Author: artandmedialaw

You upload a video where you react to a trending song, add your commentary, and share it on YouTube. The video gets monetized. Then you receive a copyright claim or worse—a copyright strike. You think: “I added my own commentary. Isn’t that fair use?” The answer: probably not the way you did it, even though fair use is a real legal doctrine that does protect some creators.

Fair use confusion costs creators accounts, revenue, and sometimes legal fees. The problem isn’t that fair use is fake; it’s that it’s wildly misunderstood. Creators believe that adding commentary, labeling content as “for educational purposes,” or monetizing nothing makes something fair use. Courts don’t work that way. Fair use is a complex legal doctrine that judges determine on a case-by-case basis after examining specific factors. Understanding what courts actually evaluate separates creators who can confidently use copyrighted material from those taking legal gambles. (more…)

You’re mid-stream, the energy is perfect, and you slip on a lo-fi hip-hop track you found online. Your chat is vibing. Then, without warning, Twitch mutes the audio. A notification arrives: DMCA claim. Your VOD is flagged. Suddenly you’re wondering if your account is at risk and whether you’ve just violated copyright law.

This scenario plays out for thousands of streamers every month, and the confusion is understandable. The rules around music licensing aren’t intuitive, and platforms don’t make it obvious what’s actually allowed. The truth is that music licensing involves multiple distinct rights, each requiring separate permission. Many creators use these terms interchangeably, but they actually mean different things in copyright law.

Understanding how to use copyrighted music on Twitch legally requires grasping three overlapping but separate permissions: performance rights, mechanical rights, and synchronization rights. Twitch handles some of these automatically through licensing agreements with rights organizations. Others remain your responsibility. Get this wrong and you’ll receive strikes that can cascade toward permanent account termination. (more…)

Film financing has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, fundamentally reshaping how independent filmmakers and production companies raise capital for projects. Traditional financing mechanisms—bank loans, studio backing, and limited partnerships—now coexist with innovative alternatives including blockchain technology, crowdfunding platforms, and international co-production treaties. This comprehensive guide examines the legal implications, regulatory frameworks, and contractual considerations surrounding contemporary film financing strategies. (more…)

Video game law represents one of the most rapidly evolving areas of entertainment law, with complex legal questions surrounding game monetization, downloadable content (DLC), and player protection. As the gaming industry generates over $180 billion annually, regulatory frameworks worldwide are scrambling to address emerging issues related to loot boxes, battle passes, in-game purchases, and consumer rights.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the critical intersection of video game law, monetization practices, digital rights, and player safety regulations. (more…)

Privacy laws live streaming require careful navigation of complex legal frameworks. This comprehensive article examines how content creators must balance GDPR, CCPA, and publicity rights when broadcasting events. (more…)