<b><i>Online Extra</b></i> Google GC Calls Out MPAA 'Secret' SOPA Campaign
The movie industry was already having a bad week with the Sony hacking and then the fallout between North Korea and Hollywood over 'The Interview.' Now Kent Walker, Google Inc. senior vice president and general counsel,'has spoke out against the Motion Picture Association of America'in a blog post on Dec. 18. He says he is 'deeply concerned' about reports the MPAA has led a secret campaign to revive failed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) legislation. '
Bit Parts
Complaint States Direct Infringement Claim Against Fan Websites Operator<br> Direct Seller WWE Wins <i>Ex Parte</i> Order for Stopping Merchandise Counterfeiters
Legal Minefields In Using Twitter For Promotions
In today's digital era where consumers rely heavily on social media for news and entertainment, it has become increasingly common for entertainment companies to join the conversation on popular platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Marketers have found that authentic and meaningful engagement with consumers on Twitter can have a lasting impact.
11th Circuit Says Copyright Co-Owner Can File Own Suit
In upholding a statutory damages award against a tavern owner who failed to obtain a public performance license for music used in the venue, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit formally embraced the principle that a co-owner of a copyright may sue for infringement.
Sirius XM's Losses In Suits on Pre-'72 Sound Recordings
For the third time in as many months, Sirius XM lost a court ruling over the issue of pre-1972 sound recordings. In a decision that further upsets the status quo for the music and copyright worlds, a federal judge in New York ruled that the owners of pre-1972 sound recordings have performance rights to their records, and that Sirius XM therefore infringed copyrights.
Counsel Concerns
A Philadelphia-based litigation funding company is suing a California law firm and its client over the alleged failure to repay funds loaned to help support the client during his copyright suit against musical artist Usher and various record labels.
$7.3 Million Award For Discovering Lady Gaga
A federal jury in Newark ordered Robert Fusari, a record producer credited with launching the career of Lady Gaga, to pay $7.3 million to a songwriter who claimed she brought the two together.
Global Corruption Enforcement
Counsel, directors and managers of multinational companies that have corporate compliance programs and codes of conduct in place may think the company has done all it can to reduce the risks posed by potential corrupt employee actions. But these things may not go far enough.
Practice Tip: Intelligent Cars
Recent technological advances are allowing the car industry to consider a shift away from the need for a driver because of increasingly intelligent and connected vehicles. This article briefly surveys the major legal challenges likely to be faced during this evolution in several key areas
