“Left Shark” became an Internet phenomenon after Katy Perry’s Super Bowl half-time show earlier this month. In fact, Perry now is seeking to assert a copyright claim in the character (an out-of-sync back-up dancer), according to TechDirt. After the show, Fernando Sosa sought to sell 3D printed versions of Left Shark online. Shortly thereafter, Perry’s […]
According to the Hollywood Reporter, on Monday Sony Pictures requested that eight class action lawsuits be dismissed. Sony also has submitted a motion to consolidate these actions. Ultimately, Sony claims that that the plaintiffs have not asserted an actual injury (i.e. identity theft or fraudulent charges). Instead, the lawsuits, that were filed on behalf of ex-employees
Last week FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, announced that the Federal Communications Commission would impose strict rules to enforce net neutrality. According to Law360, Wheeler seeks to re-classify broadband providers as public utilities, such that they will be regulated like electric companies. This announcement has been developing over the past few months. Originally, Wheeler sought to
Imagine you win one of the most successful reality television shows in history, along with the hearts and votes of millions of Americans. Yet, now, you are forced to sign a contract that allows your managers and producers to refuse to disclose to you the name of your upcoming album, obligates you to perform live
“That sick beat,” “Could show you incredible things,” “Nice to meet you. Where you been?” Sound familiar? According to Time, Taylor Swift has applied to trademark these lyrics, among others, from her recent album, 1989. But these sound like ordinary, everyday sayings–can Swift successfully obtain a trademark to these phrases? Yes. While a trademark cannot be an
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Lexington Insurance Co. (a unit of AIG) has developed a new type of insurance–one that will protect companies when their celebrity endorser makes headlines (in a negative way). Previously, brands would either cancel their contracts with the celebrity, pull advertisements, or even remove the endorsed product from the market when
According to the LA Times, earlier this month, District Judge Dolly M. Gee, ruled in favor of the Dish Network’s implementation of several program recording tools. In 2012 and 2013, Dish unveiled four different mechanisms for recording shows–Dish Hopper, Prime Time Anytime, AutoHop, and Hopper Transfers. While the case originally named several large networks as plaintiffs,
According to Fox News, there may be a connection between the hack on Sony Pictures’ computer network and North Korea. Apparently, the malware that was placed on the computers was written in Korean; however, some think that this was a purposeful attempt to confuse investigators as to the origin of the attack. Authorities still are
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Breakdown Services is seeking a preliminary injunction against three individuals–Frank Moran, Louise Yanofsky and Steven Rubin–who manipulated the system to bypass a credential check. Breakdown Services receives scripts and requests for script reads from casting directors. Then these submissions are sent to licensed talent agents and qualified personal managers who screen the roles before
According to Variety, Judge Sidney Thomas for the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, ordered that the “Innocence of Muslims” video case be reheard en banc this upcoming December. The previous ruling shocked tech firms as the 9th Circuit ruled that Cindy Lee Garcia held a copyright interest in her very small role in the film, and ordered
According to the Wall Street Journal, on Monday Taylor Swift removed her music from the streaming service, Spotify. Recently, Ms. Swift’s label, Big Machine Label Group, requested that Spotify release her new album on its platform only in the United States (as the label tries to grow her fan base internationally). However, Spotify did not
