This post was written by Charles F. Morgan (“Frank”), an intellectual property lawyer who represents individuals and businesses in the entertainment world. Copyright law in the music industry has some peculiar twists and Frank knows all about them. The readers of charmcitylegal.com…
It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission. ~Grace Hopper Except when it isn’t. Whether a model release should be sought from the subject of a photo depends on what the ultimate use of the photo is…
Sometimes a story calls out for the use of celebrities or other real people as characters in the plot line. But many people, famous or otherwise, are not interested in being written about in a novel. Here are three things…
Fiction writers often feel the need to quote songs, poems or films in their stories. There are ways to use other people’s creative work in a novel that do not infringe copyright, including: fair use public domain; and permission. For…
Fiction writers often feel compelled to use trademarks or brand names in their fiction. It’s hard not to when setting a story in modern times and including current themes and events. There are three things writers need to keep in…