Features

Supreme Court Set to Hear Transformativeness Fair Use 'Warhol' Case
In the October 2022 Term, the Supreme Court is set to decide whether courts assessing transformativeness under the first fair-use factor of the Copyright Act may consider "the meaning of the accused work where it 'recognizably deriv[es] from' its source material." The case may profoundly affect the fair use analysis, and in turn, the scope of copyright protection for many works.
Features

Fifth Circuit Weighs In on Scope of Releases and Exculpation
In an important recent U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit decision, the court explored whether exculpation provisions protecting more than just the debtor and committee are appropriate.
Features

Small Business Tenants: Know Thy Lease
Many landlords are loyal to their tenants and only increase rates at the end of the current lease. Others take a more aggressive approach. They actively find creative ways using lease restrictions to evict tenants. While this isn't necessarily fair, it is legal.
Columns & Departments
IP News
Federal Circuit: Trade Dress Imitation In the Ninth Circuit
Features

Are Voting Rights Provisions In Subordination Agreements Enforceable?
Subordination agreements often contain an agreement by the subordinated creditor that, if the issuer is a debtor in a bankruptcy case, the senior creditor can vote the claim of the junior creditor on any proposed Chapter 11 plan. If given effect, such a voting provision can give a senior creditor significant power, relative to both the subordinated creditor and other creditors, to support or oppose confirmation of a plan.
Features

The Story Behind AFM & SAG-AFTRA Royalty Fund Distribution Litigation
The case of a session musician's unpaid royalties revealed a gross lack of initiative on the part of the trustees and directors of AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund and that the fund administrators had made little if any effort for years to distribute funds to thousands of session musicians and backup singers.
Features

Transitional Housing Arrangements Are Not Illusory Tenancies
The Appellate Division Second Department recently issued a landmark ruling in Sapp et al v. Clark Wilson et al concerning two hot button issues; namely illusory subtenancies and status of transitional occupants.
Features

Update on Changes In New York's Ticket Sales Law
NY's update to its regulatory scheme for event ticketing principally affects the rules governing disclosure requirements for primary ticket sale prices and restricts the means of secondary ticket resale, including by expanding penalties for the use of scalper software "bots" and unauthorized ticket purchasing software.
Columns & Departments
Development
Local Law Prohibiting Drive-Through Windows Requires Full Environmental Assessment Form Area Variance Denial Upheld Redevelopment Project Did Not Transfer Inalienable Parkland Town Board Took Requisite Hard Look At Environmental Impact of Mixed-Use Development Court Rejects Claim of Conspiracy to Violate Vested Rights
Features

Protecting a Trademark Licensor's Rights In Its Licensee's Bankruptcy Case
A recent bankruptcy case from the District of Delaware underscores the need for a trademark licensor to be alert to filings made in its licensee's bankruptcy case that may require prompt action by the licensor to protect its valuable rights under a license agreement.
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