As Of Counsel to the Dramatists Legal Defense Fund (the “DLDF”), I have the pleasure of helping dramatists in need of legal help. The DLDF will try to pair dramatists with pro bono or “low bono” counsel if (1) the dramatist is “indigent” under pertinent definitions, or (2) the subject dispute is a policy issue, such as copyright ownership, fair use, mob censorship.
Recently, we aided a dramatist whose work was used without her permission—no pay, no request for permission, nothing. We’re also in the process of assisting a dramatist in securing an underlying rights agreement. All without legal fees from those dramatists.
The DLDF also drafts amicus curiae briefs, where “friends of the court” who aren’t parties to a case establish an interest in the outcome of the case, on behalf of, e.g., a trade association or union. You can read some of our amicus briefs at Action — Dramatists Legal Defense Fund (thedldf.org) from cases involving The Jersey Boys, Who’s Holiday! (a play based on How the Grinch Stole Christmas!), and 3C (a play based on Three’s Company).
The DLDF recently began publishing an e-newsletter to announce its accomplishments and events, as well as legal news in the theater industry. If you’d like to receive the e-newsletter, just let me know at dfaux@dramatistsguild.com. Likewise, if you know a dramatist in need of legal help who is arguably “indigent” or arguably has a dispute involving a policy matter (copyright, or the theater industry in general), then please put them in touch with me.
