Courthouse Steps
Recently filed cases in entertainment law, straight from the steps of the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Bit Parts
Recent developments in entertainment law.
Clause & Effect: <b>Enforcing Deal Memos Between Parties</b>
Negotiations in the entertainment industry are often set down in deal memos that are many times followed by more formal agreements. A complication arises when parties dispute whether a deal memo or a subsequent draft agreement is the enforceable document. This issue recently was considered in a case in California that arose over negotiations for music publishing rights.
AFA President Discusses the Challenges of Being a Franchisee
For more than a decade, Susan P. Kezios has been one of the most outspoken and effective advocates for franchisees. The organization that she founded in 1993, the American Franchisee Association (AFA), lobbies on behalf of franchisees and conducts numerous educational seminars and conferences throughout the year. In this Q&A, Kezios discusses the most prominent challenges that franchisees face today and gives her "insider" perspective on how those challenges can be surmounted.
Court Watch
Highlights of the latest franchisng cases from around the country.
News Briefs
Highlights of the lastest franchising news from around the country.
No 'Doublemint' Pleasure for Global Franchisors
The globalization of American franchise networks is one of the hallmarks of franchising's explosive growth during the past three decades. The International Franchise Association (IFA) notes that during the past decade, almost half of all units established by U.S. franchisors were situated outside of this country. Approximately 500 U.S. franchise networks have a global presence. McDonald's, now in 119 countries, features more than 10,000 foreign franchises; 7-Eleven, more than 18,000; YUM! Brands Inc. (Pizza Hut/KFC/ Taco Bell/A&W/ Long John Silvers) more than 11,000 (adding 1,000 new restaurants a year during the past 3 years); and, InterContinental Hotels Group (the franchisor of Holiday Inns, InterContinental Hotels, and Staybridge Suites) nearly 1,000. <br>However, a recent intellectual property decision handed down on Oct. 23, 2003 by the European Court of Justice threatens not only established American franchisors doing business on that continent, but those thinking of joining their ranks.
State Farm Agents Seek to Prove Franchisee Relationship with Insurer
Discovery will be completed this month in a lawsuit brought by the National Association of State Farm Agents (NASFA) for breach of contract and violation of franchise laws. The case, which is in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, has already generated important rulings for franchisors and franchisees about whether the trade association has the standing to sue as a representative of its members, and whether the case should be heard in state or federal court.
Webinar Review: How to Earn Respect and Advance Your Career
How does a marketer get respect in a law firm? According to a panel of experts, it starts out with support from the top and comes down to knowing what value your firm perceives from your role. Marketers then must determine whether they possess the right skills and enthusiasm to fulfill the firm's mandate ' or else look for respect elsewhere.
Keys to Good Presentations: 15 Rules for Getting Asked Back
One of the great keys to business development is the old adage, "Write, speak, sell." If you have figured out how to get into the media often enough to be perceived by your target audiences as an expert, then you will invariably be asked to speak at their conferences and meetings. This is your chance to develop personal relationships that lead to trust and, subsequently, new business. If audiences enjoy a speech, they are far more likely to want to create a relationship with you afterward. From such relationships flow the best business development opportunities. Unfortunately, most speakers, no matter how professionally qualified, focus on the substance and forget about the entertainment value of presentations.
