec Baldwin's indictment in the Rust movie shooting to copyright disputes over AI-generated content. Highlights include discussions on protecting artists' intellectual property rights in the era of AI technology, the nuances of anti-SLAPP laws, and challenges in trademark law, offering valuable insights for legal professionals and individuals navigating intellectual ..read more

Navigating the Corporate Transparency Act for Small Businesses and Legal Entities The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a pivotal piece of legislation that impacts many small businesses with LLC or corporation structures, among others. Enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2021, the CTA aims to enhance transparency and combat financial crimes. In this blog post, we will delve into the key aspects of the CTA, its reporting requirements related to beneficial ownership information (BOI), and the role of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in enf ..read more

Last week, I attended the UTCLE/Texas Entertainment & Sports Law Association's 33rd annual Entertainment Law Initiative. On Thursday, I was honored to be recognized as the 2023 recipient of the Texas Entertainment and Sports Law association's Texas Star Award for achievements in and contributions to the field of Entertainment Law. Better still, I was thrilled that it was my friend, colleague and podcast co-host, Tamera H. Bennett, who presented me with the award. Later that day, I presented a talk on True-Crime Podcasting: What Podcasters and Their Representatives Need to Know. And on Fri ..read more

As a lawyer deeply involved in the realms of digital content creation, podcasting, and media law, I understand the importance of safeguarding one's online identity and intellectual property. In this blog post, we're going to delve into the world of deepfakes – those eerily convincing digital manipulations that can pose a serious threat to both individuals and businesses. I'll guide you through the steps to spot and protect yourself from the ever-evolving deepfake landscape. What Are Deepfakes? Before we dive into protection strategies, it’s crucial to understand what deepfakes are. Deepfakes ..read more

For the eighth year in a row, Gordon Firemark has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Entertainment Law – Theater. “I'm grateful that my colleagues have again voted for me to receive this recognition. Helping Entertainment Professionals Realize Their Dream is my mission, and I'm proud to have other lawyers say that I do it well. ” says Gordon. Gordon Firemark's practice covers the fields of Theatre, Film, Television and New Media, and has become known as The Podcast Lawyer for his work representing creators and businesses in t ..read more

Have you noticed an influx of privacy policy update notices lately? Here's why it's happening now. California Privacy Law In November 2020, California passed the The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), a significant piece of legislation that has sparked waves of these changed privacy policy notices. What's the CPRA? The CPRA builds upon the existing California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and further strengthens privacy rights for California residents by introducing new requirements and obligations for businesses operating in California. Definition of “personal information” expands One key re ..read more

Social media influencers have become a powerful force in the marketing world. With millions of followers, they can reach a large and targeted audience for brands of all sizes. However, this type of marketing comes with some risks, including potential liability for trademark infringement. In a recent case, a California court ruled that model and actress Molly Sims could be liable for trademark infringement for promoting an eyebrow product called “Brow Defining Boost” created by Rodan & Fields. The plaintiff, Petunia Products, Inc., claimed that Sims' conduct infringed on its trademark, BROW ..read more