Category Archives: Entertainment IP

Everyone Loves the HBO Series ‘White Lotus,’ Except Duke University



Can HBO be sued over a T-shirt? Scott Hervey and Tara Sattler unpack Duke University’s beef with ‘White Lotus’ after a character wore a Duke tee on screen. Does this cross the legal line—or is it just creative expression? They’re talking trademark, the Rogers test, and what it all means for studios on this episode of The Briefing.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.

Continue reading Everyone Loves the HBO Series ‘White Lotus,’ Except Duke University


Sequel, Spin-Off, or Something Else? The Legal Battle Over “ER” and “The Pitt”



Is ‘The Pit’ a spinoff, sequel, or something else entirely? Scott Hervey and Tara Sattler break down the lawsuit over ‘ER’ and whether ‘The Pit’ crosses the legal line into derivative territory on this episode of The Briefing.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.

 

Continue reading Sequel, Spin-Off, or Something Else? The Legal Battle Over “ER” and “The Pitt”


ER Redux? The Anti-SLAPP Motion That Didn’t Stick



The estate of ‘ER’ creator Michael Crichton is suing Warner Brothers, claiming their new medical drama ‘The Pit’ is a derivative of ‘ER.’ IP and Entertainment attorneys Scott Hervey and Jessica Corpuz discuss this case on this episode of The Briefing.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.

 

Continue reading ER Redux? The Anti-SLAPP Motion That Didn’t Stick


Diana Copeland – “Surviving R. Kelly” But Not Netflix’s Motion to Dismiss



In this installment of The Briefing, Scott Hervey & Jessica Corpuz cover the landmark defamation case Copeland v. Netflix—dissecting the high bar for public figures to prove defamation and the critical concept of “actual malice.” From the Surviving R. Kelly documentary to First Amendment protections, they unpack the legal complexities surrounding public figures and media reporting.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel here.

Continue reading Diana Copeland – “Surviving R. Kelly” But Not Netflix’s Motion to Dismiss


Court Drowns Pepperdine’s ‘Waves’ Trademark Battle Against Netflix



On the latest episode of The Briefing, Weintraub attorneys Scott Hervey and Jessica Corpuz break down the court’s decision in Pepperdine’s trademark fight with Netflix over the name “Waves” in the new series Running Point. Tune in for insights on this case and how the Jack Daniel’s ruling is reshaping trademark law in entertainment.

Continue reading Court Drowns Pepperdine’s ‘Waves’ Trademark Battle Against Netflix


The Briefing: The Stanley Cup Clash – A Trademark Battle



The Briefing The Stanley Cup Clash - A Trademark BattleDid you know the popular Stanley Travel Cup is tied to Stanley Black & Decker? A lawsuit is brewing over trademark rights and branding disputes. Is PMI overstepping, or is Stanley Black & Decker overreaching?  Weintraub Tobin attorneys Scott Hervey and Tara Sattler discuss the legal battle over the iconic cup on this episode of The Briefing.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel here.

Continue reading The Briefing: The Stanley Cup Clash – A Trademark Battle


The Briefing: Westlaw v. Ross AI – Is This The End of AI Training or The Future of AI Training



West Law v. Ross AIMajor AI copyright ruling – The Delaware District Court’s decision in Thomson Reuters v. Ross AI could have huge implications for AI training and copyright law. On this episode of The Briefing, Weintraub attorneys Scott Hervey and Andy Tan break down the case, its impact on the AI industry, and what it means for content creators.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel here.

Continue reading The Briefing: Westlaw v. Ross AI – Is This The End of AI Training or The Future of AI Training


Federal District Court Adopts Problematic “Vibe Copyright” Protection in Influencer Fight



In the case of Sydney Nicole vs. Alyssa Sheil, a federal district judge ruled that certain vibes and aesthetics can be protected under copyright law. Weintraub attorneys Scott Hervey and Tara Sattler break down this decision and what it means for content creators and brands in the digital age on this episode of The Briefing.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel here.

Continue reading Federal District Court Adopts Problematic “Vibe Copyright” Protection in Influencer Fight


Creator Contract Liability When Your Platform Disappears: The TikTok Ban



As TikTok’s future in the US hangs in the balance, influencers and brands are left wondering how a potential ban could impact their posting contracts. In this episode of The Briefing, Scott Hervey and Jamie Lincenberg dive into the potential legal challenges and share insights on how brands can stay ahead of the curve in this ever-changing landscape.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.

Continue reading Creator Contract Liability When Your Platform Disappears: The TikTok Ban


About Face: Courts Weigh AI Face-Swapping Technology and Celebrity Rights



The Ninth Circuit recently upheld a ruling allowing a class action against NeoCortex, the creators of the Reface app, over the unauthorized use of content creator Kyland Young’s likeness. This case highlights the growing tension between AI innovation and individual rights. Scott Hervey and Jamie Lincenber discuss the lawsuit and what it means for AI companies using digital likenesses on this installment of The Briefing.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel here.

Continue reading About Face: Courts Weigh AI Face-Swapping Technology and Celebrity Rights