Data Security Breaches
February 28, 2015
In April 2014, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey decided that the FTC could pursue a claim that a hotel company's failure to have adequate data security measures is an unfair trade practice. The agency believes that data security is a basic responsibility of any company that accepts consumer personal information.
Counsel Concerns
February 28, 2015
When Weil, Gotshal & Manges litigators get tapped for an antitrust class action, it's usually assumed the firm is playing defense. But a bit of role-reversal paid off for Weil Gotshal in February, when a judge awarded the firm $16.1 million in class counsel fees and expenses, and signed off on a $58.5 million settlement payment it negotiated from the music performance-rights organization SESAC.
Obama Calls for Industry's Cooperation On Cybersecurity
February 28, 2015
President Barack Obama signed an executive order on Feb. 13 promoting information-sharing between the private sector and the government in an effort to combat the rising number of security hacks and data breaches.
Cybercrime
February 28, 2015
Just when you thought that it could not get worse for companies in the context of cybersecurity and privacy issues ' it does. Distributed denial of service attacks (DDoS) are also on the rise. This article reviews the sobering news about cyberattacks and provides some tips when considering insurance for cyber risk in 2015.
Ninth Circuit Upholds Marley Estate False Endorsement Claim
February 28, 2015
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decided there was sufficient evidence to support a jury's finding that merchandiser A.V.E.L.A. violated the Lanham Act by using the unlicensed image of Bob Marley on t-shirts and other merchandise in a manner likely to cause confusions.
Upcoming Event
February 27, 2015
SXSW Music Conference 2015 CLE Program. Austin, TX, March 20-21
Expanding the Playing Field for Video Game Lawsuits
January 31, 2015
Video game litigation is a hot area for entertainment lawyers in 2015, as more celebrities have sued over being cast as game characters without their permission. The spree is driven by a pair of 2013 rulings that sided with athletes depicted in college football games, lawyers said, as well as by the overall boom in gaming sales which has made the industry a rich target for plaintiffs lawyers.
<i><b>Online Extra:</i></b>New Round in Producer's Fight Against WWE
January 31, 2015
According to a lawsuit filed in Connecticut's Bridgeport Superior Court, a well-known wrestler may have crossed the line with an alleged attack on a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) video producer during a pay-per-view event. Andrew Green, of Simsbury, CN, says he was assaulted by 7-foot-tall, 440-pound Paul Wight Jr., who performs under the name "Big Show" and has appeared in several nonwrestling movies.
Is Band's Name Too Offensive For Trademark Approval?
January 31, 2015
Offensive band names are a staple of rock music. Rock fans of a certain age will remember The Dead Kennedys of punk rock fame. The Butthole Surfers, Pussy Galore and Dying Fetus developed substantial followings despite, or because of, their outrageous names. Oregon dance rock band The Slants is another that seems determined to provoke.
