entertainment lawyer

The popularity of podcasts is on the rise. Many people listen to them while cooking, commuting, or doing any other activity that does not require full attention. Podcasters mostly attract younger audiences and listeners who are looking to join a community.

It is a great medium that helps content producers engage with their audiences, and it can create a sense of accountability. There are various categories of podcasts, including music, food, sports, true crime, hobbies, business, and the law. Contact an entertainment attorney today if you plan to create a podcast. 

A lawyer can provide comprehensive information that could help you thrive in this industry and avoid unnecessary legal issues. If, in any case, you face any problems relating to the law, a legal professional can stand by your side.

Podcasts can be entertaining and can benefit a brand or creator in the following ways:

  • They can increase brand awareness.
  • They can help shape a positive brand image.
  • They can help build connections between the creator and the audience.
  • They can potentially increase lead conversion rates.

Listening to a podcast can feel like having an enjoyable conversation with a friend. The flip side of this medium is that mistakes during the process could lead to various legal issues for the podcast’s creator. In this article, we have highlighted some critical issues surrounding podcasts and how one can deal with them.

Legal issues that a podcast creator may face 

The following are the general legal issues a podcast creator may face include:

  • Copyright infringement or issues

Anyone who copies someone’s work or uses any copyrighted work without legal permission may be committing copyright infringement. 

To avoid getting involved in copyright issues or infringement, one must keep the following things in mind.

  • Create original content
  • Get copyright registration for your work.
  • Credit the original creator if you have taken any reference.

  • Registration or Trademark issues 

A trademark can be a name, phrase, design, symbol, or a combination of all of these things. A trademark helps create a brand’s unique identity and distinguishes it from other similar brands available in the market. Here are a few things that are essential to prevent issues relating to trademark infringement: 

  • The podcast creator should ensure that the title or name is not copyrighted or associated with a registered trademark. 
  • The podcast’s name should not include a registered or copyrighted logo of any other brand. 

Trademark registration is essential, as it provides more rights to the podcast owner. It gives a podcast or brand a unique identity and helps to ensure the uniqueness of the podcast’s title and logo. 

  • Publicity rights   

The original creator must have the publicity rights to invite guests to speak on their podcast. In most cases, a creator should have the guest sign a written release that allows the creator to air the content. 

To obtain and protect the right to publicity, creators should keep the following things in mind:

  • Creators should have written consent, a signed agreement, or other permission.
  • If a creator plans to invite a guest, they should have a signed, written agreement that permits the creator to use the guest’s information for advertising and promotional purposes. 

Releasing a podcast on which a guest speaks without legal rights could have a serious consequence. In this situation, a creator may need assistance from a reputable entertainment lawyer. 

Why should a podcast creator consider contacting a legal professional?

Some of the common ways that a legal professional can help a podcast creator may include: 

  1. Adding convenience to your life

A legal professional can handle all of the legal work relating to your podcast and process the associated paperwork. If you become involved in a legal case, your lawyer can help you navigate it. They can also assist you with drafting and negotiating the contracts into which you enter.

  1. Saving time and frustration

Your lawyer can help you plan how you can execute your podcast while complying with all relevant laws. They can help to ensure that you have all necessary registrations and permits. If you are missing anything in the process, your attorney can inform you of the additional legal compliance that you need to meet. A legal professional can save you time and protect you from potential legal hassles down the road. 

  1. Flawless execution of the podcast

Your attorney can allow you to find the right talent for your podcast-related work, such as by connecting you with the right  people to feature on your podcast episodes. Having a legal professional’s assistance can make your work easier and help you ensure that legal issues do not negatively affect your career. 

  1. Stress relief 

A legal professional can help reduce the amount of stress that you face, allowing you to focus on your work. They can help you ensure that all of the necessary contracts are in place. 

The Los Angeles copyright attorney you choose can make the work easier and help you navigate through any legal issues that arise. Contact us today: We know the law and have helped professionals who face issues just like yours.Â