AboutDan Pepper Expertise How to start an adult film business or adult website LEGALLY.
What laws to be concerned about with getting into the adult entertainment industry.
What terms and conditions do you need on your adult website.
How to comply with 18 USC 2257 - the federal record keeping requirements.
What forms and agreements to use with models and crew.
How to deal with copyright and trademark laws.
Experience I have been practicing law for 14 years, and have represented numerous businesses and entertainers in the adult entertainment industry as the managing member of Pepper Law Group, LLC, at www.adultwebsitelawyer.com.
Organizations Free Speech Coalition,
Past speaker at the Internext Expo, interviewed in AVN Online
Education/Credentials BA in Political Science, JD (law degree)
Expert: Dan Pepper Date: 5/6/2008 Subject: Adult legal pittfalls outside of California
Question Dan,I am interested in starting and growing an adult media company outside of California and notice that several other companies are doing the same ie Florida, Georgia, etc... Before dealing with other legal issues like 18 USC2257, copyright/trademarking and contractural forms I'd like to learn how these companies are legally producing? Without being too broad in my questioning I think this is a good start. Can you help? If you prefer to chat offline let me know how to contact you and I'll be happy to. Thanks.
Answer The first thing to recognize is that just because you see other companies producing conduct, whether in California or elsewhere, doesn't mean that they're necessarily doing it legally, it just means that they haven't been caught. Remember, adult content producers and website operators far outnumber law enforcement, so the odds are if they're operating illegally, they'll get away with it. (But sooner or later, the odds eventually catch up with you.)
The bottom line is you need to completely and exhaustively understand the local, state, and federal laws regarding obscenity and related laws. As I advise everyone, going in without a lawyer in this business is like going in without a condom.
