LJN Newsletters

Software company Fortres Grand is pressing to revive its trademark infringement claims against Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. for using the name of the real-life "Clean Slate" computer program in the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises .

Maryland Federal Court Issues Ruling in Dispute over Boxer Roberto Duran's Life Story
New York Federal Court Refuses to Apply First-Filed Exception to Dispute Over "Bette Davis Eyes" Jewelry

These days, it is commonplace for companies to license multiple parties in various distinct geographical areas to use the same trademark. Because different licensees may be competitors of one another in different product lines, the question often arises as to whether one licensee may challenge another's right to use a licensed mark and, if so, where.

Two important aspects of merger agreements are the price and the nature of the post-closing obligations of the sellers to defend or indemnify the buyer for claims arising out of presale conduct. As to the former, parties to merger transactions often bridge valuation gaps with earn-outs. The selling stockholders receive a cash payment at closing and an additional contingent right to receive a specified amount of future payments depending on how well the business performs.

Band Is Allowed to Self-Release Album During Contract Battle with Victory Records
Song License Non-Signatory Can Compel Arbitration
Videogame Service Representative's Voiceover Work for Employer Ruled a Work for Hire

The change of federal government in Australia on Sept. 7, 2013 has created some uncertainty in relation to the changes to the Franchising Code of Conduct that were expected to result from a recent comprehensive review of the Code.

While the marital status of a franchisee may seem unimportant to most franchisors, with nearly 50% of all first marriages ending in divorce (and higher for second and subsequent marriages), it is inevitable that a franchisor will be asked at some point, on some level, to become involved in the divorce of a franchisee. Handling the issues that arise can ensure that the specific franchise unit(s) owned by the divorcing parties continue to thrive and that the brand is not damaged.

When California lawmakers sent a host of online privacy bills to the governor in the final weeks of the session, consumer groups generally reacted with a "ho-hum."