Squaring Off: The Right of Publicity v. The First Amendment
February 24, 2010
Recently, two incidents involving one of the world's most famous couples, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, once again brought the focus onto right of publicity issues, as well as potential First Amendment defenses to right of publicity claims.
Substantial Contribution Claims
February 23, 2010
Where a creditor retains a professional to advance a particular position in a Chapter 11 case whose efforts result in the making of a substantial contribution to the case, such creditor can potentially get reimbursed for all of its out-of-pocket expenses, including for reasonable compensation for professional services rendered.
Five Steps to Managing Social Media Risks
January 29, 2010
On the one hand, companies want to capture the attention of potential customers roaming the social media space. On the other hand, conversations in the blogosphere are largely uncontrollable, and raise a myriad of risks. Social media can cause serious losses if not handled correctly.
Strategic Sourcing
January 29, 2010
Law firms face an ongoing challenge to reduce costs. Proactive firms can reduce their recurring costs for goods, equipment and services while maintaining quality and service levels by developing and implementing strategic sourcing programs. Strategic sourcing involves systematically examining spending as a whole and developing a holistic strategy to achieve greater savings than could be gained by "one off" cost-cutting measures. While strategic sourcing does not include payroll costs, enhancing the quality of non-payroll services will indirectly help payroll cost management.
Bit Parts
January 29, 2010
Film Studio Wins Tax Credit Case<br>One-Second Sample Isn't Automatic Copyright Infringement<br>"Sham Affidavit" Rule Applied in Memorabilia Suit
Expert Witnesses
January 29, 2010
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California denied a motion to exclude the expert testimony of a witness who has worked in advertising and celebrity endorsements for more than three decades.
Representing Clients with Gambling Debts to Casinos
January 29, 2010
As a young associate at McManis Faulkner & Morgan, Eric Sidebotham was put in charge of a $4-$6 million gaming dispute between a Silicon Valley executive and a New Jersey casino. Little did he know then that the negotiation skills and casino-related expert witness contacts he picked up at McManis Faulkner would help keep his own two-lawyer firm afloat through one of the deepest recessions in recent memory.
NY Appellate Court Dismisses <i>Star Trek</i> Memorabilia Suit
January 29, 2010
A <i>Star Trek</i> fan who claims he was humiliated after spending more than $24,000 on fake props at a Christie's auction has had his $7 million suit against the auction house zapped by the New York Appellate Division, 1st Department.
