FCC Pushes Net Neutrality Proposal
November 25, 2009
The Federal Communications Commission on Oct. 22 moved forward on proposed "net neutrality" rules that would prevent Internet service providers from intentionally blocking or slowing Web traffic.
Comments on the Side
November 25, 2009
In an announcement in September, Google revived a controversy that had been lying dormant for almost a decade. With Google's new Sidewiki service, any Tom, Dick or Harry (or Teresa, Deidre, or Helen), can post their comments about a company, right there on the company's Web site. Well, not exactly on top of the site, but close enough.
Bit Parts
November 25, 2009
Copyright Infringement Claim Doesn't Extend to Foreign Release of Song<br>Record Label Denied Request to Block Use of Band Name in Live Performances<br>U.S. Court Lacks Jurisdiction to Decide Copyright Claim over European Distribution of Sheet Music
Cameo Clips
November 25, 2009
COPYRIGHT TRANSFER/RETAINED RIGHT TO SUE<br>PERSONA USE DISPUTE/MOTION TO INTERVENE<br>SONG INFRINGEMENT/FAIR USE DEFENSE
Counsel Update in Destiny's Child Song Litigation
November 25, 2009
Singer-actress-celebrity Beyonc' and her father-manager Mathew Knowles have parted ways ' at least in their choice of lawyers ' in defending a copyright case set for trial in Chicago.
Interpreting FTC's New Endorsement Guidelines
November 25, 2009
For the first time since the 1980s, the FTC recently overhauled its guidelines and liability parameters for product endorsements and testimonials. These updated guidelines, which took effect Dec. 1, also cover the use of consumer endorsements and reviews. Entertainment companies that promote products ' and celebrities who blog and tweet ' through new media should consider how these guidelines may affect their marketing practices.
Administration Deal No Bar to Songs Grant from Artist
November 25, 2009
The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee ruled that a music publisher's exclusive administration rights to songs by recording artist Lori McKenna didn't prevent Warner Bros. Records from getting the rights directly from McKenna for compositions on McKenna's Bittertown album.
Use on Foreign Web Site Is Not U.S. 'Publication'
November 25, 2009
In a ruling of first impression, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware decided that photographs published on a foreign Web site weren't simultaneously "published" in the United States.
Current and Impending Virtual World IP Issues
November 25, 2009
With popularity and subscribership rising, games like World of Warcraft, EverQuest, There and Second Life are big business. Growth has brought litigation. Indeed, some law firms have practice groups addressing this medium's issues.
