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Development
Cases of importance to your practice.
Southern District Upholds Constitutionality of RLUIPA
In one of the earliest decisions addressing the constitutionality of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), the Southern District of New York upheld the law. <i>Westchester Day School v. Village of Mamaroneck</i>, 2003 WL 22110445 (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 5, 2003). Only three other courts to date have addressed the issue. Challenges are pending in Connecticut, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Index
A comprehensive list of key cases discussed in this issue.
Landlord & Tenant
Cases of importance to your practice.
Bit Parts
Recent developments in entertainment law.
Second Circuit Affirms Ruling On Tarzan Rights
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit decided that illustrations and introductions for two Tarzan books made by artist Burne Hogarth at the "instance and expense" of the estate of Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs (ERB) were works for hire. <i>The Estate of Hogarth v. Edgar Rice Burroughs Inc. (ERB)</i>, 02-7312. Thus, Burroughs' estate retained the original and renewal copyrights in the books.
Protecting Record Producer's Interest In Music-Royalty Audit Scenarios
An unfortunate fact in the recording industry is that successful records result in audits by royalty participants. This is partly due to the entrenched distrust that artists have for record companies and partly to simple prudent business practices. If an artist sells hundreds of thousands or millions of units around the world, it would be the rare company that could move that many pieces of product without making a mistake. Sometimes the mistakes are just mistakes, and sometimes an audit holds up a mirror that reveals what happens under the record company hood - warts and all. And the "all" category can be very interesting.
Pet Peeves in Negotiating Entertainment Deals
I've edited a treatise on what to do when negotiating contracts in the entertainment industry. This article is about what not to do. What started me thinking about this was when an attorney insisted that an option contract between my producer client and his playwright client contain a provision that the playwright be invited to the opening night party. Then I started thinking about the other things that almost drive me over the edge when I am negotiating with other attorneys in our business.
<i>Clause & Effect</i><b>Interpreting 'Preliminary' Joint Venture Agreements</b>
Celebrities and entertainment entities may enter into joint venture agreements for projects with other parties to obtain funding and/or administrative support. The joint venture may begin with an initial letter agreement between the parties, though there are specific elements that must be included to make the letter agreement binding.
Cameo Clips
Recent cases in entertainment law.

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