First Amendment and Trade Secrets Issues In Government/Private Promoters' Live Events
January 31, 2016
Many local governments operate live event venues. Unlike dealing with private venues, concert promoters and producers might bring First Amendment free speech claims against government-controlled event facilities over how a local government chooses which promoters/producers with which to work. There's also the issue of whether the governmental authority or a private promoter owns ticket subscriber information that the private promoter generates through its live events work at a government-controlled venue.
Texas Can Deny Film Grant over Movie's Content
January 31, 2016
In a ruling certain to disappoint those who want to film B-grade action movies in Texas on the cheap, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit decided that the producers of <i>Machete Kills</i> don't have a First Amendment right to an incentive grant from the Texas Film Commission.
Public Interest In Rosa Parks Overrides Publicity Right
January 31, 2016
In an opinion that reads like a biography, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit used Rosa Parks' starring role in the civil rights movement to justify ruling against a nonprofit corporation that owns her name and likeness. The appeals court held that the nonprofit cannot pursue a common-law right of publicity case against Target Corp. over the retailer's selling books, movies and a plaque depicting Parks' life.
Upcoming Event
January 31, 2016
SXSW Music Conference 2016 CLE Program. Austin, TX, March 18-19.
Prioritizing e-Mail Security in the Legal Sector
January 31, 2016
Data breaches and cyberattacks aren't new occurrences, but it can sometimes feel like they are. It's only in the last few years that we've seen these attacks make headlines more and more, increasing in both quantity and impact.
The Essentials of Collaboration Agreements for Literary Works
January 31, 2016
While all creative collaborations have features in common, there's a uniquely intimate and trusting nature of the relationship between someone (the subject) whose story interests the public, and a writer engaged by him or her to put that story, either jointly or singly, into concrete form (the writer).
Data Breach Liability
January 31, 2016
Today's legal departments are undergoing fundamental changes thanks in part to the imminent threat of ongoing cyberattacks. Given the massive breaches at some of the world's visible brands, it is increasingly clear that cybersecurity can no longer be regarded as the exclusive domain of IT.
SEC Sets Limits on Crowdfunding
December 31, 2015
On Oct. 30, 2015, the SEC issued new regulations to complete its work for implementing the sections of the JOBS Act that, for the first time, permit use of the Internet to raise equity financing. These latest regulations are scheduled to go into effect on May 16, 2016.
