Tag Archives: Entertainment law

Who Owns What – Understanding Copyright in Collaborative Projects



Who owns the rights when you co-create something? It’s not always as simple as you think. On this episode of The Briefing, Scott Hervey and Richard Buckley dig into:
✔️ Joint authorship
✔️ Work-for-hire rules
✔️ Why every collaboration needs paperwork
 
Avoid disputes before they derail your project. Watch this episode on YouTube.

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What Is Fair Use and Why Does It Matter?



Creators, beware: just because it’s online doesn’t mean it’s fair game. In this episode of The Briefing, Scott Hervey and Richard Buckley break down one of the most misunderstood areas of copyright law—fair use. Continue reading What Is Fair Use and Why Does It Matter?

Trademark Mayhem – Lady Gaga Gets Sued for Trademark Infringement



Lady Gaga’s “Mayhem” tour has sparked legal trouble. In this episode of The Briefing, Scott Hervey and James Kachmar analyze a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by surf brand, Lost International, which claims Gaga’s use of “Mayhem” on merchandise violates their long-standing rights. The discussion explores the strength of Lost’s trademark, the likelihood of consumer confusion, and key legal takeaways for brands navigating crowded trademark landscapes.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.

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The Future of TV? A 2025 Digital Media Trends Analysis



Is traditional Hollywood facing an existential crisis? Deloitte’s 2025 Digital Media Trends report reveals a massive shift in how Gen Z and millennials consume content. Scott Hervey and Tara Sattler break down the data and explore what this means for studios, creators, and the future of storytelling on this episode of The Briefing.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.

Continue reading The Future of TV? A 2025 Digital Media Trends Analysis


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.

 

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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


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