Commemorative Ad Isn't Protected Free Speech
February 28, 2014
Entertainment trade publications often compile special issues and sections that include tribute ads commemorating celebrated individuals and events. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit weighed in on the practice in the context of free speech regarding an ad in a special issue of the consumer imprint <i>Sports Illustrated</i>.
The Ethical Boundaries of Attorney Whistleblowers
February 28, 2014
In recent years, federal legislation has encouraged attorneys to become whistleblowers. These rules are in tension with the lawyer's duties of confidentiality and avoiding conflicts predicated on attorney self-interest because they allow disclosure of client confidential information more broadly than do applicable ethics rules.
Copyright Concerns In Electronic Music
February 28, 2014
An increasing amount of popular music lacks several traditional markers that courts use to determine whether one song is "substantially similar" to another. But can a sound texture be protected by copyright? This article provides a road map for lawyers and judges alike to navigate substantial similarity in non-traditional forms of music, with a particular focus on electronic music.
Key Privacy Law Developments
February 28, 2014
Earlier this year, President Obama addressed the nation to outline steps he will take to rein in the surveillance activities of the National Security Agency. Obama noted that "challenges to our privacy do not come from government alone." The President's remarks were the culmination of a year in which consumer privacy issues have roared into the public narrative, and they underscore a theme that privacy lawyers had already sensed about their practice by the end of 2013: The tide is changing.
Bit Parts
February 28, 2014
Ninth Circuit Applies California Statute of Limitations to Legal Malpractice Suit by George Clinton Against Law Firm He Retained from Seattle<br>State Restriction on Ability to File Suit Bars Claim over Concert Joint Venture
Ninth Circuit Upholds WA State Publicity Rights Amendment
February 28, 2014
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the constitutionality of Washington's publicity rights law in a trademark dispute over the rights to singer and guitarist Jimi Hendrix's name and likeness.
Managing Partners and 'Gamification'
February 28, 2014
Many managing partners tell us they are struggling to get their arms around new tools and techniques for driving more efficiency and cost-effectiveness into legal service delivery. Firms are seeing more and more RFPs in which clients make increasingly draconian demands for better management and control of legal work. AFAs (alternative fee arrangements) are reshaping not just pricing and profitability, but the whole way in which matters are staffed and billed.
No 'Good Cause' Found to Stop Interest Accrual On Value of CKx
February 28, 2014
CKx Inc., the entertainment company that holds the rights to <i>American Idol</i> and other TV programs, and is involved in litigation over its acquisition by Apollo Global Management LLC, cannot order the challenging shareholder to accept the undisputed portion of the purchase price of its stock, the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled.
Legal Issues in What Celebrities Wear At Award Shows
February 28, 2014
For many viewers, the main attraction of Hollywood award ceremonies are the gowns and tuxedos worn by celebrities as they stroll from interview to interview on the red carpet. A positive appearance can be a make-or-break moment for the fashion houses that outfit the stars and bring sought-after attention to the star. But what rights govern the wearing of designer gowns by celebrities at these events? And what rules apply when designers want to make commercial use of the celebrities who wear their creations?
Court Watch
February 28, 2014
U.S. Supreme Court Strengthens Franchisors' Ability to Litigate In Chosen Forum <br>Arbitration Provision Not Enforced Against Franchise Transferee<br>Franchisor Entitled to Terminate Franchises Without Notice Based on Fraudulent Inducement
