Leslie Burns

US copyright attorney, primarily for photographers and other visual artists.

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npub197admx22dukjec3k7wlwt8grdsfa6v3l5xtxtcyqf3jmsgtjvf5spuahsy

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[email protected]

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nprofile1qqszlwkan99x7tfvugm080h9n5pkcy7axgl6r9n9uzqycedcy9exy6gpz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumt0wd68ytnsw43q387t5a

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relay.mostr.pub

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npub197admx22dukjec3k7wlwt8grdsfa6v3l5xtxtcyqf3jmsgtjvf5spuahsy

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Last Notes

2024-06-25 02:47:58

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) is on TCM. If you’ve never seen it, you must. It’s a stunning film, with truly wonderful performances by everyone, but especially O’Hara, Laughton, and Hardwicke. But even the small roles are beautifully acted.
One of several spectacular 1939 Hollywood films.

2024-06-25 00:44:00

This is supremely fucked up. And I bet these same companies talk about how they are "families."
Then again, they are just like many families: totally dysfunctional and abusive, especially to the weakest members.
https://mastodon.world/@Guinnessy/112673913530830712

2024-06-21 23:50:01

Got a voicemail from Louisiana, that said “I received a check that was written out to you that has bounced. My number is (redacted) and I received a check for $200 that was mailed to you and it shows that it is bounced. Please call me.”
So you got a check that was FOR me but when you tried to cash it it bounced? My wire fraud law is rusty but, um…
🙄

2024-06-20 21:04:13

I would hope the Illuminati would use something classier like a wax-sealed velum scroll or something.
https://legal.social/system/media_attachments/files/112/650/496/385/598/184/original/f827e3e4e118e382.png

2024-06-18 23:57:45

Tomorrow is the Juneteenth federal holiday. No mail, no courts, banks are closed. I will not be working. Working on this holiday is a covert way of saying it isn't an important holiday. If your boss says you have to work, especially in a non-urgent job, gently reply (this is NOT legal advice) something like, "Oh, I knew you were an unapologetic capitalist, but I didn't know you were also a racist." Consider adding "I'm getting holiday/overtime pay, right?"

2024-06-17 01:07:59

One lovely neighbor “freed” a fabulous but leaky fountain. The fabulous neighbor took it. Now she finds it doesn’t work in her yard so I am going to get it (leak should be an easy fix). Same first neighbor had her landscaping redone a year ago and gave us a hibiscus plant. Yesterday I noticed its color just happens to perfectly match our bougainvillea.
I kind of love our hood and (most of) its people.
https://legal.social/system/media_attachments/files/112/628/794/898/934/909/original/c4ccdce274799d8c.jpeg

2024-06-16 22:22:36

Not only is it a regressive tax in sheep’s clothing, it wouldn’t touch FICA, which is already unfair to poorer workers. Orange monster will only make the poor poorer and the rich richer.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewleahey/2024/06/14/can-trump-eliminate-the-income-tax/

2024-06-16 19:18:00

The enshittification is self-feeding now; quote from the article:
Our engine is not training on anyone else’s content,” in part because the company is simply aggregating what other companies’ AI systems generate.
https://apnews.com/f307cb607f0db871b05f843a3f744340

2024-06-13 18:13:20

Just scheduled the mortgage payment and, for the heck of it, looked at what that payment would be if we had bought today but at the price we got (that is, same amount of loan but at 7%).
The P&I alone would be hundreds more than our full payment with the escrow funds. Yikes!
I do not know how any average person/couple buys a home in San Diego these days, between the higher interest rates and the prices.

2024-06-13 17:18:54

In most of the 20th century, they were called "college men." Then they became "frat boys" when we (finally!) started talking about their rapiness. We need to stop using language that implies there is some immaturity defense to men's behavior/actions.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/06/elon-musk-promoted-a-frat-boy-workplace-at-spacex-according-to-sexual-harassment-lawsuit/

2024-06-13 16:51:07

Horrible headline! It should be "is the new anti-masking" or "regulating raw milk is the new masking." As it reads, it sounds like Repubs don't want raw milk when it is the reverse.
https://mastodon.social/@WarnerCrocker/112609588523384134

2024-06-12 03:36:52

I’m waiting to read why this is bad for Biden🙄
New FBI stats show 'historic' declines in violent crime rate, with murder showing sharpest drop - NBC News
https://apple.news/AzhWQ8An6Rtq7DAy4lGnb3Q

2024-06-11 21:28:43

The tub and sink refinisher is here and, before he started, I showed him where the glasses and the in-fridge filtered water was, so that he could help himself. He was shocked at the offer.
What the hell, people. Do you not offer water for someone who is working their ass off? Yes, I am paying him, but it’s water, not a steak dinner…

2024-06-10 20:38:50

Dear people writing about Alito (et al): Please point out that "return" in "return to godliness" just like "return to our Christian roots" is bullshit. In order to return, something must have been such previously. The US government was always designed to be free from religion while any of its people were permitted to practice whatever religion they chose.

2024-06-06 19:52:46

The Fiancé has moved on from Dijon today, but he just called in part to ask me to look into what it would take for us to move there permanently. ❤️

2024-06-06 17:34:31

More Adobe bad stuff... this time you have to grant access to works in progress for content moderation. WTAF?!
https://nichegamer.com/photoshop-terms-of-service-grants-adobe-access-to-user-projects-for-content-moderation/#google_vignette
(h/t @npub1pcr…tq84)

2024-06-05 01:55:06

With all sincerity I simply must say:
Fuck you, Adobe.
https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/3/24170285/adobe-stock-ansel-adams-style-ai-generated-images

2024-06-05 01:22:48

The rat dudes’ manager decided, a couple of weeks after rat proofing under the house, that we needed our crawl space covers remade so they just did that…no extra charge.
That is how you get loyal and talkative customers.

2024-06-04 17:03:57

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@npub1y7x…jrl4 No. A female mayor was. Not the new president.

2024-06-03 18:50:26

Glad to see the unions getting involved against the Vox/Atlantic AI deals
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/05/openai-content-deals-with-vox-and-the-atlantic-spark-criticism-from-journalists/

2024-06-02 22:27:07

When the Fiancé headed off for Europe, I asked him to get me, if they still existed, print subway maps. They’re just fabulous design and I’ve always had a thing for them.
Yesterday the mailman was super late, but he brought me an envelope with a chinless King Charles stamp on the outside and a note with this on the inside.
https://legal.social/system/media_attachments/files/112/548/887/933/530/525/original/bfac68eb05e9883a.jpeg

2024-06-01 23:37:50

The non-French-speaking Fiancé is in Paris, staying next to the Place de la République where there have been pro-Gaza (and a few other causes) demonstrations today. I just explained to him via text that basically the French have protests all the time. Yes, with a shitton of cops and even tear gas sometimes. It looks terrifying to an American, but it’s just another day in Paris in many ways. They have it down to an art.
We could learn a lot from them.

2024-06-01 16:32:38

It’s my bariversary! I took my oath 13 years ago, today.
In that time, many things have changed in the law, and not for the better, but Thursday’s verdicts give me hope once again. ⚖️

2024-05-31 01:10:16

Anyone make the “May the 34th be with you” joke yet?

2024-05-30 23:59:43

If I owned a bar, it would be free Manhattans today. Since I don’t, I will just have to enjoy my own.
https://legal.social/system/media_attachments/files/112/532/278/165/843/167/original/ff8de32faf2bb165.jpeg

2024-05-30 23:30:59

Remember people, he only needed one hold out, one juror saying “not guilty.” One.
He couldn’t get one out of twelve over 34 counts.
Them be some lousy stats… not 1 out of 408 chances.

2024-05-30 23:21:57

July 11 at 10a ET
Sentencing.

2024-05-30 20:07:44

Sometimes the thing that you thought you really wanted to happen doesn't happen but that "failure" leads to a better thing happening.
True in so many areas in life--from tub refinishing to love.

2024-05-30 18:02:42

Yesterday's Vox Media/OpenAI news got me to write a post about something you need to do if you are a creative today: update Your Contracts!
https://www.burnstheattorney.com/?p=3386

2024-05-30 00:19:17

If you’ve licensed work to Vox, better tell them your license does not permit training AI because it just entered an agreement with OpenAI for that.
Infuriating!!!!

2024-05-25 16:35:53

It is raining in San Diego. In late May. Oh, sure, it’s marine layer rain and will burn off later probably, but it’s still rain, not just mist. Crazy.

2024-05-24 22:20:13

Did you know that you must have an account on X to file a DMCA Takedown using their online form? Yup. If you send an email to their agent, you get a note saying the form "should" be used and you go to the form and get told you can't unless you sign up.
If they don't remove the work I just ID'ed in my emailed takedown, all I can say is "Nice way to make yourself ineligible for the safe harbor there, Elon."

2024-05-24 21:32:04

I'm looking for a recommendation for a lawyer who does patent (esp. in the bio-chem arena) & trade secret law. I have a client who needs help and those are not my areas of law (esp. the patent part). California, please.

2024-05-23 23:25:25

Suggestion: get rid of most/all of the reality shite tv (Kardashians, RH franchise, etc.), including the awful, mean "game" shows (Survivor, etc., but keep the kind GBBO) and bring back Wild World of Sports in all its glory, including the lesser known sports like barrel jumping, ice boat racing, cliff diving. Must include the terrible yellow-ish sport coats and absolutely NO reference to Disney or its WWoS theme park stuff.

2024-05-23 16:12:45

Re the French arrest...That incels commit violence rather than look to themselves for why they are not getting laid (e.g., maybe change bathing habits or get mental health help to stop being such a narcissist), is yet another strong reason (a) we need better mental healthcare and (2) for women to be believed when they tell their stories of creepy guys.

2024-05-22 23:50:22

And made some chicken green chili grilled corn chowder for dinner(s)… and to give some to the fabulous neighbor.
https://legal.social/system/media_attachments/files/112/486/935/751/074/662/original/080eda6d71a81e0a.jpeg

2024-05-22 18:01:44

I'm shocked. 😐
https://mstdn.social/@TechCrunch/112485332663012435

2024-05-21 17:20:12

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That they literally stole SJ’s voice is the perfect example of this. They will take all our voices if we let them.

2024-05-21 17:19:24

JFC… the sexualization/feminization of AI is infuriating. Do NOT refer to any of these things as she/her as it is simply another method by which men, particularly white hetero men, impose control over actual women. By making the feminized tech do their bidding, compliantly and often sexily, they teach all humans to treat real women the same, including getting pissed when we don’t coo and stroke their tiny egos. Women, esp. girls, learn that we must act as the tech does. 🤮

2024-05-18 17:57:46

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@npub19fc…ay3c This that you wrote is so important and what many folk do not get:
[…] he understands that this is not about what you know but what you can prove.

2024-05-15 18:02:06

If you encourage not voting for Biden, especially as if that is a noble and compassionate thing to do (like, bc he hasn't stopped the Gaza genocide), you are contributing to the death of democracy not just in the USA, but globally.
Grow the fuck up: you won't get what you want by taking your toys and stomping off the playground.

2024-05-10 16:27:41

Y'know those accounts that post a lot of photos? The ones that "curate" others' works and post them? Almost ALL of them have not asked for permission to reproduce those photos and, in many, many cases, are infringing on the photographers' copyrights. Please don't re-toot those accounts.
And, fwiw, giving credit to the photographer is not a free pass. In fact, it shows that the poster knows the work is protected but reproduced it anyway (legally, that's willful infringement).

2024-05-09 21:30:36

I would have thought paying them less was virtually impossible, but there you go. 😬 😡
https://gratefuldread.masto.host/@verdantsquare/112412760337430741

2024-05-08 21:13:56

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@npub1aka…zzz2 In Harvard's case, there have been so many bad ones in the news lately that a good one would be the anomaly.

2024-05-08 20:49:37

Just got an email purportedly from a local Harvard-trained lawyer. Someone I have never heard of. The subject line was the name of his firm (he's a principal) and the content was only "Please see" and an .eml attachment.
Now, it could be legit, but it sure doesn't look it. If it is, I guess Harvard really is turning out lots of shitty lawyers.

2024-05-08 20:35:56

Why not go from "Boy Scouts of America" to "Scouts of America"? Was there a trademark issue or something? Because "Scouting America" sounds like they're training terrorists... or looking for film locations.

2024-05-07 22:46:36

Today and tomorrow a guy is rat-proofing the underside of our 1926 built-on-piers house. It ain't cheap to have done, but it surely is worth every cent.

2024-05-07 22:21:52

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@npub19fc…ay3c Haven’t you heard that Pennsylvania is a state with Philly on one side, Pittsburgh on the other, and Alabama in-between?
(Very old joke)

2024-05-02 22:32:05

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@npub1jx4…mf6e Illegally. Please don't do that.
(I'm a copyright lawyer, btw, but not for the studios, just regular artists/photographers)

2024-05-02 21:35:53

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@npub1jx4…mf6e Did you know her engagement ring in the film (which was her last film) was her actual engagement ring from the prince?

2024-05-01 20:18:11

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@npub19fc…ay3c Thanks a lot... I didn't know there was such a thing until I read your note.
*ick*

2024-05-01 19:53:36

My mother (long since dead) wrote letters to just about every media outlet on just about every political/governmental issue imaginable. She wrote representatives too. She bitched and complained in those letters, as well as to anyone who would listen. She'd furiously puff on her Lucky Strike while yelling at the TV news.
But you know what she didn't do? Vote.
Infuriating.
You can hate the system, but (outside of a coup) you will never change it by not voting.

2024-04-28 17:37:22

Connections
Puzzle #322
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪

2024-04-19 21:25:17

I beg of all you cyclists*, turn off your speaker-blasted music. If you want to listen to music, wear earphones. Claiming you can't hear traffic then is bullshit because there is no way you can hear traffic over that noise that deafens me in my house with the windows closed as you ride by.
(*also applies to joggers, skateboarders, et al.)

2024-04-18 00:36:58

It's nice to have a president who not only doesn't give you the massive icks by holding a young woman's hand, his hand is actually larger than hers.
https://mastodon.social/@realTuckFrumper/112288932260209519

2024-04-17 19:09:28

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@npub1hvz…mle9 There was a ≈3pt near Ferndale… that it maybe?

2024-04-12 21:31:37

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@npub1jx4…mf6e I'm really surprised to see all the Buddhas but, um, wtf is up with the bowl FULL of cigarette packs?!? A box of cigs, sure, but a bowl full of different brands? Weird even for the time.

2024-04-08 23:40:50

Wow, the NYT is taking censorship to a new level.
https://legal.social/system/media_attachments/files/112/237/763/409/535/962/original/7654abf5df52b802.png

2024-04-05 16:56:31

To the east coast folk, you may get some aftershocks. That is totally normal and they are very, very likely to be lighter. Deep breaths... it's totally normal to feel scared, especially if you aren't used to them.

2024-04-05 16:33:44

Well that's unusual... 4.8 in NJ https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/at00sbh3yv/executive

2024-04-04 22:08:42

Good. Settled, with Carlin’s rights protected.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/george-carlin-estate-settles-ai-deepfake-suit-against-podcasters

2024-04-04 22:00:45

Just spoke to my neighbor who, last summer, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer after her first routine mammogram. Her last scans were clear. So very happy for her… and her twin young sons and her hubs.

2024-04-04 01:16:55

The OC-born methmom & her son next door have their garbage bin, an old vacuum, and a box of shit in front of our house. Again. The garbage services will not pick up the vacuum or the box, just like they never picked up their Xmas tree which they shoved improperly in their greens container (still there!). They do it bc they know it pisses us off & their landlord will do nothing. She literally screwed a lattice on our garage when we moved in and got pissed at us for complaining. He defended her.🤮

2024-04-02 21:01:38

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@npub1jx4…mf6e Totally believable because of his golf bs-boasting, for sure!! :-)

2024-04-02 20:57:43

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@npub1jx4…mf6e Fake, according to Snopes https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-cassius-clay-spar/

2024-04-01 22:58:14

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@npub1jx4…mf6e @npub1zpc…l3up still overpriced. 😂

2024-04-01 22:07:15

If you look up DJT (TrumpCo's stock) on Google today, the best part is the "award." Totally perfect (see orange arrow).
https://legal.social/system/media_attachments/files/112/197/759/997/365/116/original/8a9f231fced6b059.png

2024-03-28 23:38:11

The BF and I just went to Target to get out of the house and get a few things. One of those things was nonalcoholic beer for him; the cashier said she had to scan an id for that and spouted the company bullshit about it. We’re both over 50 and rather than just entering my bday, she talked about how they would lose their license… Lady, stop defending your corporate overlords who are underpaying you and blaming you for any liabilities.

2024-03-28 15:43:34

It's almost April... in San Diego, this is super weird. And, really, we are all sooooo over it.
https://m.ai6yr.org/@nwssandiegobot/112173811389297533

2024-03-25 23:06:42

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@npub1gmx…atcq You know that and I know that, but it was *definitely" meant as an insult in that post.

2024-03-25 23:04:15

Just read someone calling all people who think AI is not good, particularly in writing, image creation, or other creative areas, "luddites" (in a pejorative manner). Instead of getting pissed and responding, I just unfollowed.
Ahhhh....

2024-03-25 22:13:41

I'm really surprised that no one has made the eXlax joke about Elon and X and his BS case that got kicked today.
Then again, only old farts like me probably remember Exlax was a laxative brand back in the day...

2023-12-12 00:08:53

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@npub1xl7…sxzx @npub1ggm…7842
You can’t make stuff like this up… it’s too incredible
https://mastodon.social/@jasonkoebler/111563901896350860

2023-10-18 22:38:15

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@npub1p5q…q5r0 I'm a lawyer and what you just wrote makes no sense whatsoever.

2023-10-18 22:34:56

Lock.
Him.
Up.
https://www.mediaite.com/news/trump-lashes-out-at-ag-over-fraud-case-and-posts-link-to-her-home-address-after-gag-order/

2023-09-07 23:52:57

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Venmo is also down for many.
And people wonder why I think a cashless system sucks…

2023-09-07 23:49:29

Seems Square is down all over the place. I just had a facial and my esthetician’s system was dead, her sister/coworker checked with others in other bizes and states, also down. Hmmm…

2023-08-17 16:52:29

Trump is complaining about the media showing “unflattering” photos of him. I really wish the media folk would be honest and reply, “Dude, there is no such thing as a flattering photo of you.”

2023-08-16 15:50:50

I love working on 4 hours sleep (insomnia) whilst dealing with a personal shitshow (proximate cause of insomnia). Joy.
ION, I pity the infringers who forward lame-ass excuses today. It will take all of my Buddhist detachment not to rip someone a new one. ;-)

2023-08-14 21:36:59

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@npub1e0a…eww0 It was really heartbreaking because I had believed him--it was his first year at OSU as well and he spoke to our dept., making promises and shaking hands with big smiles to all, but then that situation and, later, made it clear that if we TAs started trying to unionize, we'd all be out on our butts.

2023-08-14 21:30:41

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@npub1e0a…eww0 OMG!
I've never been a fan of Gee since I was in grad school at Ohio State. The school did not pay us TAs on time (and our rents were overdue!); Gee said repeatedly he had an open door policy for students, so I went to politely complain. He refused to see me and he (apparently) told my Chair to threaten me if I ever "pulled a stunt like that again."

2023-08-14 16:45:46

OMFG... started my week by finding "awaiting approval" emails for two massively mansplaining comments to articles on my biz website. Ones that get both the law and the realities of litigation wrong. Ugh.
Any bets on whether the photographer who wanted to post them has a fit at me when he gets my email saying I won't approve them and calling him out for mansplaining?