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INTERVIEW
In this exclusive interview with International Franchise Association (IFA) chairman Steve Siegel, Associate Editor Kevin Adler, asks about policy priorities for 2003, and other legislative and regulatory developments that affect the franchise industry.
South Korea Enacts Franchise Legislation
The recently enacted South Korean Act on Fairness in Franchise Transactions (AFFT) went into effect on Nov. 1, 2002. According to the Korean government, the purpose of the AFFT is to establish 'fairness in franchise transactions and promote balanced and mutually complementary development on even terms between a franchisor and a franchisee for purposes of advancement of consumer welfare and a sound national economy.'
Damages from Defaulting Franchisees: More Options Than You Think
When the relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee breaks down, one might think the standard measure of damages is just the lost franchise fees. However, just as a simple failure to perform is not the only type of wrong suffered by franchisors, unpaid fees are not the only types of damages available. This article examines a number of cases in which the franchisor's claims — and claimed damages — were outside the ordinary.
<b>Decision of Note</b>California Further Defines Transformative Use
The California Supreme Court has held that the First Amendment protected D.C. Comics against a right of publicity claim brought by Johnny and Edgar Winter, well-known musicians from Texas, based on a series of comic books that incorporated the Winter brothers as characters, albeit transformed into the 'Autumn Brothers' as villainous half-worms.
Dealing With the Implications of Pay-or-Play Agreements for Talent
Disputes arising out of 'pay-or-play' deals between film producers and talent are among the most fertile and reliable breeding grounds for litigation in the entertainment industry.
Bit Parts
Recent developments in entertainment law.
Courthouse Steps
Recently filed cases in entertainment law, straight from the steps of the Los Angeles Superior Court.
<b>Clause & Effect</b>Enforcement of Contestant Confidentiality Agreements
With the increase in 'Survivor'-type reality TV shows ' and competition between program producers ' has come the need for greater protection of production secrets. Applicants and contestants for such reality programs are often asked to sign confidentiality agreements to prevent trade secrets from being divulged. But how binding is a confidentiality agreement if a contestant accuses a producer of manipulating a reality show's outcome?
Cameo Clips
Recent cases in entertainment law.
IN THE MARKETPLACE
Central Leasing Corporation of Birmingham, AL has named Barry Thomas as credit manager. Formerly vice president and group manager at SouthTrust Bank, Thomas will be responsible for overseeing the credit department for the commercial leasing and finance company. In addition, he will also be responsible for managing day-to-day operations.

MOST POPULAR STORIES

  • The 'Sophisticated Insured' Defense
    A majority of courts consider the <i>contra proferentem</i> doctrine to be a pillar of insurance law. The doctrine requires ambiguous terms in an insurance policy to be construed against the insurer and in favor of coverage for the insured. A prominent rationale behind the doctrine is that insurance policies are usually standard-form contracts drafted entirely by insurers.
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  • Abandoned and Unused Cables: A Hidden Liability Under the 2002 National Electric Code
    In an effort to minimize the release of toxic gasses from cables in the event of fire, the 2002 version of the National Electric Code ("NEC"), promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, sets forth new guidelines requiring that abandoned cables must be removed from buildings unless they are located in metal raceways or tagged "For Future Use." While the NEC is not, in itself, binding law, most jurisdictions in the United States adopt the NEC by reference in their state or local building and fire codes. Thus, noncompliance with the recent NEC guidelines will likely mean that a building is in violation of a building or fire code. If so, the building owner may also be in breach of agreements with tenants and lenders and may be jeopardizing its fire insurance coverage. Even in jurisdictions where the 2002 NEC has not been adopted, it may be argued that the guidelines represent the standard of reasonable care and could result in tort liability for the landlord if toxic gasses from abandoned cables are emitted in a fire. With these potential liabilities in mind, this article discusses: 1) how to address the abandoned wires and cables currently located within the risers, ceilings and other areas of properties, and 2) additional considerations in the placement and removal of telecommunications cables going forward.
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