24 February

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Applying for an H-1B visa from inside and outside the U.S.

U.S. visas are generally divided into two main categories: Immigrant Visas – These lead to permanent residence (green card). Examples include family-based green card petitions, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, and EB-5 investor visas. Non-Immigrant Visas – These are temporary and meant for specific purposes like tourism, study, or work. Examples include B-1/B-2 (tourism/business), F-1 (students), and H-1B (temporary workers)....

22 February

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What is PIP for Military Family Members?

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Immigration Law

Parole in Place (PIP) is a special immigration program that allows immediate family members of U.S. military personnel (active duty, veterans, and some reservists) to obtain legal status despite having entered or remained in the U.S. unlawfully....

19 February

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Duty to Communicate: A Matter of Respect, Not Just Ethics

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Legal erhics

He told me he had been doing this for 35 years, and countless clients have told him, "You are the only attorney who calls back the same day." That really stuck with me. I realized that something as simple as timely communication is often overlooked in the legal profession. From that moment on, I adopted the same practice: if a client calls or emails me, I respond the same day—even if it’s just to acknowledge their message and let them know when I’ll get back with a full answer. And if I ever reach a point where I can't keep up...

18 February

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Life Story Purchase Agreements: A Comparative Analysis of New York and California

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Entertainment Law

For entertainment lawyers, producers, and screenwriters operating in either New York or California, understanding these differences is crucial for structuring life story purchase agreements that minimize legal risks while ensuring enforceability. In New York, contracts tend to be more straightforward but may require additional safeguards against claims of false endorsement or defamation. Legal practitioners should ensure that any agreement includes comprehensive release clauses, indemnification provisions, and waivers of claims to prevent disputes over portrayals in films or television adaptations. In California, the negotiation process is often more complex due to its stronger right of publicity laws and posthumous protections. Life story purchase...

17 February

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Minor Actors on Film Sets: New York vs. California Laws

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Entertainment Law

When hiring minor actors for a film production, understanding the legal requirements in different states is crucial. New York and California have specific laws governing child performers, but they differ in key areas such as work permits, education, and working hours....

13 February

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Essential Elements of an Investor Contract in Filmmaking

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Entertainment Law

Securing funding for a film is one of the most critical steps in production, and a well-structured Investor Agreement ensures transparency, protects both parties, and sets clear financial expectations. Whether you’re a filmmaker seeking funding or an investor looking for a solid return, understanding how these agreements work is key....

11 February

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The Crucial Role of a Certificate of Clearance in Film Financing: Insights from Lawyer Ernest Goodman

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Copyright Law, Entertainment Law, Trademark Law

Financiers and distributors are pivotal in transforming screenplays into cinematic realities. However, their support comes with a caveat: a strict adherence to legal assurances. Without a certificate of clearance, these entities fear the legal repercussions of copyright infringement, which can lead to costly lawsuits and project derailments. Hence, they typically refrain from financing projects lacking this essential document....

10 February

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Overly broad interpretations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in cybersecurity

Ethical hacking involves utilizing mathematical and programming abilities to pinpoint weak areas or susceptibilities in information systems. The hacking realm is categorized based on purpose, with a white hat hacker being an ethical hacker with good intentions. These professionals specialize in penetration testing and other examination methodologies that guarantee the security of an organization's information systems. Most ethical hackers possess advanced knowledge in mathematics, computer programming, networking, and operating systems....

10 February

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How to Sell Your Screenplay at a Major Film Festival (Santa Barbara, Sundance, etc.)

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in Copyright Law, Entertainment Law, Trademark Law

Selling a screenplay at a festival is about relationships, persistence, and strategic networking. Don't go expecting to sell on the spot—focus on making connections that lead to future opportunities. By researching attendees, preparing your pitch, and networking effectively, you can increase your chances of getting your screenplay into the right hands....

10 February

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Legal Implications of Electronic Surveillance in Event Security

Posted by Ernest Goodman

in cybersecurity

As technology continues to advance, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for individuals, businesses, and governments. To protect sensitive data and prevent cyber threats, the United States has implemented various cybersecurity laws and regulations. Failure to comply with these laws can have significant legal consequences. In this post, we will explore some of the potential legal ramifications that individuals or organizations may face for non-compliance with cybersecurity laws in the US....

Author: Ernest Goodman