Legal Question in Technology Law in California

A Website for Unsigned Rappers

I got in trouble for creating animations that depicted a student at my Junior High School killing another student (at the same Junior High School) and 3 years later in High School I got arrested for ''Terrorist Threats''. On the website it said that I did not intend to do any of these violent acts I animated but it wasn't enough. Ever since I've been paranoid.

By the way: did I deserve that?

Now my question is this:

I want to create a website where rappers who are NOT signed to a record label can come and upload their music to our website for free, and others can listen to their music for free. The same will go for DJs. They can upload remixes and have live radios. Is there any possible way me and my friend (who is assisiting me in the creation) getting in legal trouble? The cop for the animations said he will be ''watching'' me last time and I'm a little afraid of that thought. Please help me out and list all the possibilities that can get me in trouble!


Asked on 10/07/01, 1:12 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates

Re: A Website for Unsigned Rappers

I am assuming you are 18 or over? Ever heard of Napster? There are many things that could get you in legal trouble both civil and criminal. I would create the website under the guidance of an attorney that can explain all of the legal ramifications of your project.

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Answered on 11/21/01, 7:06 pm
Ken Koenen Koenen & Tokunaga, P.C.

Re: A Website for Unsigned Rappers

The answer to your first question is, "Yes, you deserved that." Your actions were immature, disrespectful and in my opinion, inciteful of further violence. Not something that is needed.

Regarding your website for sharing music, provided the artists are posting their music there for distribution, you should be OK. Napster was allowing people to copy copyrighted music without permission of the artists or the recording labels. My understanding of what you want to do, it is a way for new artists to get their songs out there. You will need to be careful that people do not load other artists work on your site, claiming it to being theirs. That is where you could end up in trouble.

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Answered on 11/21/01, 7:14 pm


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