Protecting Reality TV Formats a Tough Sell
The nature of reality has bedeviled scientists, philosophers and theologians for millennia. The nature of reality television programs, however, is a relatively modern concern and ' like reality itself ' doesn't lend itself well to copyright protection.
Social and Mobile Media Games Creation Raise Sensitive Legal Issues for Developers
The social and mobile game industry is experiencing rapid growth as thousands of gaming companies and developers make their games available on iTunes, Facebook and other platforms in the hope of launching the next <i>FarmVille</i> or <i>Angry Birds</i>. The popularity of social and mobile games is expected to expand as sales of tablet computers and smartphones rise. In this competitive landscape, it is not uncommon to find new games that are similar to established popular games, even bearing similar names and features.
Bit Parts
Counsel Concerns<br>Puzo Estate's Claim of Breach of 1969 Godfather Agreement Not Preempted by Federal Copyright Law<br>Subsequent Purchaser of Network Rights Not Liable for Royalties to Original Seller
Cameo Clips
File-Sharing of Books<br>Right of Publicity/Descendibility Limit
Trademarking Athletes Names and Slogans
Bryce Harper's application to trademark his famous retort: "That's a clown question, bro" is one of the latest examples of a growing trend: athletes seeking trademarks on nicknames, slogans and catchphrases. This isn't a new thing. But the latest rash of athlete applicants shows that it is happening more and more frequently.
No Injunction In Video-on-Demand Litigation
The digital content era has moved patent issues to the forefront for the entertainment industry. In one recent case, even after winning a patent infringement case, a video-on-demand company still may not get an injunction prohibiting ongoing infringement by defendant Verizon Communications.
1992 Agreement Bars Recapture of Superman Copyrights
In a decision that helps pave the way for Warner Brothers Entertainment and its DC Comics subsidiary to maintain their grip on the Superman franchise, District Judge Otis Wright II of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California rejected a bid by the estate of Superman co-creator Joe Shuster to reclaim partial control over the iconic superhero.
Parameters of Court Jurisdiction In Entertainment Litigations
The question of whether a court has personal jurisdiction over the parties in a particular lawsuit is fundamental and often raised. The national scope of the entertainment industry ' from artist concert touring to the interstate distribution of music, motion picture, TV and other creative content ' certainly makes personal jurisdiction a common issue in entertainment litigations. This article examines several recent court rulings as examples of how judges today are determining whether personal jurisdiction exists in entertainment cases.
Pinning Your Company's Hopes on Pinterest
Heralded as the next big thing in social media, Pinterest presents new legal risks for companies engaged in social media marketing. By sharing images and encouraging others to re-pin them, Pinterest users may inadvertently engage in copyright or trademark infringement, violate licensing agreements, or run afoul of FTC rules for commercial endorsements.
