Features

California Court of Appeal Greenlights New Trial In Columbo Net Profits Case
The 1971 agreement between Universal City Studios and creators of the TV series Columbo permitted Universal to be a distributor of Columbo "photoplays." But the contract parties failed to include "just one more thing" when negotiating their 17-page memo deal and two-page rider: a definition of the key term "photoplays."
Features

Second Circuit Rules on Fantasy Sports 'Game of Skill' Controversy
During the 2017 to 2019 baseball seasons, allegations were made that individual baseball clubs were engaged in electronic "sign stealing." Shortly after this activity was acknowledged by Major League Baseball's Commissioner, a class action suit was filed, alleging that MLB made actionable misrepresentations that had an impact on the fantasy baseball games.
Features

Making Sense of the 421-A Rent Concession Appeals
Landlords initially renting up new RPTL 421-a buildings routinely give incoming rent-stabilized tenants rent concessions to account for the fact that construction may be ongoing, and that there may still be punch list items in the apartments. This seemingly innocuous practice, however, has led to class-action litigation wherein tenants allege that rent concessions are part of a fraudulent scheme that results in massive building-wide overcharges under the Rent Stabilization Law.
Columns & Departments
Real Property Law
Purchaser of Mixed-Use Building, Not Master Lessee of Residential Units, Liable for Rent Overcharges Questions of Fact About Liability for Broker Commission After Expiration of Brokerage Agreement Statute of Limitations Does Not Bar Strict Foreclosure Action
Features

Fifth Circuit Ruling Gives Commercial Lessees Likely Protection In Bankruptcy Court Free and Clear Asset Sales
The Fifth Circuit signaled that it would not approve in later cases a bankruptcy court asset sale of real property that summarily cuts off the rights of the debtor's lessees.
Columns & Departments
Bit Parts
Seventh Circuit Denies COVID-Shutdown Insurance Coverage to Movie Exhibitor
Features

Questions of Fact About Liability for Broker Commission After Expiration of Brokerage Agreement
In an action to recover a brokerage commission, the Appellate Division affirmed a broker's appeal of denial of its summary judgment motion, holding that questions of fact remained about seller's liability for a commission after expiration of the brokerage agreement.
Columns & Departments
Landlord & Tenant Law
Prior Landlord's Purchaser of Loft Tenant's Improvements Exempted Unit from Rent Regulation Notice of Termination Did Not Meet Federal Standards Tenant Entitled to Actual Damages for Landlord Breach, But Not to Suspension Payment Tenant Entitled to Preliminary Injunction Against Use of Video Cameras In Interior of Premises
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