Columns & Departments
Upcoming Events
Annual Entertainment Law in Review<br>Copyright Year in Review
Features
Software Maker Files Appeal in Batman Film Trademark Suit
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 <i>The Dark Knight Rises</i> .
Columns & Departments
Cameo Clips
Maryland Federal Court Issues Ruling in Dispute over Boxer Roberto Duran's Life Story<br>New York Federal Court Refuses to Apply First-Filed Exception to Dispute Over "Bette Davis Eyes" Jewelry
Features
It's a Licensee Eats Licensee World
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.
DE Supreme Ct. Rules on <i>Viacom</i> and <i>Harmonix</i> Merger
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.
Bit Parts
Band Is Allowed to Self-Release Album During Contract Battle with Victory Records<br> Song License Non-Signatory Can Compel Arbitration<br>Videogame Service Representative's Voiceover Work for Employer Ruled a Work for Hire
Features
Changes Recommended to Australian Franchising Legislation
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.
Common Issues Franchisors Face When Franchisees Divorce
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.
Features
Slew of Privacy Bills Will Keep CA Lawyers Busy
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."
U.S. Releases Draft Cybersecurity Framework
The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released its draft of a voluntary cybersecurity framework on Oct. 22 that will allow both private and public companies that work with critical infrastructure to better evaluate cyber risk, and prepare better defenses against ever-increasing online attacks.
Need Help?
- Prefer an IP authenticated environment? Request a transition or call 800-756-8993.
- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- New York's Latest Cybersecurity CommitmentOn Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.Read More ›
- INTERVIEWIn this exclusive interview with International Franchise Association (IFA) chairman Steve Siegel, Associate Editor Kevin Adler, asks about policy priorities for 2003, and other legislative and regulatory developments that affect the franchise industry.Read More ›
- The 'Friendly Fraud' ChargebackThe abuse of the chargeback option has resulted in a "friendly fraud" epidemic harming not only merchants, but the very consumers the programs were designed to help.Read More ›
- Evaluation of Intelligent Discovery Processes by Squire, Sanders & DempseyDue to the high volume of electronically stored information, document review and production is often the most expensive part of the discovery process. In an effort to lower the costs of litigation discovery, Squire Sanders invested in an assessment of next-generation intelligent discovery tools and processes.Read More ›
- Landlord & Tenant LawQuestions of Fact About Whether Tenant Exercised Renewal Option Hearing Necessary to Determine Whether Landlord Can Remove Tenant to Complete Restoration Work Questions of Fact About Landlord Fraud Additional Security Deposit Constitutes Source of Income DiscriminationRead More ›