Category: Articles

NIL rights provide clear path for college esports pros

NIL rights provide clear path for college esports prosBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. The NCAA’s recent policy shift on a student athletes earning income and profiting off their “name, image and likeness” (NIL) while competing for a university has provided further clarity for current and aspiring pro gamers and content creators contemplating college esports. This change […]

Copyrights and Trademarks for Podcasting and Podcasters

Intellectual Property Protections: Copyrights and Trademarks for Podcasting and PodcastersBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. In addition to the licensing of music and content for a podcast and other related business considerations for operating a podcast, there are also a variety of intellectual property protections that a podcast operator could employ to efficiently manage and safeguard […]

COVID-19 Update on Talent Visas for Entertainers, DJs, and Musicians

COVID-19 Update on Talent Visas for Entertainers, DJs, and MusiciansBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. and Pablo G. Velez, Esq. of Velez & Cipriano, PLLC The last two years have been unpredictable, especially for live music, concerts, nightclubs, and any other large social gathering of people in any space. However, it is important for an entertainer […]

Content and Music Licensing for Podcasters

Content and Music Licensing for Podcasters: Using Music, Media, and Video Content in a PodcastBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. Adding “Podcast Host” to your resume? There has been a growth in podcasting, including a large increase in overall podcast “listenership.” This expansion includes podcasts hosted by individuals and celebrities as well as those created by […]

What Are “Neighboring Rights”?

What are “Neighboring Rights” In The Music Business?By Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. Featured artists, session musicians and master sound recording owners from other countries, including record labels, are entitled to an additional royalty stream that artists and sound recording owners within the United States are currently not receiving. This additional revenue stream is referred to […]

Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Rights: Recent Changes in Collegiate Athletics

Sports Law: Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Rights: Recent Changes in Collegiate AthleticsBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. The recent changes in college athletic administrative policies have caused a monumental shift in the sports business and legal profession with emergence of a new potential “$100 million” market. As a result of a series of lawsuits and […]

Trademark Infringement in The U.S.

Trademark Law: Trademark Infringement in the U.S.By Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. Trademark law provides the exclusive right to use a mark to differentiate the goods or services of one person or business from those of another. A trademark commonly includes a word, phrase, logo, design or a combination of these, which are used in relation […]

Athletes and Entertainers: Clear Your Tattoos – Copyright Protection for Tattoos

Copyright Protection and Rights Clearance for TattoosBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. It is important for individuals and businesses in the entertainment and video game industries to be aware of the licensing requirements related to the use, display and reproduction of an entertainer, celebrity, athlete, or other social media influencer’s tattoos and other “body art.” In […]

Trademark Litigation and Cease and Desist Letters

Trademark Law: U.S. Trademark Litigation and Cease and Desist LettersBy Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. If a party believes that their ownership rights in a registered trademark are violated by another individual or business, this individual or company has a variety of available options to police and protect their rights. This might include potentially instituting a […]