10 February

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Copyright and AI-Generated Works: What You Need to Know

The rise of artificial intelligence in content creation has raised complex legal questions, particularly regarding copyright ownership and intellectual property rights. The U.S. Copyright Office and courts have consistently held that copyright protection applies only to works created by human authors. This means that works fully generated by AI—without substantial human creative input—are not eligible for copyright under current law....

09 February

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The Privacy Law and Cyber Security Implications of Automobiles

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in cybersecurity

Many people are unaware that modern cars come equipped with hundreds of sensors that record their every move. These devices have raised concerns about privacy as cars have become part of the Internet of Things (IoT). Gone are the days when cars were merely a means of transportation. In 2014, Jim Farley, an executive at Ford, admitted that the company could track drivers’ movements via GPS, stating, “We know everyone who breaks the law, we know when you’re doing it.” While Farley later clarified that Ford did not track customers without their approval or consent, the privacy concerns surrounding connected...

09 February

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Increased Enforcement of IP Infringement in the Age of AI – Know Your Rights

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Copyright Law, Entertainment Law, Patent Law, Trademark Law

Copyright owners are also aggressively enforcing their rights through AI-powered searches. Many demand letters accuse content creators of using copyrighted images, videos, music, or text without permission. Even small portions of copyrighted material can trigger enforcement actions....

09 February

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The Critical Importance of Legal Representation in Removal Proceedings

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Immigration Law

A potential client recently approached me regarding his individual hearing in three months. He provided a personal statement and affidavits from friends as evidence of persecution. When I quoted my regular fee for removal defense, I noticed a major issue—he had crossed the border twice in less than two years, voluntarily returning to his home country....

08 February

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IP Clearance for Western Movies: Navigating Trademarks, Copyrights, and Product Placement

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Copyright Law, Entertainment Law

I’m a big fan of Western movies, and today we’re going to talk about something crucial in filmmaking—intellectual property (IP) clearance. Whether you're making a traditional cowboy film or a modern Western, understanding copyright and trademark issues is...

26 January

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Trademark Clearance for Fiction Writers: Navigating Nominative Fair Use

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Entertainment Law, Trademark Law

When writing fiction, authors often incorporate real-world brands, products, and trademarks to lend authenticity to their stories. For instance, a character might drive an old Ford pickup, sip Coke at a restaurant, or even own a vintage airplane. While this adds realism, it raises legal questions about trademark use....

25 January

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How to Maintain Creative Control as an Independent Film Director

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Entertainment Law

The role of a director is central to any film production, but the extent of their creative control often depends on the legal and union frameworks governing the production. If you’re a director or producer navigating a project’s relationship with the Directors Guild of America (DGA), several critical factors need to be addressed. This article explores two key questions: Can a director who is not a DGA member work on a production governed by DGA rules, and does the DGA require creative control to belong to the director? Additionally, we will address the dynamics of independent filmmaking and how ownership...

17 January

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Important Update: TPS Extension for Ukraine Through October 2026

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Immigration Law

If you have a pending Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) or Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) as of January 17, 2025, you do not need to refile these applications. USCIS will continue processing any applications that were submitted under a previous TPS designation for Ukraine. Once your application is approved, you will be granted TPS through October 19, 2026, and, if applicable, issued an updated Employment Authorization Document (EAD) valid through the same date....

13 January

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Deepfake in Filmmaking: Legal Insights from Attorney Ernest Goodman

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Copyright Law, Entertainment Law

From a copyright standpoint, the use of someone’s likeness, especially a well-known figure, often involves indirect implications. While faces themselves aren’t subject to copyright, photos, videos, and other original works that capture a likeness are protected. If your deepfake involves the use of copyrighted material (e.g., video footage or images), you may be infringing the copyright owner’s rights....

11 January

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PTAB Patent Proceedings Overview

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Patent Law, Trademark Law

PTAB proceedings, such as IPR, PGR, CBM, and derivation proceedings, provide an efficient way to resolve disputes over patent validity and patentability. These proceedings have become an essential tool for maintaining patent quality and ensuring that invalid patents do not impede innovation....

Author: Ernest Goodman