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Debtor May Assume License as Executory Contract Despite Anti-Assignment Language Image

Debtor May Assume License as Executory Contract Despite Anti-Assignment Language

Cherie S. Raidy

In a recent decision of interest to the leasing community, the U.S. District Court of Maryland has held that a Chapter 11 debtor could assume a software license agreement (SLA), as an executory contract, although the agreement contained a clause that the debtor could not "assume or assign" the agreement, and even though the assignability of the SLA was clearly precluded by federal copyright law.

Leasing Industry Remains Optimistic Despite New Business Contraction in 2002 Image

Leasing Industry Remains Optimistic Despite New Business Contraction in 2002

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

The Equipment Leasing Association has released its 2002 Survey of Industry Activity (SIA) report results, which reveal that the $208 billion equipment leasing industry followed the trend line of most industries in the challenging 2002 economic times. Respondents to the latest ELA survey experienced a year-over-year contraction, as respondents reported more than $117.2 billion in new business volume in 2002. Overall new business volume was reported as $114.6 billion in 2001; however, survey participants providing both 2001 and 2002 new business volume showed a 4.6% decrease year over year.

Features

Selected Issues in Domestic Tax-Exempt Leasing Transactions Image

Selected Issues in Domestic Tax-Exempt Leasing Transactions

Daniel Lavin

Lease investors have been participating in cross-border transactions for a wide variety of municipal facilities for several years. Assets have included water and sewer systems, electric and gas distribution systems, rail rolling stock and infrastructure, and convention centers. Investors have also been participating in transactions involving U.S. state and local government entities for several years. However, the preponderance of the U.S. transactions closed to date have involved rolling stock or transit facilities.

Features

<B><I>Decision of Note</b></i>Federal Court Can't rule on Joint Property Image

<B><I>Decision of Note</b></i>Federal Court Can't rule on Joint Property

Stan Soocher

The U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico decided that rulings by Puerto Rican courts that a late composer's songs weren't joint property with his widow prevented a federal court from deciding the issue.

Features

Cameo Clips Image

Cameo Clips

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Recent cases in entertainment law.

<b><i>Clause & Effect</b></i>Issues in Drafting Work-for-Hire Agreements Image

<b><i>Clause & Effect</b></i>Issues in Drafting Work-for-Hire Agreements

Stan Soocher

The common use of content created by freelance talent has made the signing of work-for-hire agreements a common requirement of entertainment production companies. But just how specific must the contract language be to make the work-for-hire provision binding on the content creator?

Features

Securitization May Work Beyond Music Royalty Income Stream Image

Securitization May Work Beyond Music Royalty Income Stream

Sean F. Kane

A securitization is a process whereby an individual or entity pools the right to future payments that it is owed, and sells this right as a security. The first individual to capitalize on the concept of securitization of intellectual property (IP) assets was musician David Bowie. He issued a bond offering backed by his copyright royalties in 25 of his albums comprising approximately 250 songs. Although industry experts expected a flood of music rights securitizations following the launch of the "Bowie Bonds" in 1997, this did not come to pass. However, securitization as a concept is not limited to just music copyright royalties. Any IP right with a proven revenue stream could be used as the underlying asset in a securitization. Therefore, there is a huge potential for extending the concept of IP securitizations to other areas of the entertainment industry.

Bit Parts Image

Bit Parts

Stan Soocher

Recent developments in entertainment law.

Courthouse Steps Image

Courthouse Steps

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Recently filed cases in entertainment law, straight from the steps of the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Recent Developments from Around the States Image

Recent Developments from Around the States

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

A look at the latest cases from around the states.

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