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Noah Downs, Esq. Profile
Noah Downs, Esq.

@MyLawyerFriend

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Gaming, IP & Entertainment Lawyer |📧:noah @premackrogers .com | GM @Paths_Forgotten | COO @Seventy8Strange | Prev: @Pretzel_Rocks , @ninety9live | Tweets 🚫 advice

United States
Joined March 2017
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
I don’t share it much, but I’ve been fighting cancer since 2017. When visiting St. Jude in 2019, I saw a young child with the same cancer I have. It was heartbreaking. But every year gaming comes together to fight against cancer-and that gives me incredible hope for the future.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
I reviewed #DnD ’s proposed Open Gaming License 1.1, and was asked to share my thoughts as a intellectual property/gaming lawyer. It’s generally awful for creators and fans alike. So - Let’s take a minute to talk about D&D’s Open Gaming License (OGL).
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Let’s Take A Minute To Talk About D&D’s Open Gaming License (OGL)

Hi all! My name is Noah Downs, aka MyLawyerFriend! I am a licensed attorney with a focus on business, and intellectual property issues in…

link.medium.com
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
11 months
I reviewed the new Monetized Streamer Agreement from #Twitch . There's some significant changes to how the Partner program works, and some significant drawbacks for creators. So- Let’s take a minute to talk about Twitch's new Monetized Streamer Agreement.
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Let’s Take a Minute to Talk About Twitch’s New Monetized Streamer Agreement.

Hi all! My name is Noah Downs, aka MyLawyerFriend! I am a licensed attorney with a focus on business, and intellectual property issues in…

medium.com
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
I reviewed WotC's draft Open Game License 1.2, and was asked to share my thoughts as an intellectual property/gaming lawyer. It's better than OGL 1.1, but still needs work. So- Let's Take a Minute To Talk About #DnD 's Updated Open Game License (OGL 1.2).
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
Overturning Roe v. Wade means that, per SCOTUS, there is no “right to privacy” under the 14th amendment of the US Constitution. The right to privacy supported many landmark decisions in the last 49 years. Half a century of the US’s constitutional framework is in jeopardy.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
These DMCA notices are legit and apply to your old content. I've received word that live takedowns may be implemented very soon - this is the beginning. Don't play music you don't have the rights to, and if you have questions, speak to a lawyer.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
Wizards of the Coast has placed SRD 5.1 under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). What does that mean? Let's break it down:
@DnDBeyond
D&D Beyond
@DnDBeyond
1 year
Over the past few weeks you, the community, have made your voices heard. And we’ve listened. OGL 1.0a will remain untouched AND the entire SRD 5.1 is now available under a Creative Commons license.🧵
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
@RammJaeger Hi. Lawyer here. SCOTUS didn’t affirm the Texas law. They actually said their decision is not based on the constitutionality of the law, just technicalities of whether enjoining is proper at this time. In fact, the law is flagrantly unconstitutional.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
Misleading clickbait title. This makes offering a service to illegally stream music or movies punishable by a felony (ex: streaming version of Napster). It does NOT make music in the background of your streams punishable as a felony offense. You can still get a DMCA though.
@THR
The Hollywood Reporter
@THR
3 years
The COVID-19 stimulus bill would make illegal streaming a felony
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
5 years
. @BasicallyIDoWrk : “Alright, it’s Epcot, we can have food from all around the world. What do you want?” Me: “Pizza. Pizza sounds good.”
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
11 months
I reviewed the Branded Content Guidelines from #Twitch , and they're generally awful for content creators, sponsors, and fans alike. So - Let’s take a minute to talk about Twitch's new Branded Content Guidelines.
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Let’s Take A Minute To Talk About Twitch’s New Branded Content Guidelines.

Hi all! My name is Noah Downs, aka MyLawyerFriend! I am a licensed attorney with a focus on business, and intellectual property issues in…

medium.com
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
Looks like someone didn’t read our DMCA articles last week...
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
I can confirm what @DMDave_official says here. Our firm is working together with him, @griffons_saddle , and others to form a TTRPG Creator’s association to ensure that every creator can retain control of their story. More to come.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
@DnDBeyond @Wizards_DnD Folks - make sure you provide informed feedback: ▪️Don't revoke OGL 1.0a ▪️Make OGL 1.2 truly irrevocable & royalty-free ▪️Give creators a right to defend against bad-faith morality clause claims ▪️Don't suppress VTTs ▪️Use a standard severability clause
@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
I reviewed WotC's draft Open Game License 1.2, and was asked to share my thoughts as an intellectual property/gaming lawyer. It's better than OGL 1.1, but still needs work. So- Let's Take a Minute To Talk About #DnD 's Updated Open Game License (OGL 1.2).
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
11 months
Twitch's new Branded Content Guidelines are going to begin affecting creators as of July 1, 2023. These guidelines appear to be arbitrary and will affect existing and ongoing sponsorships at a time where sponsors have already pulled back investment. Initial thoughts🧵here:
@zachbussey
Zach Bussey
@zachbussey
11 months
Twitch has new Branded Content Guidelines. - On-stream logos are limited to 3% of screen size. - Burned-in video Ads are NOT allowed. - Burned-in Display Ads are NOT allowed. - Burned-in Audio Ads are NOT allowed. #TwitchNews #TOSgg
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
An update from #WotC about the future of the OGL. In summary: an apology, but not a walk-back. They will be moving forward with an OGL update. Let's chat through this.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
Looked at a few of these DMCA emails, they don't identify the content taken down, who sent the notification, or provide an opportunity to respond to the takedown with a counter-notification as required under the DMCA. No chance to defend yourself. Purple is looking kinda sus.
@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
These DMCA notices are legit and apply to your old content. I've received word that live takedowns may be implemented very soon - this is the beginning. Don't play music you don't have the rights to, and if you have questions, speak to a lawyer.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
Today's law lesson: The Constitution states Congress shall make no law “abridging the freedom of speech.” This limits the government's ability to limit your speech. Twitter's a private company - not a government. It can regulate content as it wishes. Someone learned that today.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
Combating misinformation: Twitch's deal with the NMPA is *not* a license. It does not allow you to stream the 'popular' music you want on Twitch - nor does it get rid of the threat of strikes against your channel. You can only use music you have the full rights to use.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
Roe v Wade was based on the idea that the 14th amendment to the US Constitution provides a “right to privacy,” protecting women’s choice to have an abortion up to a certain point. Overturning Roe v Wade would remove this “right to privacy,” which could have massive consequences:
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
5 years
@sharkybait @LordMinion777 ✌️ Remember Wade, it’s for the kids.
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
25 days
And then there were three. Big adventures ahead with a little one on the way - coming late summer/early fall!
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
5 years
Spending the week down in Orlando for #ExtraLifeUnited and have met some inspiring kids. Check out Wade and Tyler hosting the livestream at 5 ET at ! #LawyerGoesToDisney #ChildrensHospitalsWeek
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
@BasicallyIDoWrk Allegedly* stole a jacket. Making me work overtime here
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
I do expect WotC to roll out a new OGL when they release One D&D out of its playtest and into full version. However, at that point they will hopefully be offering the community a new system and content in exchange - and more importantly, you'll have a choice to accept or not.
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
Right now, part of being a female in our industry means you have a toolbox that includes a list of men and companies to avoid/play nice with despite their abuse and harassment, and to know how to deal with sexual harassment and assault as part of your job. (1/5)
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
Looks like Toast was banned for watching Death Note on stream. Since when did getting banned due to DMCA takedowns become the new Twitch meta? Streaming shows without licenses is copyright infringement, which can lead to serious consequences. Y’all, be smarter with your streams.
@StreamerBans
StreamerBans
@StreamerBans
2 years
❌ Twitch Partner "DisguisedToast" ( @disguisedtoast ) has been banned! ❌ #twitch #ban #firstban #partner #twitchpartner 🏵
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
@HCJustinn @erinarrt Two kittens on the way home with a new papa.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
Watching tv shows and movies without a license is copyright infringement. Full stop. The music industry may not be implementing live takedowns yet, but the film and television industry has no problem with it.
@StreamerBans
StreamerBans
@StreamerBans
2 years
❌ Twitch Partner "pokimane" ( @pokimanelol ) has been banned! ❌ #twitch #ban #firstban #partner #twitchpartner 🎾
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
Again, this is an incredible win for the community. It ensures that the 5.1 SRD are protected for creators to use however they want (as long as they comply with basic restrictions of CC BY 4.0). Your feedback clearly mattered.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
This is moving even faster than I anticipated.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
CC BY 4.0 is a license that is 1) perpetual, 2) irrevocable, 3) royalty-free, and 4) worldwide. As soon as WotC published SRD 5.1 under CC BY 4.0, the SRD became subject to these terms. These are at the core of what the community wanted all along.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
@McLaffyTaffy @AdmiralBahroo Yep. It’s blatantly infringing and a ripoff of intellectual property. I was made aware of this seller yesterday.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
The right to privacy from Roe v Wade has supported several other landmark decisions: adult’s right to decide medical care (& refusal of treatment), gay marriage rights, trans rights, & parent’s rights to make decisions for their families (including private & religious schooling).
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
The only requirements are that you attribute the work appropriately by 1) giving appropriate credit, 2) giving a link to the license, and 3) indicating if you make any changes to the work. WotC has provided a sample attribution:
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
To be absolutely clear: streaming any copyrightable content without a license is technically infringement. Yes, this includes video games. Most devs/publishers allow broadcasters to stream their games, whether by express or implied licenses. But these licenses are revocable.
@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
Watching tv shows and movies without a license is copyright infringement. Full stop. The music industry may not be implementing live takedowns yet, but the film and television industry has no problem with it.
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
In addition, CC BY 4.0 allows you to 1) use/share the contents of SRD 5.1 in any medium/format/manner, and 2) transform, adapt, and build upon the material in SRD 5.1 for any purpose (including as part of your business).
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
Life update: I am pleased to announce that I'm joining @PremackRogers as Senior Counsel, where I'll continue to help creators and devs with their legal needs! I've had a wonderful adventure with the team at @morrisonrothman , and I'm grateful for their lifelong friendship.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
And for what it's worth, the DMCA is not just a tool for the music industry. A DMCA takedown notice can be sent for any copyrighted content - this includes music, art, video, games, etc. Protect yourself and your livelihood.
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
It’s 2020, y’all should know that you have to DISCLOSE when you have a FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIP with a BRAND. If you receive free product, and then mention the product, then you HAVE TO DISCLOSE, even if you think you’re unbiased or if you “weren’t asked to promote.” USE #AD .
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
6 years
In case you’ve been under a rock today, a lot of streamers have been hit with music-related #DMCA notices and temporary bans on @Twitch . DO NOT use #CopyrightedMusic in your streams. I'm on the @Pretzel_Rocks team - check out our overview here: .
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
11 months
@Twitch So in the meantime you're going to take down the guidelines that we objected to and work with us to craft better guidelines that actually accomplish what you say you meant here, right? I'm available.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
@BasicallyIDoWrk @SaintsRow 👏 Making me proud 👏
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
The right to privacy from Roe v Wade has supported several other landmark decisions: adult’s right to decide medical care (& refusal of treatment), gay marriage rights, trans rights, & parent’s rights to make decisions for their families (including private & religious schooling).
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
I'm still reviewing and discussing with colleagues, and will update here and in the article if any opinions or positions change. #OpenDnD
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
7 months
TwitchCon was a blast, especially with all the fantastic co-panelists, friends, community members, and Twitch staff that I was able to spend time with. Thanks to everyone who said hello around the con! Up next, #PAXUnplugged .
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
We now have official anti-swatting laws on the books in Virginia, making the Commonwealth a little safer for content creators living here.
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
Creators- demand transparency on your gigs from your agencies/managers, especially when they hand you a contract to sign. Ask: 1) was this reviewed by a lawyer? 2) how is my name/image/likeness/content being used & for how long? It’s your career, not theirs. Protect yourself.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
With everything going on, please also make sure we celebrate this. @DrLupo & @MrsDrLupo have done SO MUCH GOOD for @StJude , as have all the @GCXEvent team. Thanks to them, there's hope in the fight against cancer, and a future for the children at @StJude and around the world.
@DrLupo
DrLupo
@DrLupo
4 years
Today, gaming raised $965,683.09 in 7 hours for @StJude . 💜❤️
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
When we have the new OGL, I'll do a deep-dive analysis into the language so that the community can give informed feedback. Stay tuned for now.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
1 - This week WotC will be sharing a new proposed OGL for feedback, like they do with playtest materials. After that, they'll collect feedback for at least 2 weeks. This will be the most important opportunity the community has to shape the future of D&D.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
3 - Also incredibly important, the new OGL reportedly will not contain a license to WotC for your works. This is an enormous win, as it allows you to maintain ownership over your story.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
Thrilled to have been interviewed by @RollingStone regarding Twitch Soundtrack and music licensing on Twitch!
@RollingStone
Rolling Stone
@RollingStone
4 years
Twitch users can stream licensed music now. But the music industry says Twitch is skirting the rules to pay artists less than it should
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
Removal of this right to privacy is incredibly short-sighted, dangerous, and leaves the door open to undo decades of settled decisions we rely on as a society today. It hurts both sides of the aisle. I truly hope this decision isn’t final, or that it’s quickly overruled.
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
Cool feature, but keep in mind: If you play unlicensed audio (music, alerts, etc) live, you’re still infringing and it’s still illegal. Doesn’t matter if you don’t save the unlicensed audio to the VOD. Only use audio content you have proper licensing for.
@TwitchSupport
Twitch Support
@TwitchSupport
3 years
We are happy to share that we are now able to support Alternate VOD audio tracks for all users and use cases! Stay tuned for an updated Soundtrack plugin for OBS!
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
The @StJudePLAYLIVE Summit experience never fails to create new friendships and reconnect old bonds, all over shared passion, tears, and determination to fight childhood cancer and ensure that no child dies in the dawn of life. All the love in the world to this team. Thank you.
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
Holy crap. This is a huge win for the #TTRPG community. Moving the SRD 5.1 under a Creative Commons license is an interesting legal move - more to come on all of this.
@DnDBeyond
D&D Beyond
@DnDBeyond
1 year
Over the past few weeks you, the community, have made your voices heard. And we’ve listened. OGL 1.0a will remain untouched AND the entire SRD 5.1 is now available under a Creative Commons license.🧵
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
I turn 32 today, and I’m still figuring out how to celebrate birthdays as an adult. 31 was a great year for me, thanks to you all. If you want to help me celebrate, consider donating to No Kid Hungry to make sure hungry kids have food this holiday season.
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Tiltify - Made for Fundraisers

The #1 platform for livestream and digital fundraising

donate.tiltify.com
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
Twice so far today, I had to remove the phrase "content shall not contain depictions of violence" from contracts to play/promote first person shooter games. Agencies, managers, broadcasters, I beg you, read your contracts more closely please.
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
11 months
1 - For a company that is trying to claim their content distribution platform is actually a service-based tool, Twitch appears to be restricting how you can use that tool. This move actually harms their arguments that they're not a platform.
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
My DMs have exploded because it looks like serious music rights enforcement is coming to Twitch. I’ll be live in a few places this week to chat about the DMCA, what you can do to protect yourself against takedowns, and what resources you can turn to for future streams. #StayTuned
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
Wizards is changing their plan based on community response. They're claiming the new OGL will now not include a royalty, or any license back to WotC on creator's content. This is a HUGE win. They're still going to update the OGL, and we'll keep an eye on what comes next. #OpenDnD
@Wizards_DnD
Dungeons & Dragons
@Wizards_DnD
1 year
Over the past week we have witnessed an incredible outpour of passion and dedication from our community working together to protect and cultivate the inclusive environment of Dungeons & Dragons. Please read our update on the Open Game License:
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
4 - However, the new OGL will prevent continued publication under OGL 1.0a. Works previously published under 1.0a may remain under 1.0a, but new works apparently have to go through the new OGL.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
This article says Twitch pays “licensing fees for live performances, so if you want to perform your own cover of a Metallica song, you're in the clear.” No, you’re not. Metallica can’t even cover Metallica on Twitch. This stuff’s complex, y’all.
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How does Twitch escape its new DMCA hell?

We talked to a lawyer about Twitch's options for appeasing the music industry and anxious streamers.

www.pcgamer.com
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
A good reminder to creators: 1- Read your contracts closely. 2- Don't trust any company's word unless you have it in writing. 3- Don't assume you know what any legal term means. When Twitch rolls out new agreements, there will likely be more changes than have been announced.
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
8 months
This is currently focused on 1) pay increases for voice actor and motion capture artists & 2) combatting the use of AI to replace their work opportunities. And with new AI tools in streaming like Starpower AI, this concern could quickly spread to the streaming industry.
@CultureCrave
Culture Crave 🍿
@CultureCrave
8 months
SAG-AFTRA Board voted unanimously to send strike authorization for the video game industry Companies included are Insomniac, Disney, WB, Epic Games, Activision, and EA
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
@HCJustinn Can confirm, @erinarrt and I took him to the adoption center. It’s in consideration
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
Twitch is rolling out updates related to the mass DMCAs we've seen over the last few years. Importantly, this includes the ability for creators to track how many strikes they have on their channel and to receive DMCA notifications on Twitch itself. There's still much more to do.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
11 months
2 - The company also relies on creators to exist, but is actively making it difficult for all but the most successful creators to fund their streams and self-employment. Many streamers rely on sponsored content to make ends meet, and this limits sponsorship flexibility & options.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
11 months
3 - Twitch's ability to enforce this is a double-edged sword. Enforcing these guidelines requires Twitch to be able to police the content on their site- but they also rely in part on their *LACK* of ability to police their site to avoid liability for copyright-infringing content.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
@lincodega “Don’t revoke OGL 1.0a, but failing that, here’s what we need…” is the way to approach it IMO. Reminding them that that’s the line they crossed to get us here is key, for sure, but ID’ing specific changes to the new OGL now is the best play.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
2 - They include a list of materials that will not be affected by the OGL - however, we'll have to see what the new OGL says. Importantly, there will be NO royalty or financial reporting requirements. Also, the new OGL in theory will not remove VTT's ability to publish works.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
On SUNDAY, AUG 28 at 12pm PT, we kick off the '22 Creator Fantasy Football League for @StJude ! Starring: @McLaffyTaffy @actionjaxon @markiplier @Apocalypto_12 @xCaliGrrlx @Rhabby_V @GoodGameBro & me! Stay tuned for where to watch! Support here 👇
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Tiltify - 2022 St. Jude Creator Fantasy League

St. Jude is fundraising for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month on Tiltify

tiltify.com
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
If implemented, this would come through amendments to Partner contracts, or through new contracts. The last time Twitch issued a wave of contract changes, most Partners accepted without realizing - via a click-thru "Accept" when you logged into the new Partner Dashboard in 2018.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
Cat’s out of the bag and I’m out of my 20’s. Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes so far, feeling the love today!
@JustSeum
Sam Seum 🤍
@JustSeum
3 years
To one of the best friends I could ask for, today is a day for you to be loved on endlessly!! Happy big 30th birthday, @MyLawyerFriend !!! 🥳 Thank you for doing so much for me, our industry, and your close ones. You’re gonna do even bigger things. 💖🎉
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
"Holy crap, music licensing is much more complicated than we thought." DMCApocalypse is getting closer on Twitch and they're starting to realize it.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
@BasicallyIDoWrk Don’t do it @_Lonnetta , the whole “I brought you into this world, I can take you out” thing is not, technically speaking, legal. Laws of nature =/= laws of WA.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
Remember, we can fight racism and sexism at the same time. We SHOULD. Otherwise we’re telling black women that we can only worry about a fraction of the systemic problems they face. That shows our privilege. (/thread)
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
11 months
PS- This certainly affect charity streams on Twitch. In many cases, charities provide kits and swag boxes (or even the opportunity to earn a tshirt), which is a form of compensation. That's why you see #Ambassador on many charity streams. Charities just lost advocacy tools too.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
The day after April Fool’s is the most stressful day for lawyers.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
As we head to the polls tomorrow, KEEP IN MIND that ballot selfies/photos are illegal in the following states: Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Missouri, Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Texas.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
Quick PSA: Apparently Twitch is randomly cancelling subs. If you have subs you want to keep active, check your dashboard. Just had my 62-month subscription to @McLaffyTaffy cancelled for no apparent reason, and checking Twitter shows a few other users having the same issue.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
5 years
I’ve been married to this smart, beautiful, caring woman for a year now. Life has never been better and today we set sail from Rome for another adventure. Happy Anniversary, Erin. I love you more every day.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
Today I’m thankful for both of my families- the one I was born into & the one I’ve chosen. It’s been a year of heartbreaking loss, but also unexpected successes. Thank you for being here with me through it all. If you ever need a lawyer/friend, you know where to find me.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
@byConnieChang Hey! It appears this is very intentional- there’s no reason WotC should get these rights to your works unless they plan to use them.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
The gaming industry prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive industry, but in order to truly achieve that we have to make core changes, otherwise we are going to fail. We are failing, and we need to be better. (4/5)
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
Two years ago I married the best woman in the world, and I love her more every day. Happy anniversary, Erin. I’ll go anywhere with you.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
People of color should not have to know how to face racial epithets and racist abuse, nor should they have to see a lack of positive representation in games. (3/5)
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
Twitch is clearly trying to appear more transparent with the community, but there’s at least one misrepresentation and a few admissions in just this section alone from the email sent out last night. First up: These DMCAs are NOT the first contact from music publishing industry.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
Women should not have to know how to deal with harassment and assault in order to enter this industry. They should be able enter this industry based on their own terms and use the toolboxes that make them great. (2/5)
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
Great thread. In addition to what Zach notes, Twitch has specifically provided two sets of instructions for DMCA takedowns- one for VODs and one for content that is live and ongoing at the time of submission. Seems to indicate they anticipate more live takedowns going forward.
@zachbussey
Zach Bussey
@zachbussey
3 years
Twitch has ENTIRELY re-written their DMCA Guidelines Page. Two BIG notes: 1. 3 stikes officially constitute a 'repeat infringer' 2. Strikes are not permanent (!!!) but kept on the account until they determine you're not a repeat infringer. #TwitchNews
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
@Wizards_DnD Breakdown of the update here.
@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
1 year
An update from #WotC about the future of the OGL. In summary: an apology, but not a walk-back. They will be moving forward with an OGL update. Let's chat through this.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
It’s been a pleasure to fundraise on @Tiltify for @StJudePLAYLIVE for years- make sure you stop by their TwitchCon booth! #IAmTiltify
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
Here’s an article I wrote in October 2017 about this same things. It breaks down the DMCA, use of music on Twitch, and how to be safe doing it. Same stuff, even 3 years later.
@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
My DMs have exploded because it looks like serious music rights enforcement is coming to Twitch. I’ll be live in a few places this week to chat about the DMCA, what you can do to protect yourself against takedowns, and what resources you can turn to for future streams. #StayTuned
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
+Some BTS shots from #KOllOK last night. 10/10 would chaos again with this cast and crew.
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
@BasicallyIDoWrk Son of a...
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
3 years
Looks like Twitch is taking notice of the recent community response. I hope that this is the first step towards actually addressing the music issue, not just lip-service. Please take everything you read in this thread/blog with a grain of salt. Twitch will protect Twitch first.
@Twitch
Twitch
@Twitch
3 years
Your frustration and confusion with recent music-related copyright issues is completely justified. Things can–and should–be better for creators than they have been recently. The next few tweets will outline our plan for being better partners to creators.
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Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
4 years
Seeing this more & more. There’s more streams post-COVID and new streamers using unlicensed music. This increases awareness by labels of unlicensed music on the platform, and more DMCAs overall. I’m always going to recommend using @Pretzel_Rocks for your streaming music needs.
@TheHaleyBaby
HaleyBaby✨
@TheHaleyBaby
4 years
Just a heads up... I got randomly copystrike for a clip that I didn’t even clip from 6 months ago and if I get 2 more, my channel will be terminated. They are really cracking down on music so be careful out there. I have no idea how to even go about this now...
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
2 years
@AdmiralBahroo @Gothalion @McLaffyTaffy Keeping in mind for the Twitterverse that this is not general legal advice: usually in these scenarios we check to see if there’s a sale or profits made of any kind, and then initiate takedowns either through the platform or through demand letters. Shoot me a DM, happy to chat!
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@MyLawyerFriend
Noah Downs, Esq.
@MyLawyerFriend
6 years
On August 3rd, 2018, I got married to my best friend. Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Noah and Erin Downs.
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