Two Firms from the Top 20 of the Third Annual MLF 50
November 27, 2007
While this year's rankings were not heavily weighted on advertising and visual communications, I would be remiss if I didn't highlight two firms that did use visual communications to effect image and change. Herein, Thompson & Knight LLP, and K&L Gates.
Is Anyone Out There?
November 26, 2007
The recent flurry of activity in behavioral targeting has privacy advocates sharpening their proverbial claws and ready to enter the fray. Indeed, between Google's merger with DoubleClick, AOL's acquisition of Tacoda, and Facebook's announcement that it may leverage user information to generate advertising revenue, there's plenty to talk about. For e-commerce counsel, the primary issue emerging is whether our jurisprudence can balance privacy interests against the advertisers' business interests, or whether such things are better left to those most vested in the issue. This article delves into the relationship between the quality of the online experience and the extent to which personal information should be shared with commercially interested parties.
Online Sweepstakes and Contests As Promotional Devices
November 26, 2007
Online sweepstakes and contests are frequent devices used to promote companies and their products and services. While these tools of the online promotions and marketing trade offer the promise of a cost-efficient way to target interested consumers and create a great deal of buzz, they are hardly trouble-free and myriad traps await the unwary. The Attorney Generals of several states closely regulate and monitor sweepstakes and contests and failure to conduct the campaign properly can result in regulatory enforcement actions and consumer lawsuits.
Bit Parts
November 26, 2007
Arbitration/NFL Agent Contracts<br>Copyright Exemption/Subject-Matter Jurisdiction<br>Sampling/Copyright Infringement<br>Trademark Infringement/TV-Reality Series
Cameo Clips
November 26, 2007
COPYRIGHT DAMAGES/CLAIM PRECLUSION<br>LIVE PERFORMANCES/CLAIMS BY ARTIST
CA Supreme Court Hears Arguments In Talent Act Case
November 26, 2007
Hollywood had its eyes on the California Supreme Court last month when arguments were heard in a case that could shake up the way personal managers and their fame-hungry clients conduct business. The case has the entertainment world all atwitter because the outcome will have a major impact on the complex interplay between personal managers, talent agents and entertainers.
State-Law Claims Over TV Footage Are Dismissed
November 26, 2007
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed state-law claims brought over the TV broadcast of a 37-second clip of plaintiff Jonathan E. Smith, an animal trainer, being attacked by orca whales at Sea World and a segment of Smith discussing the attack in a later interview.
Industry's Lead Counsel in Music-Sharing Suits Discusses Procedural Aspects of Campaign
November 26, 2007
The RIAA has filed thousands of legal actions since its campaign against unauthorized file sharers began in 2003. For the past two years, Holme Roberts & Owen (HRO), based in Denver, CO, has served as national coordinating counsel for these cases. HRO partner Richard L. Gabriel, the record industry's lead counsel in its national campaign, gave an update on the industry's legal efforts against file sharing in a discussion at his office with <i>Entertainment Law & Finance</i> Editor-in-Chief Stan Soocher.
Copyright Misuse: An Overview
October 30, 2007
The doctrine of copyright misuse is a fairly recent development in copyright law. Since it was first recognized less than 20 years ago, the judicially created doctrine has emerged as a valid defense in at least several circuits, while other courts have been reluctant to accept it.
Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell: What Lessons Lie Here for Your Firm?
October 30, 2007
This article reviews the <i>Charney</i> case and applicable federal cases that might apply in workplace discrimination and relatiation situations, and points out the hidden dangers of local ordinances that attempt to regulate human behavior, and (arguably) even thought, in the workplace.
