The Truth About Using Music in Your Content (and Staying Legal) Show Notes: Music can elevate your content—or end your channel. In this episode, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™, breaks down how to use music safely in your podcasts and videos. You’ll Learn: Why music is protected from the moment it’s created The two rights you need to license (composition & recording) Why fair use rarely applies Legal, affordable options for using music Real-world examples of creators who learned the hard way Takeaways: Don’t risk your podcast or channel by using music without permission. Licensing is easier, cheaper, and safer than fighting takedowns. Resources & Links: Join the free community: https://legitpodcastpro.com Download the Sample License Request Letter: https://firemark.com/licenserequest Legal templates for podcasters: https://podcastlawforms.com

Collaborations can be a dream—or a disaster. In this episode, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™, counts down the top 5 legal mistakes creators make when teaming up, and how to prevent them. You’ll Learn: Why handshake deals and DMs aren’t enough How to divide ownership, credit, and revenue fairly Why you should plan your exit before you need one The importance of protecting your shared brand and trademarks Simple steps to stay professional and keep relationships intact Takeaways: Always get written agreements. Define ownership, revenue, and responsibilities clearly. Plan for the breakup before it happens. File trademarks early to protect your brand. Links & Resources: Podcast Prenup™ Planning Guide: http://podcastprenup.com Collaboration Agreement Templates: https://podcastlawforms.com Free Sample Lesson: https://gordonfiremark.com/levelup Full Easy Legal for Podcasters Program: https://easylegalforpodcasters.com Disclaimer: Educational purposes only—this is not legal advice.

“Is this fair use?”
It’s the question almost every creator asks — and most get it completely wrong. In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, I’m breaking down what fair use really means for podcasters, YouTubers, and filmmakers in 2025 — and why it’s more complicated (and more important) than ever. We’ll cover:
• What fair use actually is — and what it’s not
• The four factors courts really look at
• Why Ethan Klein, the YouTuber who once won a major fair use case, is now suing others for infringement
• How fair use plays out on YouTube, podcasts, and social media
• Real examples of what is and isn’t fair use in the creator economy
• What to do if you get hit with a takedown notice Whether you’re producing a podcast, running a YouTube channel, or making short-form content on TikTok or Instagram — understanding fair use can protect your business, your reputation, and your income. 👉 Join my free Legit Podcast Pro Membership Group to connect with like-minded creators, get your legal and business questions answered, and level up your podcast or channel — the smart, safe way.
I’m in there almost every day helping creators like you stay legit.
Join free at http://LegitPodcastPro.com

Host: Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™ In this episode, Gordon breaks down why every serious podcaster and YouTuber should protect their brand name with a trademark. He explains how U.S. trademark law really works, clears up common misconceptions, and shares real-world stories of creators who lost their brands by waiting too long. You’ll Learn: • What trademarks protect (and what they don’t) • How “first use” vs. “first to file” plays out in the real world • Why creators are especially vulnerable to brand theft • Common trademark myths debunked • How to check if your name qualifies — and what to do next Resources Mentioned: •https://easylegalforpodcasters.com - Our DIY Legal Course for creators • https://podcasttrademark.com – Secure your podcast or channel name • https://gordonfiremark.com/levelup – Watch the FREE video sample lesson from Easy Legal for Podcasters

LLC vs. Corporation: The Smart Creator’s Guide Are you running your podcast, YouTube channel, or creative business without an LLC or corporation? You might be one lawsuit away from losing everything you’ve built. In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, The Podcast Lawyer™ Gordon Firemark breaks down the key differences between LLCs and corporations, explains which structure is best for creators, and reveals why doing nothing is the most dangerous option of all. You’ll learn: • Why running your creative venture as a “solo project” can expose your personal assets • The major legal and tax differences between LLCs and corporations • How LLCs protect your brand, simplify taxes, and project professionalism • When corporations make sense — especially for filmmakers, theatre producers, and investors • How single-purpose LLCs work (and why they’re standard in film and theatre) • Real client stories that show what can go wrong — and how to avoid it Ready to protect your creative business? Book a consultation today at http://firemark.com/scheduling and get your business entity set up the smart way. Because your creativity deserves protection — and you deserve peace of mind. Watch next: 👉 How to Turn Your Podcast Into an Asset You Can Sell — [https://youtu.be/(link-placeholder) ] 👉 Breaking Up is Hard to Do: How to End Podcast Partnerships the Right Way — [https://youtu.be/(link-placeholder) ] More Resources: • Podcast Legal Forms – http://podcastlawforms.com • Easy Legal for Podcasters – http://easylegalforpodcasters.com • Free Podcast Guest Release – http://podcastrelease.com #PodcastLawyer #LegitPodcastPro #LLCvSCorporation #PodcastBusiness #CreatorLaw #ContentCreator #GordonFiremark #BusinessProtection #LegalTips #Filmmaking #YouTubeBusiness

Podcast partnerships can fall apart—different visions, workload, money, life. Ending the show without a plan can wreck the brand, the audience, and your relationships. In this video, attorney Gordon Firemark (The Podcast Lawyer™) shows you how to exit cleanly. You’ll learn: Who owns the name, feed, and back catalog A simple decision tree for clean exits (assignment, spin-off, retire, or license) The step-by-step process: term sheet, transfer, notices, and public comms How to settle the money (cut-off date, make-goods, trailing revenue) The exact documents you need (separation, IP assignments, releases) How a Podcast Prenup™ prevents messy splits ► Podcast Prenup™ Planning Guide + Co-Host Agreement: http://podcastprenup.com ► Easy Legal for Podcasters (full toolkit): https://easylegalforpodcasters.com ► Free sample lesson (on-demand): http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup ► Podcaster legal templates: https://podcastlawforms.com This video is educational and not legal advice. Talk to a lawyer about your situation. Hashtags: #Podcasting #PodcastLaw #CoHost #Partnership #Contracts #IP #LegitPodcastPro

Building a podcast team is exciting—writers, editors, assistants—but without the right legal steps, you could lose control of your show. In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, I’ll show you how to protect yourself when bringing on team members: * Why team members may actually own the work they create * The most common mistakes podcasters make when hiring * Essential contract clauses you can’t skip * How to onboard team members smoothly and professionally * What to do if things go wrong Don’t let a team member end up with more control over your podcast than you. Learn how to do it the right way. ► Get lawyer-drafted contracts for podcasters: https://podcastlawforms.com
 ► Free sample lesson from Easy Legal for Podcasters: https://gordonfiremark.com/levelup
 ► More podcast legal forms & resources: https://podcastlawforms.com Subscribe for weekly episodes of Legit Podcast Pro—your legal and business toolkit for podcast success. Hashtags:
#Podcasting #PodcastTeam #PodcastLaw #CreatorEconomy #Freelancers #Contracts #LegitPodcastPro

Thinking of putting your podcast logo on a hoodie, mug, or t-shirt?
Before you hit “publish” on that merch store, you need to know the trademark traps that could cost you your brand. In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, I break down: * Why podcast merch creates trademark risks * The biggest mistakes creators make with branding and merchandise * How to check your brand before you print * What to do if you get a cease-and-desist * How to protect your podcast as a real business asset Don’t let a merch idea turn into a legal nightmare. Watch now and learn how to keep your podcast brand safe, strong, and yours to grow. ► Protect your brand: http://podcasttrademark.com
► Free sample lesson from Easy Legal for Podcasters: https://gordonfiremark.com/levelup
 ► Get podcast-specific legal forms & templates: https://podcastlawforms.com Subscribe for weekly episodes of Legit Podcast Pro – your legal and business toolkit for podcast success. Hashtags:
#Podcasting #PodcastMerch #PodcastLaw #CreatorEconomy #Trademarks #PodcastGrowth #LegitPodcastPro

Can you actually sell your podcast? Yes — but only if you’ve built it like a business, not just a hobby. In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, I’ll walk you through how to turn your show into a real, transferable asset that could be sold, licensed, or syndicated. You’ll learn: What makes a podcast valuable to buyers Why IP ownership (copyrights, trademarks, contracts) is critical How to monetize in ways that last beyond one-off ad deals Exit options: selling, licensing, syndication, and partnerships Steps to prepare your podcast for a future sale 📺 Watch my free on-demand training now: https://podcastertraining.com RESOURCES & LINKS Podcast Guest Release: http://podcastrelease.com Legal Forms & Templates: http://podcastlawforms.com My book: The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producers’ Legal Survival Guide: http://podcastlawbook.com CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: https://instagram.com/gordonfiremark LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gfiremark Facebook: https://facebook.com/podcastlaw Facebook (personal): https://facebook.com/gfiremark

It’s back-to-school season for creators! 🎒 In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, I’m breaking down the 4 Rs of Creator Law—the legal and business fundamentals that podcasters, YouTubers, coaches, and course creators need to build a profitable and protected business. You’ll learn: Rights — who owns what, and how to protect your IP Relationships — why contracts keep collaborations strong Risks — the top legal pitfalls every creator faces Revenue — monetization strategies that work without legal headaches Think of this as your crash course in running a professional creator business—without burnout, lawsuits, or confusion. 🎯 Watch my free secret video for creators: http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup RESOURCES & LINKS Podcast Guest Release: http://podcastrelease.com Legal Forms & Templates: http://podcastlawforms.com My book: The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producers’ Legal Survival Guide: http://podcastlawbook.com CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: https://instagram.com/gordonfiremark LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gfiremark Facebook: https://facebook.com/podcastlaw Facebook (personal): https://facebook.com/gfiremark

Most podcasters give up—not because they don’t love podcasting, but because they burn out. In this episode, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™, shares how to use podcasting as a strategic business tool so it fuels your brand instead of draining you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why podcasters burn out and how to avoid it How to treat your podcast as a business asset, not just content The systems and workflows that make podcasting sustainable Monetization strategies that don’t rely on ads The burnout-proof framework to keep your podcast (and your business) thriving Mentioned in This Episode: 🎯 Watch the free Level Up Your Podcast Success video: http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup 🧰 Get my legal templates for podcasters: http://podcastlawforms.com 📘 My book: The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producers’ Legal Survival Guide: http://podcastlawbook.com

WATCH THIS BEFORE YOU POST AGAIN! If you think being a successful creator is all about going viral, getting ad revenue, and chasing followers… you're missing the real opportunity. In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, I break down what the creator economy really is—and what smart creators are doing differently to build sustainable, profitable businesses. You’ll learn: * Why content isn’t the product—it’s the hook * How to build a real business around your creative work * What revenue streams to focus on (beyond YouTube ads!) * The traps of platform dependency (and how to avoid them) * What to put in place to protect and monetize your brand 📺 Want to see how to set up your podcast or creator business legally and professionally?
Watch this FREE secret video:
👉 http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup 🔗 Links:
Podcast Legal Forms & Templates: http://podcastlawforms.com
Follow me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gfiremark
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gordonfiremark
Facebook: https://facebook.com/podcastlaw

Want to make money from your podcast without compromising your values? In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, I’ll walk you through how to monetize your podcast the right way—with strategies that are profitable, ethical, and legally protected. We’ll cover: * The biggest monetization mistakes creators make * Sponsorships, memberships, merch, affiliate deals, and more * The legal traps that can derail your revenue * How to build a podcast business, not just a show 🎥 Watch my FREE secret video training:
http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup It’s a sample lesson from Easy Legal for Podcasters, and it’ll show you exactly how to grow and protect your podcast like a pro. 🧰 Need contracts, sponsorship forms, or legal templates?
http://podcastlawforms.com 🧾 Want to trademark your show title or protect your brand?
Book a call: http://gpf.link/tmcall ✅ Subscribe for more legal + business tips every week! #PodcastMonetization #PodcastBusiness #LegitPodcastPro #ThePodcastLawyer #GordonFiremark #Sponsorships #PatreonTips #AffiliateMarketing #MediaLaw #PodcastGrowth

Hiring for your podcast? VA, editor, show notes writer, social media help? Before you bring anyone on board, you need to know the legal side—especially what makes someone an independent contractor vs. an employee. In this episode, I’m breaking down: How to legally hire and pay podcast freelancers The ABC Test and what it means for California-based creators Why “work-for-hire” isn’t automatic What goes in your contract (and what doesn’t!) The risks of skipping the paperwork If you’re hiring help—or thinking about it—this episode could save you from serious legal headaches down the road. 🎥 Watch my secret video: Level Up Your Podcast Success Get a sneak peek inside my Easy Legal for Podcasters program and learn the #1 legal shift that protects your show and unlocks growth. 👉 http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup 📚 Legal forms, templates, and contracts for podcasters: http://podcastlawforms.com 🎙 Listen to the audio version of this episode: https://legitpodcastpro.captivate.fm 📖 My book: The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producer’s Legal Survival Guide http://podcastlawbook.com 👋 Say hi on social: Instagram: https://instagram.com/gordonfiremark LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gfiremark Facebook: https://facebook.com/podcastlaw

Are you building a podcast brand without protecting it? In this episode, Gordon Firemark—The Podcast Lawyer™—walks you through how to trademark your podcast title and why doing it early can save you from legal headaches later. We’ll cover: Why trademarks matter (even if you’re small) How trademark rights really work (hint: first use wins, but first to file can block you) What makes a name trademarkable—and what won’t cut it The step-by-step process to register your podcast name What to do if someone else files first Common mistakes podcasters make that cost them their brand If you’re serious about growing your show into something valuable—protect the brand now, before someone else does. 🎯 Book a trademark consultation: http://GPF.link/tmcall 🎙️ Want more legal forms, templates, and step-by-step training? Check out Easy Legal for Podcasters at https://easylegalforpodcasters.com 🔒 Free podcast guest release agreement: http://podcastrelease.com #trademarkyourpodcast #podcastlaw #branding #legitpodcastpro #gordonfiremark #thepodcastlawyer #trademarktips #podcastgrowth #legalforcreators #podcastbranding

If you're creating content—podcasts, videos, streams, or anything in between—you could be one step away from a legal nightmare. In this episode, I break down: * The real reasons creators get sued * What the law says about fair use, copyright, and transformation * The recent Ethan Klein lawsuits and what they mean for reaction video culture * The top legal mistakes creators make (and how to avoid them) * What to do—and what NOT to do—if you get a cease & desist, takedown notice, or lawsuit PLUS:Get my free Podcast Guest Release Agreement here: http://podcastrelease.comIt’s your legal seatbelt—so you can protect your interviews, your content, and your business.

YouTube Description Can a podcast editor claim copyright if they haven’t been paid?
Can they stop a client from using their mix?
Let’s talk about your legal rights as a podcast editor, engineer, or producer. In this episode, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™, explains what the law really says about ownership, copyright, and payment—so you can protect your work and your reputation. We’ll cover: * What default copyright law says about freelance editors * When “work made for hire” applies—and when it doesn’t * The difference between technical editing and creative expression * Whether you can withhold or revoke work if payment hasn’t come through * What to put in your contracts to stay safe * What to do (and NOT do) if a client refuses to pay Your work has value. Don’t give it away without protection. 🎧 Download our contract template for editors and producers:
👉 http://podcastlawforms.com 📺 Free training + templates:
👉 http://podcastlawforms.com 📌 More podcast legal tools and resources:
👉 https://easylegalforpodcasters.com
👉 http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup Hashtags:
#PodcastLaw #PodcastEditing #FreelancerRights #CopyrightLaw #PodcastContracts #LegitPodcastPro #GordonFiremark

Want more podcast listeners? AI can help. In this episode, Gordon breaks down how creators are using AI tools to improve discoverability, streamline content creation, and grow their shows ethically. From better titles and transcripts to automated clips and summaries, you’ll learn how to use AI as an assistant—not a replacement. What You’ll Learn: * What podcast discoverability really means * How to use AI for SEO, metadata, and summaries * Tools that turn episodes into clips and posts * How to stay ethical and legally safe with AI-generated content * How to protect your podcast while growing your audience Resources Mentioned: * Watch the secret training video: http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup * Get the Podcast Guest Release: http://podcastrelease.com * Explore legal templates at https://podcastlawforms.com Connect with Gordon: * Website: https://gordonfiremark.com * Instagram: @gordonfiremark * Facebook: https://facebook.com/podcastlaw * LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gfiremark

The July 4th holiday weekend is upon us, and it’s time to celebrate your independence—not just as a citizen, but as a creator. In this episode, we explore what real independence looks like when you’re building a media business. You’ll learn: What creator independence really means 5 smart ways to protect your freedom and your work The hidden cost of skipping legal setup Why legal structure actually unlocks more creativity 📺 Want a sneak peek of my legal training for creators? Grab my secret video here: 👉 http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup 🔒 Ready to protect your podcast like a pro? Check out all the lawyer-created templates at: 👉 http://PodcastLawForms.com #CreatorIndependence #CreativeFreedom #PodcastLaw #LegitPodcastPro

Should you form an LLC for your creative business? If you’re earning money, collaborating with others, or publishing content to the public—the answer is probably yes. In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, I break down: What an LLC actually is (and what it’s not) Why it’s a smart move for podcasters, YouTubers, and digital creators The liability protection and tax perks that come with it When it makes sense to hold off or use insurance instead Why forming your LLC in another state might backfire There’s a lot of advice out there, and a lot of it is flat-out wrong. Let’s cut through the noise and help you make a smart, informed decision. Resources mentioned: Get all your legal templates at: http://podcastlawforms.com Watch the secret video training: http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup Learn more at: http://easylegalforpodcasters.com Hashtags: #LLCforCreators #PodcastLaw #BusinessProtection #CreatorBusiness #LLCExplained #DigitalEntrepreneur #LegitPodcastPro #GordonFiremark #MediaLaw #EasyLegal