Features

On June 24, 2011, in a dramatic 33-29 vote, the New York State Senate passed the Marriage Equality Act (MEA) legalizing same-sex marriage in the Empire State. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed the bill into law the same night, and the first same-sex marriages were performed under the Act on July 24, 2011. The next day, a lawsuit was filed seeking to invalidate the MEA and any marriages performed under it.

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Within a matter of days in late spring, U.S. Courts of Appeals on opposite sides of the country rendered decisions that have set the stage for the same-sex marriage issue to reach the Supreme Court. Will the Court agree to review DOMA and Proposition 8 in its new term?

That some action is needed in the realm of cybersecurity is the one thing beyond debate. Over the last year, supporters of various versions of legislation have emphasized that the nation's critical infrastructure ' including electrical grids, water stations and telecommunications systems ' is a target for cyber-attacks.

Texas Bar 22d Annual Entertainment Law Institute<br>Austin, TX, October 25-26

Film Budgets Subject to Public Disclosure<br>"Stronger" Similarities Not Strong Enough to be Infringing<br>Sublicense for U.S. Song Remains Valid in Russia<br>Talent Agent Experience Helps Establish Foundation as Expert on Personal Management Post-Term Commissions

Despite its high rate of piracy, the strengthening of intellectual property laws in China has given some hope to owners of trademarks from other countries. The instructive article that follows documents the many twists and turns involved in in seeking to protect the trademark for a Japanese cartoon in China.

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For merchants of all types, accepting credit card and debit card payments is almost a requirement of doing business in today's increasingly "cashless" economy. However, as the numbers of these transactions have increased, the costs that merchants must absorb on those payments have become a serious issue.

Features

Even if a concert venue carries liability insurance to cover the scheduled performance, it is important for the musical group to carry its own liability and property insurance. And because cancellations, postponements, and the inability of the performer to take the stage also often occur due to unforeseen circumstances, those with a financial stake in the live event could also benefit greatly through the purchase of event cancellation and/or non-appearance insurance.