Under §301 of the U.S. Copyright Act, state law claims that are "equivalent" to exclusive rights in copyrights granted by federal law are preempted by the federal statute. To survive preemption, courts consider whether a state law claim in a lawsuit has an "extra element" that qualitatively distinguishes it from a federal copyright claim.
- August 01, 2021Stan Soocher
In response to the worst period on record for cyber attacks, the ABA published Formal Opinion 498 to address practicing law outside of the traditional brick-and-mortar office environment. It reminds lawyers that while the ABA Model Rules permit virtual practice, they provide minimum requirements and recommendations for virtual practice, particularly in the areas of competence, confidentiality and supervision.
August 01, 2021Mark SangsterWith each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.
August 01, 2021Emil SayeghActivision Blizzard and a trial team led by San Francisco-based Durie Tangri partner Daralyn Durie recently faced down a $400 million copyright suit in the Eastern District of Texas. In this Q&A, Durie talks about the strategy and the theatrics of the four-day trial.
August 01, 2021ssalkinThere are numerous "gameplays" to reduce risks when selecting and hiring a technology vendor. Whether you are able to accept a risk and to what extent are not always clear. Just know that, like in chess, your opening move to an IT deal can be your most powerful.
August 01, 2021Abeer Abu JudehThe surge in ransomware attacks has made familiarity with the provisions of cyber insurance essential for professionals in the entertainment industry, which is among prime targets of ransomware operatives.
August 01, 2021John Palmeri, Danielle Gardiner and Carlos RiveraFor the Big 4 consultancies, hoteling has been a positive operational construct for over a decade, or in some cases longer. The success of the decentralized law firm depends in some part on how well firms can shift "hoteling" from the negative connotation of "losing my desk" to the positive connotation of "having a hotel-like experience."
August 01, 2021Anthony DaviesSince the pandemic began, lawyers have been using the coronavirus to justify nonpayment of rent, construction delays and even termination of labor contracts. But the prospect of litigating a contract cancellation based on force majeure is still so fraught with peril that many breach-of-contract disputes end in an amicable resolution.
August 01, 2021Charles ToutantFor the foreseeable future, patent applications involving artificial intelligence technologies will increase with the continued proliferation of such technologies. However, subject matter eligibility can be a significant challenge in securing patents on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
August 01, 2021James W. SoongIn June, New York's lawmakers approved amendments to the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act, exempting cooperative corporations from some of the most onerous provisions, and clarifying others. Once signed, the new legislation will not only be a huge victory for the thousands of cooperative apartment buildings but also for many potential purchasers who were unable to purchase in those buildings as a result of the Act.
August 01, 2021Jeffrey Schwartz and Mark Hakim











