In the Courts
March 02, 2017
The Fifth Circuit recently clarified the Anti-Kickback Act. Here's an analysis of the ruling.
BIT PARTS
March 02, 2017
California Federal Court Rules in Favor of YouTube in Lawsuit over Removal of Artist's Music Video<br>Daman Wayans' Anti-SLAPP Motion Is Granted in Racial Harassment Suit by Actor<br>Lanham Act Doesn't Apply to Unauthorized Use of Roger Nichols Song in Political Ad<br>
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 02, 2017
SXSW Conference<br>The Changing Analysis of Copyright Infringement in Music
New York Court Sees No Fair Use in <i>Star-Trek</i> Inspired Fan Film
March 01, 2017
The creative story-telling that fueled the passion of fans inspired a number of them to expand the Star Trek universe on their own through "fan films," which can challenge the property owners' efforts to maintain the integrity and appeal of their franchise. If unchecked, unauthorized derivatives could lead to an eventual loss of the copyright and trademark rights that underlie the value of the property.
Paul McCartney's Suit over Songs' Recapture Rights
February 01, 2017
Paul McCartney has long wanted to reclaim ownership of his share of the copyrights to "Love Me Do," "Ticket to Ride" and numerous other Beatles hits he co-wrote with John Lennon. But the unfavorable December 2016 decision by a British judge in a copyright termination dispute involving the 1980's hitmakers Duran Duran raised some doubts — at least in the minds of Sony/ATV Music Publishing and its counsel — about whether the U.S. copyright law rights can supersede valid contracts assigning away musical rights and also prevent Paul McCartney from exercising his termination rights.
New Hockey Team's Trademark Dispute Nothing New
February 01, 2017
What happens in Vegas does not necessarily stay in Vegas. Such was the recent ruling by the USPTO that denied registration of the trademarks "Las Vegas Golden Knights" and "Vegas Golden Knights" to the newest NHL franchise, due to their similarity to Golden Knights of the College of Saint Rose, a mark owned by a small college in Albany, NY.