Estate-Planning Issues for Entertainers
December 28, 2006
Estate planning is central to the post-mortem distribution and protection of an individual's assets. Celebrities have special estate-planning concerns that include intellectual-property valuations, how the valuations affect estate taxes and post-mortem administration of intellectual-property. In the following interview, conducted in Nashville by Entertainment Law & Finance Editor-in-Chief Stan Soocher, entertainment attorney Robert L. Sullivan discusses these and related estate-planning issues that affect artists. Sullivan is a partner in the Nashville office of Loeb & Loeb where his clients include songwriters, music-publishing companies, record companies and recording artists. He has 30-years of experience as an entertainment lawyer and serves as a trustee for the estate of Johnny Cash.
The Price of Holiday Parties
December 22, 2006
Now that the holiday season is over, employers may be facing fallout from their holiday parties. Although a review of recent cases asserting social host and workers' compensation liability reveals few reported decisions, there is likely no corresponding reduction in risk, and the increasing number of employers hosting holiday parties in recent years prompts an analysis of the challenges employers face in planning their annual holiday parties. It is not too soon to plan for next year's celebrations, while the experience from this year is fresh. This article discusses illustrative cases and suggests a number of concrete steps employers may wish to consider to reduce injuries and potential liabilities in planning their next holiday parties.
Bit Parts
November 29, 2006
Copyright Renewal/'Posthumous Work' <br>Radio Broadcasting/Sponsored Airplay<br>Royalty Waiver/Copyright Not Transferred
Courthouse Steps
November 29, 2006
Recently filed cases in entertainment law, straight from the steps of the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Cameo Clips
November 29, 2006
Theatrical Productions/Minimum Musicians Required<br>Talent-Broadcast Contracts/Pro-Rata Compensation
Obtaining Rights For Music-Driven TV Productions
November 29, 2006
This is Part Two of a two-part interview, coordinated by <i>Entertainment Law & Finance</i> Editor-in-Chief Stan Soocher, with Santa Monica-CA-based entertainment Henry Root. In Part One, Root, who has extensive experience handling legal issues for music-driven television productions, discussed considerations in clearing rights in, and determining fees for, songs and sound recordings used in a production, as well as how option rights for the music are negotiated. Root also began, and continues here, a discussion of the issues to be negotiated for a record label to waive its exclusive right to the services of an artist who will appear in a TV music production. Root also discusses copyrights in artist TV performances, reciprocal rights with record labels, holdbacks on exploitation, and warranties and representations.
<b>Decision of Note: </b>Artist Can End Royalty-Collection Arrangement
November 29, 2006
The Court of Appeals of Tennessee held that singer Bonnie Bramlett could terminate her relation with a royalty-collection firm, which would then be obligated to tell the royalty-paying companies to submit the artist royalties directly to Bramlett. <i>Sheridan Music Group Inc. (SMG) v. Bramlett</i>.
Malpractice 'Notice' and 'Claims' Issues In Suits Against Entertainment Attorneys
November 29, 2006
The increase in recent years in malpractice claims against lawyers has impacted entertainment attorneys, too. If a malpractice complaint is filed, will the attorney's liability policy cover the suit? Two primary concerns here are whether the attorney has timely notified his or her insurer of a malpractice claim and how to determine the number of malpractice 'claims' for purposes of the insurer's malpractice-coverage obligations.<br>A recent ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin addressed both issues, as well as which state's law should apply in interpreting malpractice policies.
Valuing Licenses and Degrees, New York Style
November 29, 2006
New York often serves as a leading venue for concepts in matrimonial law. Although states differ widely on valuation issues such as personal and organizational goodwill, the concept of value to a professional license or degree has a certain amount of differentiation to the marital pot. Matrimonial attorneys need to recognize the valuation theories underscoring arguments of earnings capacity. Depending upon the applicable state's case law, these theories will impact their next case.
The Second Annual MLF 50: The Top 50 Law Firms in Marketing and Communications
November 27, 2006
At the outset, let me congratulate the 50 firms that made this year's MLF 50. The fact that out of the hundreds of law firms with marketing programs, these 50 firms have attained the status of being considered the best programs in the country is a testament to the fabulous strides that law firm marketing, business development and media programs have achieved over the last year. There is good news here: Marketing is alive, well and prospering at many of the AmLaw 200 firms. This year, the MLF 50 showcases a wide range of firms and their marketing activities that can best be described by using a sports metaphor ' a full contact sport. The profession has come a long way in terms of sophistication, depth and creativity. In the following pages, you will see the power of marketing, business development and media and how can transform and strengthen a law firm ' and yes, make it more profitable. What is important to note is that many of these marketing activities were created as vehicles for pro bono and diversity initiatives. It should come as no surprise that doing good deeds for others and creating a diverse environment leads to prosperity.
