Lundin v. Discovery Communications: Even in Reality TV Context, Parties Can’t Contract Away Liability Based on Intentional Harms
The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in Lundin v. Discovery Communications ruled that a defamation suit brought by a reality television star against the network and producers of a reality show was not barred simply by virtue of an exculpatory “Assumption of Risk” provision containing a waiver of all claims. Significantly, the
Assembly Bill 168’s Impact on Hollywood
As of January 1, 2018, Assembly Bill 168, a new California law prohibiting employers (including movie and television studios) from asking potential employees for their salary history, went into effect. The new law prohibits the following: (1) Relying on the salary history information of an applicant for employment as a factor in determining whether to
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Blockchain and Film Distribution
As the world becomes more familiar with blockchain, people and companies continue to turn to the rapidly adopted technology to solve problems that were previously seen as just the costs of doing business. Over the past few years, in addition to serving as the backbone for headline-grabbing digital cryptocurrencies, the blockchain ledger has been used
Law360 “2018 Glass Ceiling Report” Ranks CDAS Among the Best Law Firms in the Nation For Women at All Levels of Practice
Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP (CDAS) has been ranked among the best firms in the nation for women at all levels of practice. Law360’s “2018 Glass Ceiling Report” identifies 62 law firms that “are outpacing their peers – breaking down barriers and forging a path to a more diverse working environment.” In the report
Chambers USA 2018 Ranks Partners Lackman and Wolff as Top IP Attorneys; Recognizes Two Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP (CDAS) Practice Groups
Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP is delighted to announce that partners Eleanor M. Lackman and Nancy E. Wolff and both CDAS’s Entertainment and IP, Copyright and Litigation Practices have been recognized by Chambers and Partners in the Chambers USA 2018: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business guide. This is the fifth consecutive year Ms. Lackman and the second consecutive year Ms. Wolff
CDAS’s Copyright Photo/Video Claims Defense Checklist for Media Platforms
Copyright infringement claims from photographers and image licensing companies have become increasingly common with the widespread use of easily accessible digital content on the Internet and in social media. Photo copyright owners discover these claims en masse by way of image recognition software, and often pursue them using high-volume contingency fee-based law firms, claiming that
Eleanor M. Lackman Shortlisted for Two Euromoney LMG Americas Women in Business Law Awards
Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP partner Eleanor M. Lackman earned two nominations in the categories of “best in copyright” and “best in media and entertainment” for Euromoney Legal Media Group’s 2018 Americas Women in Business Law Awards. In 2017, Euromoney honored Ms. Lackman in the copyright category. The 2018 awards will be presented at a ceremony on June 7th at Essex House in New
Nancy E. Wolff Named to 2018 Managing Intellectual Property’s “Top 250 Women in IP” List
Cowan, DeBaets, Abraham’s & Sheppard LLP (CDAS) Partner Nancy E. Wolff has been selected for inclusion in Managing Intellectual Property’s (IP) “Top 250 Women in IP” list. The special publication recognizes female practitioners in private practice who have performed exceptionally for their clients and firms in the past year. Managing IP explains that these leading female
Partner Susan H. Bodine Named to Variety’s “2018 Power of Women N.Y. Impact Report”
Susan Bodine, Partner and Co-Head of Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams and Sheppard LLP’s (CDAS) Entertainment Practice is featured in Variety’s “2018 Power of Women New York Impact List.” Sue is recognized in the feature for helping talented artists and business people achieve creative and professional goals. Recent deals include Netflix series for two clients — Mary
Examine How the #MeToo and #TimesUp Movements are Impacting Entertainment Contracts
As the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements and their effects continue to unfurl, Hollywood is utilizing legal mechanisms via entertainment contracts to implement and supplement the changing norms, from “morals provisions” to “inclusion riders.” What are commonly referred to as “morals provisions” have a long history in the entertainment industry, but in recent years, have been