The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently acknowledged criticisms of the “total concept and feel” test for substantial similarity in copyright infringement. This judicial recognition of mounting criticism of the influential test appears to invite a challenge to overrule it in favor of a new test.
- February 01, 2026Catherine Nyarady and Crystal Parker
The U.S. Supreme Court will consider if Internet users can sue websites for sharing their data with Facebook under the 1988 law aimed at protecting customers' private video rental history.
February 01, 2026Jimmy HooverNotable recent court filings in entertainment law.
February 01, 2026Entertainment Law & Finance StaffA look at moves among attorneys, law firms, companies and other players in entertainment law.
February 01, 2026Entertainment Law & Finance StaffThere are two key federally created entities whose mission it is to issue licenses and collect royalties on behalf of rights holders for digital transmissions of music: SoundExchange and the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC). This article reports on recent court rulings over whether the plaintiffs had viable causes of action related to SoundExchange and MLC royalty payments.
January 01, 2026Stan SoocherFlorida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal revived a defamation lawsuit of a Palm Beach County woman after finding the trial judge had improperly dismissed her case, which accuses a Peacock TV docuseries of falsely depicting her as the “madam” of a prostitution ring, among other crimes.
January 01, 2026Annie MayneNotable recent court filings in entertainment law.
January 01, 2026Entertainment Law & Finance StaffA look at moves among attorneys, law firms, companies and other players in entertainment law.
January 01, 2026Entertainment Law & Finance StaffIn 23XI Racing LLC v. National Association of Stock Car Racing LLC (NASCAR), racing teams 23XI and Front Row Motorsports Inc. sued NASCAR, including over the latter’s inclusion of a waiver clause in agreements that permit teams to compete in NASCAR’s pinnacle Cup Series.
December 24, 2025Sulaiman Abdur-Rahman and Ross ToddEarly in Van Halen’s career, Neil Zlozower shot photos of the music group at Sunset Sound Studios with Eddie holding his famous "Frankenstein" guitar. Years later, Zlozower sued the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum, alleging copyright infringement after the institution included two of his Van Halen photos, unlicensed from and uncredited to Zlozower, in exhibits at the museum.
December 01, 2025Stan Soocher










