File for Chapter 11, Get the First Month's Rent Free?
August 24, 2009
Two recent court opinions challenge the growing consensus that 11 U.S.C. ' 365(d)(3) (the "Statute," or "Section 365(d)(3)") does not require the timely payment of stub rent, which is "the rent for the interim period between the day the order for relief was entered in the bankruptcy case and the end of that month." This article offers an analysis.
Virtual Worlds
July 29, 2009
Given the rising popularity of virtual worlds and the ability to generate real-world income from activities within the virtual realm, it is not surprising that the virtual marketplace is thriving and that trademark and copyright infringements occur on a regular basis.
Style or Substance? Why Not Both? The Averatec All-in-One
July 23, 2009
When considering a new computer for the office, function usually wins over style. After all, the computer is something you use every day regardless of what it looks like. But if function was the only thing that mattered, we'd all be driving Yugos.
Bit Parts
July 23, 2009
Copyright Infringement/Parody Defense<br>Film Production Insurance/Green-Light Endorsement<br>Right of Publicity/Newsworthiness Defense
Counsel Concerns
July 23, 2009
Malpractice Suit over Sound Recordings Is Reinstated<br>Counsel Withdrawal Motion Granted
New Lawyers for MTV in Dispute with Pearlman
July 23, 2009
The tangled bankruptcy mess created by former boy band impresario Lou Pearlman, currently in prison after admitting he ran a $300 million Ponzi scheme, has left a trail of out-of-pocket investors looking to recoup their losses.
Appeal Arguments In Internet-Gaming Statute Challenge
July 23, 2009
In the high-stakes court battle over the constitutionality of a federal law that bans all Internet gambling transactions that would be illegal in the gambler's state, a trio of federal appeals judges in Philadelphia appeared unlikely to strike the law down.
Supreme Court Rejects Cert. Bid In DVR Case
July 23, 2009
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the copyright infringement case brought by television networks and Hollywood studios against Cablevision over technology that allows viewers to record TV shows.
Third Cir. Upholds Contempt Order In 'Drifters' Case
July 23, 2009
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit upheld a finding of contempt against associates, family employees and corporate successors-in-interest of music promoter Larry Marshak over use of the name of The Drifters vocal group. But the appeals court strengthened remedies that plaintiff Faye Treadwell, widow of former Drifters manager George Treadwell, had been awarded by the district court in the contempt proceeding.
Provisions in Book Author/Studio Contracts Covering Motion Picture Sequels
July 23, 2009
Anyone following summer motion picture releases will note the seasonal prevalence of big budget sequels to successful films. In some instances, sequels are derived solely from the scripts of previously produced motion pictures (<i>e.g.</i>, <i>Terminator</i>, <i>Night at the Museum</i>). In other instances, they connect with books or book series that were made into one or more prior films (<i>e.g.</i>, <i>Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince</i>, <i>Angels & Demons</i>). Mindful of the vast rewards that can flow from these so-called "franchises" (<i>e.g.</i>, the James Bond franchise), Hollywood studios structure their agreements with book authors to maximize their chances of creating one.
