What gets content creators sued—and how do you protect yourself?

In this week’s episode of Legit Podcast Pro, I break down the real-world legal threats facing podcasters, streamers, editors, and other content creators. From copyright violations to guest disputes and everything in between, I explain how to stay out of legal trouble, even when you're dealing with high-stakes content.

I also share insights on the current lawsuits filed by Ethan Klein against reaction video streamers—and what they reveal about fair use, transformation, and where courts may draw the line going forward.

Topics Covered:

• Copyright, fair use, and content misuse
• Ethan Klein’s lawsuits: Why some reactions cross the line
• How contracts, consent, and clarity keep you out of court
• Best practices for creators who want to stay protected
• What to do if you get a takedown, cease & desist, or lawsuit

Links & Resources:

• Free Podcast Guest Release Agreement: http://podcastrelease.com
• The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producers’ Legal Survival Guide: http://podcastlawbook.com
• Upcoming Podcast Law Webinar: https://podcastlaw.net
• Legal forms for podcasters: http://podcastlawforms.com
• Full legal and business training for podcasters: https://easylegalforpodcasters.com

Call to Action:

Download your free Podcast Guest Release form and use it every time. It’s like safe sex for interviews—because consent matters. http://podcastrelease.com

Episode Summary:

As a podcast editor, engineer, or producer—do you own your work?

Can you stop a client from using an episode if they haven’t paid?

This week on Legit Podcast Pro, Gordon Firemark breaks down how intellectual property law applies to audio editing, mixing, and podcast production.

You’ll learn:

• The legal difference between creative and technical editing
• When copyright protection kicks in
• What “work made for hire” really means for freelancers
• Why your contract is your most powerful protection
• What steps to take if you haven’t been paid
• Why legal action beats locking files or pulling episodes

Your editing work has value—but only a contract makes that enforceable.

Resources Mentioned:

• Get the Podcast Editor & Producer Agreements: http://podcastlawforms.com
• Explore the Easy Legal for Podcasters Program: https://easylegalforpodcasters.com

• Watch Gordon’s secret training video: http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup

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

As the U.S. marks Independence Day, this episode of Legit Podcast Pro takes a moment to honor the spirit of freedom through a creator’s lens. Host Gordon Firemark unpacks what it really means to be an independent creator—and how to protect that freedom so it lasts.

If you’re podcasting, creating content, coaching, or building a brand—this is your call to action.

You’ll learn:

• What independence actually requires in the creator economy
• 5 ways to take proactive control of your business and IP
• The consequences of avoiding legal and business structure
• Why legal clarity is the ultimate creative freedom

Resources Mentioned:

• Secret Training Video: Level Up Your Podcast Protection
• Podcast Law Forms and Templates

Connect with Gordon:

• Website: https://gordonfiremark.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/gordonfiremark
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/gordonfiremark
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Should You Have an LLC for Your Creative Enterprise? Absolutely! Here’s Why!

If you’re a creator earning income, collaborating with others, or publishing content online—you’re running a business, whether you realize it or not. That means you also face legal risk.

In this episode, I explain:

• What an LLC is and how it protects creators
• How an LLC can help you look more professional and trustworthy
• The potential tax advantages (and what to ask your CPA)
• How to form one in your state—and what not to do
• Why forming in another state might cost you more in the long run
• When it’s smarter to rely on insurance instead (yes, sometimes that’s better!)

This episode will give you a clearer path forward—so you can protect your creative business, your personal assets, and your future.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Free video training: http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup
• LLC and podcast legal forms: http://podcastlawforms.com

Want help navigating your podcast’s legal journey?

Get my full program at http://easylegalforpodcasters.com

Or, reach out to me with custom, done-FOR-you legal help: visit https://firemark.com/scheduling

If you’re a content creator—podcaster, YouTuber, influencer, coach—this episode is for you.

This week, Gordon Firemark breaks down the basics of contracts every creator should understand before they sign on the dotted line. From red flag clauses to must-have terms, this episode will help you avoid traps, protect your creative work, and confidently say yes to the right deals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What every creator contract should include

Red flags and danger clauses

How to approach negotiation—even if you’re new

When to consult a lawyer

Why signing too fast can cost you your rights

Resources:

Get your creator contract templates at http://easylegaltemplates.com

Clicking “I agree” doesn’t always equal legal protection. In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, Gordon Firemark breaks down the real risks and limitations of click-through licenses—those terms you accept when using stock music, images, fonts, or templates in your content.

You’ll learn:

• When clickwrap licenses are enforceable
• How courts evaluate online agreements
• The difference between clickwrap and browsewrap
• Real-world stories of creators who got hit with takedowns
• Best practices to ensure your rights are secure
• What to do if you receive a DMCA notice

Whether you’re a podcaster, YouTuber, or content creator, this episode will help you stop relying on blind trust—and start managing your media licenses like a pro.

Resources & Links:

• Get contracts for your podcast, YouTube channel, or business: http://easylegaltemplates.com
• Free guest release form: http://podcastrelease.com
• Legal help and insights: http://firemark.com

Follow Gordon Firemark:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/gordonfiremark
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gfiremark
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/podcastlaw

Using a podcast to grow your business? Then you’re also stepping into the world of media law — and you need to know how to protect yourself.

In this episode, attorney I'm sharing some cautionary tales, and explaining how to respond to DMCA takedown notices, avoid common mistakes, and keep your marketing platform safe from legal trouble.

Topics Covered:

• What DMCA takedowns really mean for your business
• The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when responding
• How to determine if a claim is valid or bogus
• When to file a counter-notice — and how
• Where to get a legally compliant DMCA counter-notice template
• How to prevent future takedowns before they happen

Resources:

• Free Counter-Notice Template: http://podcastlawforms.com/
• Permissions Training Video: https://youtu.be/lmfLJcusb04
• Secret Video from Easy Legal for Podcasters: https://gordonfiremark.com/levelup
• All Legal Templates: https://podcastlawforms.com

Think your podcast name is safe just because you claimed the socials and grabbed the domain? Think again. In this episode, The Podcast Lawyer™ Gordon Firemark breaks down the trademark essentials every creator needs to understand.

You’ll learn what creators can and should register, when to take action (spoiler: sooner than you think), how the process works, what it costs, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that lead to brand disasters.

Whether you’re just starting out or already running a well-known show or channel, this episode will help you protect the brand you’re building.

What You’ll Learn:

• What makes something trademarkable
• Why your podcast title, logo, and production company name may need protection
• When and how to register with the USPTO
• Why waiting can cost you your brand
• The costs, timeline, and DIY vs hiring help
• How trademarks fit into your business growth strategy

Resources Mentioned:

🎁 Download the free Trademark Guide: http://podcasttrademark.com

📚 Get lawyer-drafted legal forms: http://podcastlawforms.com

📺 Watch the secret video training: http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup

What happens when your co-host leaves, disagrees about monetization, or claims ownership of your show?

In this week’s episode, Gordon Firemark shares true stories from real podcasters who learned the hard way that partnerships without paperwork can be a recipe for conflict, takedowns, and lost opportunity.

You’ll hear three scenarios where a podcast prenup could’ve saved the show—and get the tools to create your own agreement, whether you’re co-hosting, co-producing, or collaborating in any way.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How podcast partnerships fall apart—and why
• What a podcast prenup (a co-host/collaboration agreement) actually does
• What clauses you must include: ownership, revenue, exits, control, and more
• Why a prenup is smart even if things feel great now
• Where to get the planning guide and legal templates to make it easy

Resources Mentioned:

🎁 Download the free Podcast Prenup Planning Guide. http://podcastprenup.com

📝 Get co-host, co-production, and other podcast legal templates. ttp://podcastlawforms.com

🎓 See a free sample lesson from Easy Legal for Podcasters. ttps://gordonfiremark.com/levelup

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