Online Extra: Effie Film LLC Loses Attorney Fees Bid After Winning Copyright Suit
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York denied the Effie film production company's bid for attorney fees and costs in its declaratory action against author Eve Pomerance over the parties' scripts about relationships among three famous art-world figures.
Copyright Challenges In Use of Historical Facts for Productions
Historical facts are the essence of fictionalized 'true stories' as well as non-fiction historical accounts. But authors who dip into the bowl of history to prepare their own creative works must accept that facts are not protectible under copyright. This exclusion applies equally to the facts in a fictionalized or fictional narrative as well as to non-fiction history.
Third Cir. Embraces 'Transformative Use' As Defense Against Publicity Right Claim
In a case of first impression, a split panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit restored a cause of action by a former college football player who says his likeness was appropriated without his consent for use in a video game.
Features
Due Diligence Considerations in M&A Deals in Entertainment, Sports and Media Industries
For entertainment, sports and media (ESM) industries bidders ' and their counsel ' contemplating a merger-and-acquisition deal, last year's Delaware Supreme Court decision in <i>RAA Management LLC v. Savage Sport Holdings Inc.</i> highlighted the importance of assessing risk early in the due diligence process.
Features
FTC Warns Companies of Children's Privacy Violations
On May 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent letters to more than 90 businesses, informing them that they could potentially be in violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) when changes to the law go into effect on July 1.
The Federalization of Bitcoins
On March 18, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Treasury Department (FinCEN) issued guidance on the application of its regulations: 'Application of FinCEN's Regulations to Persons Administering, Exchanging, or Using Virtual Currencies.' Much of its attention is focused on the bitcoin, a virtual currency introduced in 2009, although this currency is not mentioned by name.
Features
The Reality of Virtual ADR
While Internet applications of ADR are neither technologically nor legally restricted to disputes arising out of Internet transactions, it seems to be particularly suitable for the resolution of e-commerce disputes when parties are frequently located far from one another.
Features
Using IP to Prevent Negative UGC Comments
Smart companies understand that the power of user generated content (UGC) is that it is at least somewhat out of control. They craft their brand strategies accordingly, using social media to address customer concerns directly and publicly, rewarding social media influencers and picking their battles. But still, the courts remain full of litigants who do not seem to get the message. In particular, some businesses continue to attempt to use intellectual property law to stop customers from sharing their experiences on the Internet.
Columns & Departments
Bit Parts
Jury Instructions for Implied Contract Cases<br>No Safe Harbor for Uploads of Pre-1972 Sound Recordings
Features
Identifying Unnamed Online Speakers
The '<i>Dendrite</i> test,' has discouraged lawsuits whose real objective is identifying anonymous speakers. Prior to <i>Dendrite</i>, thousands of lawsuits were filed each year seeking to identify Internet speakers, and enforcement of subpoenas was almost automatic. Since <i>Dendrite</i>, both the number of lawsuits designed to identify Internet speakers and the automatic nature of the enforcement of those subpoenas has declined due to the broad application of Dendrite. Recently, an appellate court in <i>Warren Hospital v. John Does (1-10)</i> has limited the application of <i>Dendrite</i>.
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