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Gordon Firemark named “Best Lawyer” for 6th year running!
Gordon P. Firemark
AUGUST 19, 2021
For the 6th year in a row, Gordon Firemark has been selected by his peers for recognition among Best Lawyers in Entertainment – Theatre.
Gordon P. Firemark
Defending against knockoff-artists and copycats? The struggle is real!
Gordon P. Firemark
JULY 15, 2021
I'm working on something new… Recently, I've had conversations with several information product and online-course creators who've faced copycats and knockoff artists who steal their programs and content. It's a frustrating problem… and it's growing! Registering your copyrights and trademarks provides a degree of protection, but unless the owner of the material is prepared to pursue costly legal action, there's not much of a remedy available.
Free Documentary-Legal Workshop
Gordon P. Firemark
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
Next Thursday, September 17th, I'll again be presenting my free legal workshop for the documentary filmmaking crowd. Legal Do's and Don'ts for Documentary Filmmakers is something you won't want to miss. Click the image above, or visit [link] and Register now.
As the year nears a close, do these things to save money, time, hassle and risk.
Gordon P. Firemark
DECEMBER 11, 2020
First off, if you celebrate, let me wish you a Happy Hannukkah! ? ? It's getting to be that time of year when we all sort of wrap up our work activities, and things start to slow down. That makes this a really good time to think about a few tasks that are best done before 2021 begins.
No Public Performance Right in California for pre-’72 recordings.
Gordon P. Firemark
SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
‘Flo and Eddie', The founders of iconic '60's band The Turtles, were dealt what's likely a final blow in their long-running lawsuit against digital broadcasters and others claiming infringement of common-law copyrights in their recordings.
This year, giving thanks is even more important!
Gordon P. Firemark
NOVEMBER 25, 2020
Each year at this time, we give thanks for the people and experiences that have enriched our lives. But this year, with all that 2020 has dumped on us, I feel it's even more important to take time out to get in touch with gratitude and appreciation for the good things in our lives.
Can (and should) producers use COVID-19 waivers from cast and crew to limit their liability?
Gordon P. Firemark
JUNE 23, 2020
The scenario. An actor client today told me that she’s been asked to sign a document before coming to work on a new project.
Recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer!
Gordon P. Firemark
JANUARY 26, 2020
I am thrilled to have been recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer in Entertainment law.
Locast (local TV antenna-to-streaming service) suspends ops after devastating court ruling.
Gordon P. Firemark
SEPTEMBER 4, 2021
Locast is a digital app that live streams over-the-air television stations without a cable or satellite TV subscription. The service has a few million users for its expanding offering which Locast currently covers roughly 55% of the US with operations in 36 markets. On August 31, that all changed. a New York federal court granted partial summary judgements in the high-profile copyright case against the service brought by the four major broadcast networks.
The Happiest Episode On Earth
Gordon P. Firemark
AUGUST 25, 2021
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/136. APPEALS COURT REVIEWS CASE OVER “BARE NECESSITIES” AGAINST DISNEY QUICK TAKE: INSIDE OUT SPARKS ANOTHER LAWSUIT, THIS TIME IN CANADA SCARLETT JOHANSSON SUES DISNEY OVER SIMULTANEOUS RELEASE JUDGE EVALUATES USE OF 9/11 FOOTAGE IN FILMS.
A new look at the old standard: “Force Majeure” clauses
Gordon P. Firemark
MARCH 19, 2020
With Covid-19/Coronavirus causing cancellation of events and transactions around the globe, people are naturally looking at whether they must still perform their contractual obligations and whether they are entitled to refunds of deposits and advance payments they've made.
The Invisible Episode
Gordon P. Firemark
JULY 21, 2021
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/135.
How the spice of life saved my bacon!
Gordon P. Firemark
JULY 15, 2021
This past 16 months have been hard for everyone… with the pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions, so many business have been hit hard. When it all began, I was fearful. I knew that film, television and theatre production ( my most significant law practice areas) would basically be dormant… and that meant my practice could well be stagnant (or worse) for who knows how long? They say that Variety is the spice of life! Well, I'm a believer!
Murderers, Monster, and the Game of Life
Gordon P. Firemark
JUNE 30, 2021
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/134.
The (late) May Episode – Entertainment Law Update Podcast #133
Gordon P. Firemark
JUNE 6, 2021
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/133. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The post The (late) May Episode – Entertainment Law Update Podcast #133 originally appeared on Entertainment Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark. Entertainment Law Offices of Gordon P.
For the 5th year running, Gordon Firemark named among “Best Lawyers”
Gordon P. Firemark
AUGUST 21, 2020
Gordon Firemark has again been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Entertainment Law – Theater. “I've always loved helping creatives and entertainers people bridge the gap to build successful businesses. I find this work so very rewarding.”
Google’s Fair Use, Warhol’s isn’t… or is it?
Gordon P. Firemark
APRIL 28, 2021
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/132.
Non-Fungible What?
Gordon P. Firemark
MARCH 24, 2021
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/131. NEW YORK STATE TRIAL-LEVEL COURT ELABORATES CHANGES IN STATE LAW CONCERNING DEFAMATION REDBUBBLE HELD LIABLE FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT BY 6TH CIRCUIT WIXEN HAS CASE DISMISSED FOR FAILING TO SPECIFY THE COPYRIGHT YEAR.
The Trouble with Tunes – approaches to using music in podcasts (Podcast Movement 2019)
Gordon P. Firemark
AUGUST 13, 2019
Thursday afternoon, I'll be presenting my talk at Podcast Movement in Orlando. I'll be outlining the various ways in which music can be used by podcasters, where the music may come from, and the complex web of copyright and licensing issues that have historically made using commercial music both difficult and costly. Then, I'll sound the call for a simpler approach, and reflect briefly on some promising new developments in the space.
You Can’t Copyright the Law
Gordon P. Firemark
MAY 21, 2020
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/121.
New Copyright Regs, Compendium, and More
Gordon P. Firemark
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/130. NEW COMPENDIUM COMING THIS MONTH BEVERLY HILLS POLICE OFFICER USES COPYRIGHT TO AVOID LIVE STREAMING SCOTUS DENIES CERT TO JACK DANIELS AND MOODSTERS STORIES. DESIRE LLC V.
New Year, New Laws.
Gordon P. Firemark
FEBRUARY 24, 2021
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/129. LIEBOWITZ LAWSUIT OVER $15.00
REGISTER NOW for the May 2nd Podcaster’s Legal & Business Bootcamp
Gordon P. Firemark
APRIL 16, 2020
On May 2nd I will be holding my Podcaster’s Legal & Business Bootcamp. The workshop, will be conducted online, so you can attend and participate from the comfort of your home, office or studio. Register Now!
Free Online Training for Digital Entrepreneurs
Gordon P. Firemark
APRIL 16, 2020
Join me for “Keep your digital business legal, protected & growing in challenging times without incurring staggering legal fees” on March 23rd, at 11am (Pacific).
Resources to help during Covid-19 Crisis
Gordon P. Firemark
APRIL 2, 2020
Photo by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash. (no, no, I don't have a secret resource for T.P.). But here are a few useful links.: ? The Freelancer’s Guide to The CARES Act: New Funds and Benefits (from my friend and client Abbey Woodcock) ? What freelancers need to know about the coronavirus ? ?
Achieve More, Better, Faster
Gordon P. Firemark
APRIL 2, 2020
As you know, I love to help creatives and business folk in all fields… film, tv, theatre, podcasting, online/digital business, or whatever, to forge their paths forward to bigger, better, accomplishments, as quickly as you can imagine.
Blackbeard’s Revenge!
Gordon P. Firemark
MARCH 27, 2020
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/119.
A glimmer of good news for theatres, producers and other live-performance operators suffering during pandemic
Gordon P. Firemark
JANUARY 26, 2021
Theatre owners, operators and producers are among those eligible for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program being administered by the Small Business Administration. The program was created under The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues.
Live from Dallas
Gordon P. Firemark
FEBRUARY 28, 2020
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/118.
Speaking at Podcast Movement, Evolutions!
Gordon P. Firemark
FEBRUARY 2, 2020
Next week, I'll be speaking at the Podcast Movement – Evolutions conference in Los Angeles. My talk is about content acquisition and compensation structures for podcasters. I'll be covering how to pay for and get paid for content as a podcaster.
REGISTER NOW! Podcaster’s Legal & Business Bootcamp live and in-person in conjunction with Podfest Expo.
Gordon P. Firemark
FEBRUARY 2, 2020
On March 6th, I'll be holding my Podcaster’s Legal & Business Bootcamp live , and in person. The workshop, previously conducted online, will coincide with the Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando, Florida, where I'll also be speaking. Register Now!
Has AB5 affected you yet?
Gordon P. Firemark
JANUARY 30, 2020
Earlier today, I had a call from the HR director at one of the colleges where I teach one night a week. She called to tell me that I can no longer be classified as an independent contractor, and that under California's new law, AB5, I must be treated as an employee. No big deal for me.
2020 Year in Review
Gordon P. Firemark
DECEMBER 18, 2020
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/128. AGREEMENT REACHED OVER STREAMING THEATER PERFORMANCES PLATFORM LIABLE FOR USER COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT DUE TO FAILURE TO PAY $6.00.
Gordon P. Firemark, Attorney at Law Receives 2018 Los Angeles Award
Gordon P. Firemark
OCTOBER 31, 2018
Press Release. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Gordon P. Firemark, Attorney at Law Receives 2018 Los Angeles Award. Los Angeles Award Program Honors the Achievement. LOS ANGELES October 24, 2018 — Gordon P. Firemark, Attorney at Law has been selected for the 2018 Los Angeles Award in the Attorney category by the Los Angeles Award Program.
Is your Podcast subject to COPPA?
Gordon P. Firemark
DECEMBER 5, 2019
Recently, many YouTube creators have struggled with/complained loudly about the platform’s new rules for designating content directed at children. This, of course has led podcasters, too to become concerned and to wonder whether COPPA applies to them.
Trending Topics / Law of Podcasting – Entertainment Law Update Episode 106
Gordon P. Firemark
FEBRUARY 8, 2019
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. Show notes are located at [link]. Here's what we talked about. SHORT DISCUSSION AT THE START LAWSUITS OVER CALL AT RAMS/SAINTS GAME: (Icebreaker-Can we all agree the halftime show needed more Spongebob?)
In Memory of RBG
Gordon P. Firemark
NOVEMBER 18, 2020
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/126. RBG IN MEMORIAM STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN LAWSUIT DENIED CERT SPINAL TAP SETTLES. One-sentence aside) SPINAL TAP SETTLES.
The Gratitude Episode
Gordon P. Firemark
NOVEMBER 18, 2020
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/127. 5 Points VARA DISPUTE DENIED CERT (TWO SENTENCES) TERRENCE HOWARD SUES EMPIRE STUDIO FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT* *BUT REALLY IT’S A SORT OF BIZARRE PUBLICITY CASE.
Promoting your show with sweepstakes, contests and lotteries
Gordon P. Firemark
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
Running a contest or a giveaway is a brilliant, and cost-effective way to get your audience engaged and get fresh leads, drive lots of meaningful actions, Attract people to your content, get them to share it, and more. . But it's important to exercise caution and make sure that you're complying with the relevant laws. You want to make sure that what you're doing, the kind of promotion, whether it's a contest or a giveaway doesn't amount to an illegal lottery. .
Gordon Firemark named among Best Lawyers in America for third year in a row.
Gordon P. Firemark
AUGUST 16, 2018
For the third year in a row, I have been selected by my peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (2019 edition) for my work in the field of Entertainment Law – Theatre. Obviously, I'm honored, and grateful that I've earned the respect of my fellow attorneys. More information can be found at [link]. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The post Gordon Firemark named among Best Lawyers in America for third year in a row.
In Memory of RBG
Gordon P. Firemark
OCTOBER 24, 2020
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/126. RBG IN MEMORIAM STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN LAWSUIT DENIED CERT SPINAL TAP SETTLES. One-sentence aside) SPINAL TAP SETTLES.
Asserted Truths
Gordon P. Firemark
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
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. Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/125. AMC TO TAKE OVER SHUTTERED THEATERS FALL OUT FROM CONSENT DECREES CONTINUES IN APPELLATE RULINGCentury Theater Owner’s Negotiation Tactics Approved.
How To Get Permission to Use a Song in a Film or Video – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered
Gordon P. Firemark
OCTOBER 27, 2016
AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: [link]. Music Rights – How do you get permission to use a song in your video or film? Hi, I’m Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer common entertainment law questions, so you can take your entertainment industry career and business, or just your hobby, to the next level. So, in a previous Asked and Answered session, I talked about fans making cover videos and posting them on Youtube and Facebook.
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