Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%
Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.
Ninth Circuit Focuses On Extrinsic Test In Ruling On Choreography Copyright
To determine whether there is "substantial similarity" between contesting works in copyright infringement cases, federal courts within the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit use a two-step analysis: first an "extrinsic" test based on objective criteria that includes testimony from experts; followed by a subjective, non-expert "intrinsic" test from the perspective of an "ordinary reasonable observer." District courts typically use only the extrinsic test on motions to dismiss the pleadings in order to spot any objective similarities between works in dispute.
The Ninth Circuit has now issued a rare ruling on how the extrinsic test should be applied in determining the copyrightability of choreography. Hanagami v. Epic Games Inc., 22-55890 (9th Cir. 2023).
In the case, choreographer Kyle Hanagami filed an infringement action against Epic Games in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California over an emote named "It's Complicated" from the popular video game Fortnite Battle Royale. Hanagami claimed the emote was an "inch-perfect copy" of choreography he created for music artist Charlie Puth's "How Long" video. The suit focused on a four-beat segment of a five-minute choreographic work that Hanagami — who has also served as choreographer for such artists as Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears and Justin Bieber — registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only
ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE SINGLE SOURCE OF OBJECTIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS, PRACTICAL INSIGHTS, AND NEWS IN ENTERTAINMENT LAW.
- 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
Already a have an account? Sign In Now Log In Now
For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473
Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws
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.
The Article 8 Opt In
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.
Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin
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.
Legal Possession: What Does It Mean?
Possession of real property is a matter of physical fact. Having the right or legal entitlement to possession is not "possession," possession is "the fact of having or holding property in one's power." That power means having physical dominion and control over the property.
The Stranger to the Deed Rule
In 1987, a unanimous Court of Appeals reaffirmed the vitality of the "stranger to the deed" rule, which holds that if a grantor executes a deed to a grantee purporting to create an easement in a third party, the easement is invalid. Daniello v. Wagner, decided by the Second Department on November 29th, makes it clear that not all grantors (or their lawyers) have received the Court of Appeals' message, suggesting that the rule needs re-examination.