Category Archives: Copyright Litigation
Former Fresh Prince Star Sues the Maker of ‘Fortnite’ for Profiting Off of His Likeness; Claims Rights to the ‘Carlton Dance’
According to reporting from the Miami Herald, actor Alfonso Ribeiro — formerly a star on the hit sitcom ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ — has filed lawsuits against the creators of two popular video games: Fortnite and NBA 2K. In his legal claim, Mr. Ribeiro contends that the companies that made these games are… Read More »
President Trump Signs the Music Modernization Act Into Law
On October 11th, 2018, President Donald Trump signed the Music Modernization Act into law. The legislation — which received overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress — is designed to reform American copyright law to better account for digital streaming. In this article, our top-rated Miami copyright litigation attorneys highlight three of the most important things… Read More »
Three Important Tips to Protect Your Trademark on Social Media
For South Florida businesses, a strong social media presence is a valuable asset. According to data provided by Statista, nearly 80 percent of Americans currently have an active social media account on at least one platform. Just ten years ago, only 20 percent of Americans were on social media. Many businesses are still adjusting… Read More »
Circuit Split: Key Copyright is Headed to the Supreme Court
Recently, the Supreme Court of the United States agreed to hear a case involving a long-standing circuit split on a key copyright law issue. This decision comes after a South Florida company petitioned the court to take up this case last fall. The issue that is at stake in this dispute is relatively straightforward:… Read More »
British Pop Star Ed Sheeran is Facing a $100 Million Dollar Copyright Lawsuit Over Hit Song ‘Thinking Out Loud’
According to reporting from Entertainment Tonight (ET), the holding company that owns the rights to Marvin Gaye’s ‘Let’s Get It On’ has filed a $100 million copyright infringement lawsuit against pop star Ed Sheeran. In court documents, the company alleges that Mr. Sheeran copied and exploited key compositional elements of the famous 1970s song…. Read More »
Appeals Court: Monkey Cannot Own Copyright to Famous Selfie
Can a monkey hold a copyright in United States? It may seem like a silly question. However, it is one that recently required an answer at the United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit Court. On April 23rd, 2018, the Ninth Circuit weighed in on one of the strangest copyright lawsuits that… Read More »
Copyright Law: What is the First Sale Doctrine?
Under United States copyright law, copyright holders have certain exclusive rights. Among other things, copyright owners have the exclusive right to reproduce their protected work, create derivatives of this work, and to distribute the protected work. Of course, these rights are not without limitations and exceptions. At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our experienced West… Read More »
Taylor Swift Wins Copyright Infringement Lawsuit: Lyrics ‘Too Banal’ for Protection
According to a report from CNBC, pop music star Taylor Swift has prevailed in a copyright infringement lawsuit. Two Los Angeles based songwriters are accusing Taylor Swift of unlawfully using their copyright protected song lyrics on her 2014 number hit single ‘Shake it Off’. However, a federal district court judge has dismissed the case…. Read More »
The DMCA Safe Harbor Regime: Explained
Signed into law by President Bill Clinton in October of 1998, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) seeks to provide a balanced environment, both protecting the interests of copyright holders and accounting for the concerns of website owners and operators that accept user-created submissions. The ‘Safe Harbor’ provisions contained within this law provide immunity… Read More »
Trademark Law: What is the ‘Commercial Use’ Requirement?
To successfully register a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), there are several different legal requirements that you will have to meet. One of the more complex requirements is the so-called “use in commerce” requirement. Essentially, you will not be able to have your trademark application approved unless you can… Read More »