When Boilerplate, Customized Clauses Collide in Media Merger Deals
September 01, 2019
Some contract provisions will necessarily be customized for use in the particular agreement, while others will be boilerplate. But the intersection of those provisions in a merger agreement involving the acquisition of Cablevision Systems Corp led to a serious dispute— and cautionary tale for the merger-laden entertainment and media industries — about interpretation of the agreement, requiring a Delaware court to determine the impact of potentially conflicting language.
Limit in Supreme Court Striking Down Ban On 'Scandalous' Trademarks
September 01, 2019
In the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Iancu v. Brunetti, Justice Sonia Sotomayor's dissent cautioned that the decision is likely to pave a path to a "coming rush to register [vulgar, profane, or obscene] trademarks." The reasoning stems from the court's majority finding that a portion of 15 U.S.C. §1052 — which had previously prohibited the registering of "immoral" or "scandalous" trademarks — is unconstitutional. Practically speaking, however, this "coming rush" will likely not be the case, even via the entertainment industry.
Players on the Move
September 01, 2019
A look at moves among attorneys, law firms, companies and other players in entertainment law.
CA Appeal Ct. On Defamation Claims Against Bill Cosby
September 01, 2019
The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, ruled in favor of actress and former supermodel Janice Dickinson in her 2015 suit against comedian Bill Cosby over comments his then-attorney Marty Singer made to the press.
Bit Parts
September 01, 2019
Former Accountant for W.C. Handy Estate Can Proceed with Defamation Claims Against Estate's Trustee and Lawyer
Law Firm Diversity Roundtable
August 01, 2019
Creating an Environment Attractive to Diverse Lawyers Where They Can Rise to the Leadership Level
A roundtable discussion with four prominent leaders in law and recruiting who weigh in what firms are doing — and can do — to create environments that are attractive to diverse lawyers and enable them to rise to the leadership level.
Delaware Supreme Court Theater Ruling Addresses Party's Deposition Demeanor
August 01, 2019
There are difficult depositions. Unproductive depositions. Ones where people cry or are rude or angry. And then, as the Delaware Supreme Court noted, there's Carole Shorenstein Hays. The 70-year-old Tony award-winning theater producer's behavior during her deposition prompted the Delaware Supreme Court to issue a 20-page addendum blasting her.
