213 W. Institute Place, Suite 403 (312) office

Transcription

1 213 W. Institute Place, Suite 403 (312) office Chicago, IL (312) fax Last Updated August 25, 2015 LCA Master Pro Bono Case List Below is our current case list, including many interesting and exciting projects. Please contact Sarah Concannon at or (312) to request information to determine if your firm can provide assistance. We ve highlighted certain matters that have some time sensitivity, including several lease disputes under the Real Estate heading. Please contact Sarah Concannon at LCA to request additional information on any matters. Thank you in advance for your help. We very much appreciate your continued support of LCA s mission to provide legal assistance to artists and arts organizations. Corporate/Business Start-Up Copyright Advice/Contracts Copyright Infringement and Disputes General Disputes and Litigation Patent Real Estate Rights of Privacy/Publicity Trademark Visa/Immigration Film Matters Literary Art Matters Music Matters Theater Matters Visual Art Matters Corporate/Business Start-Up Client has a circus performance business and seeks assistance with setting up an LLC drafting a contract for her performers and registering trademark in her logo. Client Type: Pro Bono (On Review) Client seeks advice on structuring two nonprofit organizations. He does significant outreach and educational projects in Asia and has several questions in order to complete a 1023 application to the IRS to obtain tax exempt status. He also needs guidance on bylaws and general board governance and fundraising. Client is recording public domain musical works and seeks help drafting a simple contract for use with the musicians recorded overseas. Client (On Review) Client seeks help formalizing his business and advice on trademark and a service contract. He runs a storytelling consulting business to help clients and the general public translate their messages into stories. Client

2 Client seeks legal help forming her first business. She plans to offer dance and creative writing after-school programming. She seeks advice on incorporation and start-up legal issues, including trademark. Client Client is a tax-exempt nonprofit that seeks help with corporate and intellectual property matters. It distributes unique digital images created by a scientist who has a patent on the device that creates such images. He's willing to license image rights to Client for further distribution. She needs help with the contract with him and another licensing contract with third parties who want to use the images. Client also seeks trademark advice. Client Client is a live performance troupe of three individuals who seek counsel on business formation. They are about to launch a KickStarter campaign to fund a six-part show they plan to mount. They d like counsel on IP also which can be separated from the corporate work if needed. Client Client, a tax-exempt nonprofit, needs general counsel on contracts with vendors and participants in its public performance and touring art exhibit programs. Client also needs assistance reviewing its lease and drafting independent contractor agreements for its artist fellows. It has an upcoming public art exhibit that involves recording participants, and Client needs several agreements. Client also needs counsel on copyright and trademark protection for its various projects. Please call Jan Feldman at (312) if interested in this matter Client seeks help forming a LLC for her apparel/textile business and needs trademark advice on two word marks. Client type: Pro Bono Copyright Advice/Contracts Client is an independent filmmaker who needs help licensing footage from a well-known business. Client Client, a vocalist who recorded with a major label in the late 60s, recently received a contract to obtain exclusive rights to sell her sound recordings with an extremely minimal advance. Client was a songwriter but does not believe she has the rights sought and the contract asks her to indemnify the label from third parties. The contract lacks an attached song schedule referenced in the contract and has unusual language about expanding the schedule to include any other songs in the label's discretion. Client Client, a writer, received a publishing offer and seeks review. She is fifteen years old and she and her mother would like advice in this matter. Client (On Review) Client created an extensive film project over several years that is based on gaming and needs help with clearance and contracts with crew and talent that provided in kind help. The content is over five hours in length and Client may release it in segments online to his market of fellow gaming followers. Client Type: Reduced Fee Client is a tax-exempt nonprofit that seeks help with corporate and intellectual property matters. It distributes unique digital images created by a scientist who has a patent on the device that creates such images. He's willing to license image rights to Client for further distribution. She needs help with the contract with him and another licensing contract with third parties who want to use the images. Client also seeks trademark advice. Client

3 Copyright Infringement and Disputes Client, a writer, needs advice on claims against a writer/producer that released a film she believes is based on one of her published books and against producers that shopped her script despite signing a NDA. The producers expressed interest in developing her published novels and/or improv act into a motion picture or television show. The infringing work has similar underlying themes and certain details are identical. Client Client, a gospel music songwriter, hired another gospel performer and audio engineer to digitize her music. He made his own version and recorded it with his vocals. She seeks advice on any claims. Client Client made an oral agreement to write trivia questions relating to a mainstream popular book and movie series. Client realized there are copyright and/or trademark issues and asked the hiring party to refrain from releasing the questions, but he refused. She seeks advice. Client (On Review) Client seeks assistance reviewing a contract under which she has been asked to give permission to include her deceased husband's songs on a compilation CD. Client initially contacted the label for distributing her husband's music without authorization. The label claims her husband's producer signed an agreement which it has failed to produce and Client seeks legal help resolving this matter. Client Client, a rap artist and producer, released two albums and registered with a performance rights organization. A large music publisher claimed the publisher's share in error, confusing Client with another songwriter with the same name. Client wants help collecting the publisher's share of his song royalties. Client Client self-published three novels and seeks help obtaining an accounting of book sales. She'd like advice on terminating the agreements and whether she can continue to use the book cover designs and obtain relevant file copies of the designs and book layouts. Client Type: Pro Bono Client, a photographer, seeks help with a cease and desist letter and/or collecting a license fee. She did a shoot several years ago and states the license expired but her client continues to use his headshot to promote his book and on his website and blog. He made disparaging comments about her ability to pursue this. She seeks help collecting a small settlement and needs some overall advice on her photography services contract and copyright registration. Client General Disputes and Litigation Client published two book titles with separate self-publishing businesses and has not received either royalties or statements in some time. The publishers were bought out by a bigger entity and Client wants an accounting of royalties. Inquiries to booksellers suggest books have sold but he has not received statements or payment. Client Client, a writer, needs advice on claims against a writer/producer that released a film she believes is based on one of her published books and against producers that shopped her script despite signing a NDA. The producers expressed interest in developing her published novels and/or improv act into a motion picture or television show. The infringing work has similar underlying themes and certain details are identical. Client

4 Client, a local entertainer, agreed to be part of a film production during which the producer and crew followed him on site to his job and asked him questions about sex trafficking. He states the interviews were edited to cast him in a false light. The film also includes his license plate and business name. Client has received threats and seeks help clearing his name. He states he never signed anything. Client Client discovered that a released song includes her voice recording. She seeks advice on any claims. Client Client seeks advice on claims for breach of contract. He'd like to settle a dispute over a collaboratively created arts event. According to Client, the partnering organization caused certain cancellations and otherwise failed to meet its obligations under the parties' agreement. Client Client, a visual artist, seeks advice on claims to recover his paintings from a collaborator who seized possession. He and the collaborator had an agreement which Client states the collaborator breached by failing to make payments. Client then fell behind his rent and was evicted. The collaborator picked up Client s lease and refuses to return his artwork. Client Type: Pro Bono Client, a film editor, seeks help collecting payment from a TV producer who owes him for work done last fall. The producer paid, in part, but there is a remaining balance of $7500. Client Client, an actress, created a video project with a collaborator who posted a rough, unfinished version showing her legal name without authorization. The parties argued over a take down notice over authorship--not use of her voice, image or name. Both parties have posted a final version and the collaborator made false statements in connection with his posting. She seeks advice on any claims and help resolving this dispute. Client Client seeks counsel to amend his counterclaim and represent him going forward against his landlord. He successfully defended against an eviction claim in court on July 27th and has 30 days to amend. The lessor hired contractors who caused a fire that destroyed most of Client's personal belongings and rendered his home uninhabitable. Client Client, a videographer, seeks help collecting payment for completed and delivered footage. The business that hired him has already edited the footage and shared it with its clients but refuses the pay the videographer who is out $1950. Client Client seeks legal help recovering a large collection of puppets that he stored in an apartment in Chicago. He became very ill and fell behind on his rent several years ago. His landlord refused to release the collection without substantial back rent payment, and Client has been unable to resolve the matter or to perform all of his operas and plays. He seeks immediate help obtaining the return of the property. Client Client, a multi-disciplinary artist, needs help with a lease dispute. She received a ten-day notice, demanding she stop having guests and holding theater rehearsals and other business activities in her apartment/studio.a neighbor complained and then posted signs in the neighborhood referencing Client by her first name with untrue statements after contacting Client's landlord. Client described some unorthodox methods the landlord used to detain her and she seeks immediate counsel. Client

5 Patent Client seeks advice on protecting an apparel item to be worn by swimmers. Client Type: Pro Bono. Real Estate (On Review) Client, an established nonprofit, is moving and needs help applying for a public place of amusement (PPA) license and a zoning variance in order to hold live performances. Client Client seeks counsel to amend his counterclaim and represent him going forward against his landlord. He successfully defended against an eviction claim in court on July 27th and has 30 days to amend. The lessor hired contractors who caused a fire that destroyed most of Client's personal belongings and rendered his home uninhabitable. Client Client seeks legal help recovering a large collection of puppets that he stored in an apartment in Chicago. He became very ill and fell behind on his rent several years ago. His landlord refused to release the collection without substantial back rent payment, and Client has been unable to resolve the matter or to perform all of his operas and plays. He seeks immediate help obtaining the return of the property. Client Client formed a not-for-profit corporation that creates awareness of classical vocal arts through performance, education and outreach. She also offers private lessons in piano and voice under a newly formed s-corp and operates both businesses out of a home zoned for farming in West Dundee (Kane County) and needs help sorting out if zoned appropriately for these activities. Client Client, a multi-disciplinary artist, needs help with a lease dispute. She received a ten-day notice, demanding she stop having guests and holding theater rehearsals and other business activities in her apartment/studio.a neighbor complained and then posted signs in the neighborhood referencing Client by her first name with untrue statements after contacting Client's landlord. Client described some unorthodox methods the landlord used to detain her and she seeks immediate counsel. Client Rights of Privacy/Publicity Client is producing an audio book based on the grand jury testimony from a high profile trial. Client seeks legal advice regarding any potential issues with her reproduction of the grand jury testimony in audio format. Client also seeks legal advice regarding the use of voice-over talent who volunteered their services. Client Client, a local entertainer, agreed to be part of a film production during which the producer and crew followed him on site to his job and asked him questions about sex trafficking. He states the interviews were edited to cast him in a false light. The film also includes his license plate and business name. Client has received threats and seeks help clearing his name. He states he never signed anything. Client Client discovered that a released song includes her voice recording. She seeks advice on any claims. Client

6 Trademark Client made an oral agreement to write trivia questions relating to a mainstream popular book and movie series. Client realized there are copyright and/or trademark issues and asked the hiring party to refrain from releasing the questions, but he refused. She seeks advice. Client Client seeks advice on trademark protection for the name of his music business radio show. He has used the name for several years. He also needs a release contract for show participants. Client Client seeks advice forming a business and advice on intellectual property, including trademark. Client (On Review) Client seeks help formalizing his business and advice on trademark and a service contract. He runs a storytelling consulting business to help clients and the general public translate their messages into stories. Client Client seeks help forming an LLC for her apparel/textile business and needs trademark advice on two word marks. Client type: Pro Bono Film Matters Client, a writer, needs advice on claims against a writer/producer that released a film she believes is based on one of her published books and against producers that shopped her script despite signing a NDA. The producers expressed interest in developing her published novels and/or improv act into a motion picture or television show. The infringing work has similar underlying themes and certain details are identical. Client Client made an oral agreement to write trivia questions relating to a mainstream popular book and movie series. Client realized there are copyright and/or trademark issues and asked the hiring party to refrain from releasing the questions, but he refused. She seeks advice. Client Client is an independent filmmaker who needs help licensing footage from a well-known business. Client Client, a local entertainer, agreed to be part of a film production during which the producer and crew followed him on site to his job and asked him questions about sex trafficking. He states the interviews were edited to cast him in a false light. The film also includes his license plate and business name. Client has received threats and seeks help clearing his name. He states he never signed anything. Client Client, a film editor, seeks help collecting payment from a TV producer who owes him for work done last fall. The producer paid, in part, but there is a remaining balance of $7500. Client Client, an actress, created a video project with a collaborator who posted a rough, unfinished version showing her legal name without authorization. The parties argued over a takedown notice over authorship--not use of her voice, image or name. Both parties have posted a final version and the collaborator made false statements in connection with his posting. She seeks advice on any claims and help resolving this dispute. Client

7 Client, a videographer, seeks help collecting payment for completed and delivered footage. The business that hired him has already edited the footage and shared it with its clients but refuses the pay the videographer who is out $1950. Client Literary Art Matters Client, a writer, needs advice on claims against a writer/producer that released a film she believes is based on one of her published books and against producers that shopped her script despite signing a NDA. The producers expressed interest in developing her published novels and/or improv act into a motion picture or television show. The infringing work has similar underlying themes and certain details are identical. Client Client published two book titles with separate self-publishing businesses and has not received either royalties or statements in some time. The publishers were bought out by a bigger entity and Client wants an accounting of royalties. Inquiries to booksellers suggest books have sold but he has not received statements or payment. Client Client made an oral agreement to write trivia questions relating to a mainstream popular book and movie series. Client realized there are copyright and/or trademark issues and asked the hiring party to refrain from releasing the questions, but he refused. She seeks advice. Client Client is producing an audio book based on the grand jury testimony from a high profile trial. Client seeks legal advice regarding any potential issues with her reproduction of the grand jury testimony in audio format. Client also seeks legal advice regarding the use of voice-over talent who volunteered their services. Client Client self-published three novels and seeks help obtaining an accounting of book sales. She'd like advice on terminating the agreements and whether she can continue to use the book cover designs and obtain relevant file copies of the designs and book layouts. Client Type: Pro Bono. Music Matters Client, a gospel music songwriter, hired another gospel performer and audio engineer to digitize her music. He made his own version and recorded it with his vocals. She seeks advice on any claims. Client Client seeks assistance reviewing a contract under which she has been asked to give permission to include her deceased husband's songs on a compilation CD. Client initially contacted the label for distributing her husband's music without authorization. The label claims her husband's producer signed an agreement which it has failed to produce and Client seeks legal help resolving this matter. Client Client discovered that a released song includes her voice recording. She seeks advice on any claims. Client Client, a rap artist and producer, released two albums and registered with a performance rights organization. A large music publisher claimed the publisher's share in error, confusing Client with another songwriter with the same name. Client wants help collecting the publisher's share of his song royalties. Client

8 Client, a songwriter, producer and recording artist, seeks legal help forming a business and obtaining copyright advice. Client is an ASCAP member and also has registered as both a songwriter and a publisher. Client Client, a vocalist who recorded with a major label in the late 60s, recently received a contract to obtain exclusive rights to sell her sound recordings and needs help negotiating the terms. Client Theater Matters Client is a live performance troupe of three individuals who seek counsel on business formation. They are about to launch a KickStarter campaign and also want advice on any wording they should change. They are asking for donations toward a six-part show they plan to mount. Client Visual Art Matters Client seeks advice on claims for breach of contract. He'd like to settle a dispute over a collaboratively created arts event. According to Client, the partnering organization caused certain cancellations and otherwise failed to meet its obligations under the parties' agreement. Client Client, a visual artist, seeks advice on claims to recover his paintings from a collaborator who seized possession. He and the collaborator had an agreement which Client states the collaborator breached by failing to make payments. Client then fell behind his rent and was evicted. The collaborator picked up Client s lease and refuses to return his artwork. Client Type: Pro Bono Client, a photographer, seeks help with a cease and desist letter and/or collecting a license fee. She did a shoot several years ago and states the license expired but her client continues to use his headshot to promote his book and on his website and blog. He made disparaging comments about her ability to pursue this. She seeks help collecting a small settlement and needs some overall advice on her photography services contract and copyright registration. Client