Bit Parts
Copyright Infringement/Parody Defense<br>Film Production Insurance/Green-Light Endorsement<br>Right of Publicity/Newsworthiness Defense
Counsel Concerns
Malpractice Suit over Sound Recordings Is Reinstated<br>Counsel Withdrawal Motion Granted
New Lawyers for MTV in Dispute with Pearlman
The tangled bankruptcy mess created by former boy band impresario Lou Pearlman, currently in prison after admitting he ran a $300 million Ponzi scheme, has left a trail of out-of-pocket investors looking to recoup their losses.
Appeal Arguments In Internet-Gaming Statute Challenge
In the high-stakes court battle over the constitutionality of a federal law that bans all Internet gambling transactions that would be illegal in the gambler's state, a trio of federal appeals judges in Philadelphia appeared unlikely to strike the law down.
Supreme Court Rejects Cert. Bid In DVR Case
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the copyright infringement case brought by television networks and Hollywood studios against Cablevision over technology that allows viewers to record TV shows.
Third Cir. Upholds Contempt Order In 'Drifters' Case
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit upheld a finding of contempt against associates, family employees and corporate successors-in-interest of music promoter Larry Marshak over use of the name of The Drifters vocal group. But the appeals court strengthened remedies that plaintiff Faye Treadwell, widow of former Drifters manager George Treadwell, had been awarded by the district court in the contempt proceeding.
Provisions in Book Author/Studio Contracts Covering Motion Picture Sequels
Anyone following summer motion picture releases will note the seasonal prevalence of big budget sequels to successful films. In some instances, sequels are derived solely from the scripts of previously produced motion pictures (<i>e.g.</i>, <i>Terminator</i>, <i>Night at the Museum</i>). In other instances, they connect with books or book series that were made into one or more prior films (<i>e.g.</i>, <i>Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince</i>, <i>Angels & Demons</i>). Mindful of the vast rewards that can flow from these so-called "franchises" (<i>e.g.</i>, the James Bond franchise), Hollywood studios structure their agreements with book authors to maximize their chances of creating one.
A Touch of Gray
No one enjoys clearing rights. Checking that you may use content (whether on your Web site, in a publication, or for a performance) and won't be sued over it takes time and effort. And, for e-commerce counsel clients, that means more money.
Bit Parts
Band Names/Federal Trademark Dilution Act<br>Digital Royalties Suit/Motion to Dismiss Denied<br>Personal Manager/No Personal Jurisdiction<br>Public Performance Right/Vicarious Liability
