The Bottom Line The Music Modernization Act is getting a lot of press, and for good reason: it is one of the most significant updates to music law in decades. While the impact of the MMA will primarily be felt by DSPs, artists and songwriters, the creation of the Mechanical Licensing Collective and Continue Reading
All Bets Are Off (or On): SCOTUS Strikes Down Federal Ban on Sports Betting
The Bottom Line The Supreme Court held 6-3 that federal law prohibiting states from enacting sports betting schemes was an unconstitutional "commandeering" of state law issues by the federal government. In striking down the prohibition, the Court paved the way for states to decide for themselves Continue Reading
The Ninth Circuit’s “Blurred Lines” Decision: What Advertisers Should Know
The Bottom Line The Ninth Circuit's decision in the "Blurred Lines" case raises more uncertainty in the area of music copyright law. While many experts still maintain that "style" and "groove" are not protectable by copyright, the Ninth Circuit's decision to uphold the 2015 jury verdict establishes Continue Reading
#MeToo and #TimesUp Movements Cause Entertainment and Advertising Industries to Re-Examine Talent Agreements
The Bottom Line Studios, networks, agencies and marketers are negotiating for stronger and broader morals clauses in talent contracts in the wake of the #MeToo revelations, and following the #TimesUp movement, talent representatives are seeking inclusion riders in talent contracts that seek equal Continue Reading
Will WGA/DGA “Pattern” Head Off Potential Hollywood Strike As SAG-AFTRA Approaches Deadline For New CBA?
The Bottom Line Although early signs indicate that SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP should be able to reach a new collective bargaining agreement relatively smoothly, if the union determines that the new media environment requires substantial changes specific to actors’ needs, Hollywood could be in for the Continue Reading
Rule 40 Advertising Guidelines Return for the 2018 Winter Olympics, Creating Headaches and Challenges for Winter Olympians and Their Sponsors
The Bottom Line Just as the thrilling victories and agonizing defeats of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio have receded into memory, preparations are already under way for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Advertisers looking to leverage Olympic athletes during PyeongChang 2018 need to proactively put plans Continue Reading