Tag Archives: Media Law

When a TikTok Costs You $150,000 – Copyright Pitfalls in Influencer Marketing

Copyright Law, Entertainment IP, , , , , ,

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Warner Music Group just sued DSW for using 200+ hit songs in social media ads—without permission. Those TikToks could now cost $30M. On this episode of The Briefing, entertainment and IP attorneys Scott Hervey and Tara Sattler break down the legal firestorm and what every brand needs to know before hitting “post.”

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.

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Influencer Fail – ALO Yoga & Influencers Named in $150M Class Action Lawsuit for FTC Violations

Entertainment IP, , , , , ,

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A class action lawsuit has been filed against ALO Yoga and several influencers for failing to disclose that various social media campaigns were actually paid ads. Weintraub attorneys Scott Hervey and Tara Sattler break down this lawsuit and what brands should do to avoid costly FTC violations like this in the future.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.

Scott previously discussed the risks of social media marketing and FTC compliance in a two-part series with IP attorney Jessica Marlow. Tune in to episode one and episode two now.

Trademark Mayhem – Lady Gaga Gets Sued for Trademark Infringement

Entertainment IP, Trademark Law, , , , , , , , , ,

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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

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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.

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

Entertainment IP, Trademark Law, , , , , ,

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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.

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

Entertainment IP, IP Litigation, , , , , ,

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

Entertainment IP, IP Litigation, Sports IP, Trademark Law, , , , , , , , , ,

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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.

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The Briefing: Based on a (NOT) True Story – The Baby Reindeer Defamation Case

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Did Netflix push the boundaries of “based on a true story”? Scott Hervey and Jamie Lincenberg discuss Harvey v. Netflix, the risks of docudramas, and explain how truth and fiction collide in this high-stakes lawsuit on this episode of The Briefing.

Watch this episode on the Weintraub YouTube channel.

 

Cases discussed:

  • Fairstein v. Netflix
  • Williams v. Netflix
  • Harvey v. Netflix

Continue reading The Briefing: Based on a (NOT) True Story – The Baby Reindeer Defamation Case →