Circuit Revives Copyright Case Against MP3tunes, Founder
November 01, 2016
Record companies and music publishers will get more damages and a second shot at holding the founder of MP3tunes liable for additional copyright infringement following a federal appeals court decision on Oct. 25.
Drafting Film Production Compensation Clauses In Light of State Tax Credit Requirements
November 01, 2016
Compensation provisions in entertainment contracts are in one or two subparagraphs. To simplify drafting and to use “plain English,” the compensation provisions often contain introductory, governing language along the lines of: “In full and complete consideration for entering into and performing all of the terms hereof.” However, is such a “plain English” approach always a “best practice”?
Ninth Circuit Examines Copyright Liability Merch Photos Case
November 01, 2016
When, as is often the case, actual copyright damages are difficult to prove, statutory damages may provide the best option for recovery. Recently, in <i>Friedman v. Live Nation Merchandise</i>, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit considered, among other things, two issues greatly affecting the amount of statutory copyright damages: 1) willfulness; and 2) the number of separate awards available for downstream infringements.
Seizure Issues To Consider in Federal Trade Secrets Act
November 01, 2016
Both before and after the passage of the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) in May 2016, which created a federal civil cause of action for trade secrets misappropriation, much ink was spilled over the controversial “seizure” provision.
Photo Agency's Suit Against <i>Oh No They Didn't!</i> At Ninth Circuit
November 01, 2016
A photo agency that sued the owner of online tabloid Oh No They Didn't! for copyright infringement is hoping to reverse a ruling that threw out its case, prompting Pinterest and others to weigh in and argue that reviving the case could erode legal protections afforded to Internet service providers.
Former BET General Counsel Plays Role in Actress's Lawsuit
November 01, 2016
The longtime general counsel of Black Entertainment Television (BET) has a starring role in actress Gabrielle Union's contract case against the network. Union alleges she was duped into working on more episodes of her BET Networks show Being Mary Jane — without a break between seasons four and five to allow her time to continue to pursue her film career between the TV production schedule.
Bit Parts
November 01, 2016
No Sanctions Against Plaintiffs' Counsel for Frivolous Copyright Claim<br>
Upcoming Event
November 01, 2016
Annual Nashville Entertainment, Sports & Media Law Seminar
Photo Agency's Suit Against <i>Oh No They Didn't!</i> At Ninth Circuit
October 31, 2016
A photo agency that sued the owner of online tabloid Oh No They Didn't! for copyright infringement is hoping to reverse a ruling that threw out its case, prompting Pinterest and others to weigh in and argue that reviving the case could erode legal protections afforded to Internet service providers.