Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Entertainment Law & FinanceKickerFeaturesTopicsCommercial LawLitigationRegulationTechnology Media and TelecomSectionsNewsLJN Newsletters

D.C. Circuit Ruling Starts Next Phase in Debate Over 'Net Neutrality'

By David Ingram

Comcast Corp.'s courthouse victory over the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in April might not turn out to be a win for the company after all if it speeds the path for wider regulation of broadband services. A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the FCC failed to justify its jurisdiction to regulate Internet traffic. Comcast Corp. v. Federal Communications Commission, 08-1291. The unanimous ruling was a short-term affirmation for those who want to rein in the FCC's ability to impose “net neutrality” rules, but major battles loom in at least two venues: the commission and Congress. A loss in either place would mean a lot more uncertainty for companies like Comcast.

In a move that some say would spark the “World War III” of communications law, advocates for consumers and content providers want the FCC to reclassify Internet service providers as telephone-style common carriers. The idea has simmered for years, and the D.C. Circuit's ruling gives proponents a new reason to push. It could mean increased regulation and years of litigation, and it would likely split the FCC along partisan lines, with the three Democrats in favor and two Republicans opposed.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Beach Boys Songs Written Decades Ago Triggered Current Quarrel With Lawyers Image

There's current litigation in the ongoing Beach Boys litigation saga. A lawsuit filed in 2019 against Nevada residents Mike Love and his wife Jacquelyne in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada that alleges inaccurate payment by the Loves under the retainer agreement and seeks $84.5 million in damages.

Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws Image

This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.

Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin Image

With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.

The Article 8 Opt In Image

The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.

Transfer Tax Implications on Real Property Leases Image

The real property transfer tax does not apply to all leases, and understanding the tax rules of the applicable jurisdiction can allow parties to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary tax liability.