A New Beginning
August 27, 2009
Thinking of law school as an assured meal ticket or as simply a safe harbor in which to weather the economic storm is probably not appropriate in today's world, particularly given the substantial debt that law students typically incur in order to pay for their education," notes a prominent law school dean.
Divorces During Hard Economic Times
August 27, 2009
With a Democratic president and a larger Democratic majority in Congress, we have already seen significant changes in tax laws and federal legislation affecting different aspects of our lives. What will these new laws mean for our divorcing clients and how should our clients change their legal strategies in anticipation of these new laws?
Single-Publication Rule Applies to Publicity Claim
August 27, 2009
In a limited victory for publishers, the California Supreme Court ruled on Aug. 17 that the state's single-publication rule applies to the tort of appropriation of likeness. Christoff v. Nestl' USA, Inc., S155242. The ruling came in the case of a model who said Nestle USA used his face ' without his knowledge ' to sell Taster's Choice instant coffee for years.
Motown Magic Sues Willkie Farr for Fraud, Breach of Contract
August 27, 2009
Willkie Farr & Gallagher has been sued in federal court in Los Angeles by Lamont Dozier, the cofounder of songwriting and production team Holland-Dozier-Holland, which was behind hit Motown acts like The Supremes and The Isley Brothers. At issue: Willkie's role advising on an issuance of Bowie Bonds, the asset-backed security for song royalties sometimes called Pullman Bonds because they were popularized by the banker David Pullman, now chairman and CEO of The Pullman Group in New York.
Monster Magazine Covers in Biography Are Fair Use
August 27, 2009
In the movies, it seems that monsters are always up to no good ' making mayhem or setting fires. But in a federal court in Philadelphia recently, a couple dozen movie monsters made some important new law and set a few significant precedents in the area of copyrights and trademarks that may help to define the doctrine of fair use for years to come.
Talent Boutiques Challenged By Business Downturn
August 27, 2009
The recession has hit an entertainment law sector that has undergone considerable change during the past decade. Boutique law firms that represent most of the talent end of the entertainment business have multiplied amid the dissolution of some long-standing firms and the departure of top attorneys who struck out on their own.
IT is Dead; Long Live IT
August 26, 2009
There is an irony to IT in law firms: Firms spend so much time on issues like IT infrastructure and upgrade projects that they spend too little time using technology to improve how lawyers work. Law firms cannot achieve real value from their technology investments until they change this model.
Insurance Coverage for Trademark Infringement Lawsuits
August 26, 2009
Standard liability insurance policies contain, in addition to the well-known bodily injury and property damage coverages, an often-forgotten section known as "advertising injury," which affords coverage that too many companies overlook.
Court Watch
August 26, 2009
Highlights of the latest franchising cases from around the country.
