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Ethics Before Profits

The Privacy Law and Cyber Security Implications of Automobiles

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...

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

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....

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The Critical Importance of Legal Representation in Removal Proceedings

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....

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

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...

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Trademark Clearance for Fiction Writers: Navigating Nominative Fair Use

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....

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How to Maintain Creative Control as an Independent Film Director

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...

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Important Update: TPS Extension for Ukraine Through October 2026

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....

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Deepfake in Filmmaking: Legal Insights from Attorney Ernest Goodman

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....

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Understanding the 35-Year Copyright Transfer Termination Right: Implications for Filmmakers

One of the most significant rights in U.S. copyright law, often overlooked by filmmakers, is the 35-year copyright transfer termination right under the Copyright Act of 1976. This provision allows authors (or their heirs) to reclaim rights to works they previously assigned or licensed to another party after 35 years. Here’s how it works and why it matters in filmmaking:...

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