Television Academy Sues to Block Sale of Whitney Houston’s Emmy
The statuette is a loan, not a gift, according to the lawsuit.
Former Arms Dealer Suing Warner Bros. Over ‘War Dogs’ Takes Return Fire
What’s really a secret when someone’s life is discussed in a magazine or in the visiting room of a jailhouse?
Jury Deliberations Begin in ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Copyright Trial
After a week’s worth of testimony and closing arguments, a verdict will come soon on whether Led Zeppelin’s biggest song infringes Spirit’s “Taurus.”
After Pyrrhic Victory, Worldview Ex-CEO Christopher Woodrow’s Lawyer Unleashes Fury
A judge made an infuriating ruling on advancement of legal fees. Here’s what happened next.
NBCUniversal Goes to War With Insurer Over Refusal to See Hamas as Terrorist Group
Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company won’t pay a $6.9 million claim for USA Network’s “Dig” because it sees Hamas rocket attacks as war, not terrorism.
Is the FCC’s “Unlock the Box” Plan for Cable TV in Trouble?
A swing vote at the regulatory agency talks about “real flaws” in the original plan and hints at support for an emerging alternative proposal from the cable industry.
“Stairway to Heaven” Trial: Robert Plant Says He Can’t Remember Seeing Spirit Perform
His band is accused of ripping off a riff of Spirit’s “Taurus” for “Stairway to Heaven.”
Dish Network Sues Tribune Broadcasting After Being Called “Disgusting”
The satellite company asserts what TV viewers are being told about a carriage dispute violates an agreement prohibiting disparagement.
Universal Cable Productions Goes to War With Insurer Over Refusal to See Hamas as Terrorist Group
Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company won’t pay a $6.9 million claim for USA Network’s “Dig” because it sees Hamas rocket attacks as war, not terrorism.
Judge Told Shari Redstone’s Influence in Philippe Dauman Removal Doesn’t Matter
In a declaration, Sumner Redstone calls Dauman’s accusation “offensive and untrue.”
Universal Goes to War With Insurer Over Refusal to See Hamas as Terrorist Group
Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company won’t pay a $6.9 million claim for USA Network’s “Dig” because it sees Hamas rocket attacks as war, not terrorism.
Woman Claiming Bill Cosby Assault at Playboy Mansion Tries New Strategy
Chloe Goins acknowledges that she’s not sure when the alleged assault occurred, but says Cosby is to blame and should suffer consequences.
Led Zeppelin Asks Judge to Stop “Stairway to Heaven” Trial With Victory in Band’s Favor
Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and Warner Music argue the plaintiff has failed to carry a burden of proof on multiple issues.
Video Game Streamer Twitch Sues Over Bots Artificially Inflating Broadcasters’ Popularity
The gamer-watching platform says it needs to protect a “fair playing field.”
Judge Asks Questions Over Philippe Dauman’s Removal As Sumner Redstone Trustee
The parties are asked to address issues of undue influence and jurisdiction.
Lee Daniels’ ‘The Butler’ Now Involved in Effort to Free “We Shall Overcome” from Copyright
According to an amended complaint, the 2013 film wanted to make heavy use of the anthem but couldn’t thanks to a $100,000 price tag.
NBC, Dish Settle Last of the Lawsuits Over Ad-Skipping DVR
The parties have reached a settlement that will limit ad-skipping until after 7 days from a show’s broadcast airing.
Shari Redstone Accused of Breaching Fiduciary Duties in Viacom Board Upheaval
Frederic Salerno demands a judge keep for now the status quo.
Expert Testimony Begins at “Stairway to Heaven” Trial
After Jimmy Page left the stand, music experts picked apart his work.
Judge Orders Leonardo DiCaprio to Give Deposition in ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ Lawsuit
Arguments that his testimony only serves as harassment and coercion are overruled at a hearing.
Ousted Viacom Director Accuses Shari Redstone of Breaching Fiduciary Duties
Frederic Salerno demands a judge keep for now the status quo.
Supreme Court Rules on Copyright Fee Shifting
The decision is likely to be cited in most future copyright cases.
“Stairway to Heaven” Trial: Jimmy Page Gets Quizzed on Music Vocabulary
The Led Zeppelin bandmember finishes his testimony and the court warns the plaintiff’s attorney about wasting time.
Paramount Beats Musicians Guild in Lawsuit Over Outsourcing Film Scores
A judge figures out the meaning of “producer” and “employer” in Hollywood.
Appeals Court Gives Internet Service Providers Big Relief in Copyright Disputes
Barry Diller’s Vimeo scores a win as the 2nd Circuit rules that safe harbor applies to pre-1972 recordings and isn’t disqualified by employees who saw infringements.
Paramount Says ‘Star Trek’ Fan Film Lawsuit Lives On
In the lawsuit over “Axanar,” the studio acknowleges statements about a settlement, but tell a judge that claims remain pending.
Jimmy Page Takes the Stand in “Stairway to Heaven” Trial
The rocker says he first heard Spirit’s “Taurus” when his son-in-law told him people were comparing it to “Stairway” a few years ago.
Disney Still Facing Lawsuit Over Replacement of U.S. Workers With Immigrants
Facing a class action over IT workers on H-1B visas at its theme park, Disney said it complied with the law.
Disney Beats Lawsuit Over Replacement of U.S. Workers With Immigrants
Facing a class action over IT workers on H-1B visas at its theme park, Disney said it complied with the law.
Meet Netflix’s “Juicers”: People Who Get Paid to Watch TV
“Project Beetlejuice” — about which little is known — pays people to pick the best still images and videos from thousands of titles to help users figure out what to watch. Now, two of them are suing for overtime, paid vacation, health insurance and more.
Opening Statements Could Lead to “Stairway to Heaven” Mistrial
There’s a dispute over whether a video played was properly submitted as evidence.
The RIAA Writes to Judge About Controversial Ruling Over Remastered Sound Recordings
The record giants pick a side in a hot dispute over the performance of pre-1972 songs.
Potential Leonardo DiCaprio Deposition in ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ Suit Brings Objection
Director Martin Scorsese and screenwriter Terence Winter have already given depositions in a defamation lawsuit brought by a former Stratton Oakmont executive.
Jury Chosen in ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Trial
Led Zeppelin rockers Robert Plant and Jimmy Page are in court.
Appeals Court Saves SEC’s Rule Changes Boosting Crowdfunded Movies
A ruling means investments won’t be restricted to those with enough financial wealth or sophistication to put up money.
Rock Band Seeks Judicial Declaration That Woody Guthrie’s ‘This Land’ Is In Public Domain
The attorneys who fought to free “Happy Birthday” from copyright control have a new target.
‘Stairway to Heaven’ Trial: Judge Strikes Led Zeppelin Music Expert Request
Plus: Can an attorney play electric guitar to prove his client’s point?
Donald Trump Urges Judge to Keep Deposition Video From Public Record
His attorney argues that plaintiffs are trying to prejudice him.
Jesse Ventura’s $1.8M Legal Win Over ‘American Sniper’ Chris Kyle Overturned on Appeal
The MPAA and some 30 media companies supported arguments that Ventura shouldn’t collect for unjust enrichment over Kyle’s bar fight description.
Top Hollywood Accountant Launches Profit Participation Audit Firm
Michele Gentille aims to streamline and speed up the auditing process.
Late Filings Seek to Exclude Led Zeppelin’s Expert in ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Copyright Trial
Court filings claim noted musicologist Lawrence Ferrara has a serious conflict of interest.
Hugh Hefner Demands Dismissal of Lawsuit Claiming He Conspired With Bill Cosby
Chloe Goins alleges she was assaulted in 2008 at the Playboy Mansion.
Reporter Responds to Vincent Gallo’s Lawsuit with Allegations of Stalking, Threats
The reporter claims Gallo’s “erratic behavior” has left him in fear.
Gawker Files Bankruptcy Lawsuit Against Foes Including Hulk Hogan
Court papers say it’s likely that Nick Denton will be filing for personal bankruptcy and that Hogan becoming Gawker’s owner would be “inequitable.”
Hollywood Studios File Suit Against Service Streaming $1 Movies
Warner, Fox and Disney want an injunction against VidAngel, which sells films for $20 before buying them back for $19.
Gawker Media Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
The online news site makes its move after suffering a $140 million judgment in the Hulk Hogan lawsuit.
Viacom Hints at Challenge to Change of Bylaws Pertaining to Paramount Sale
In a securities filing, Viacom states the move to block a Paramount sale could have a “significant adverse effect on the Company’s share price.”
Comcast Tells FCC There’s Nothing Unlawful About Negotiating Hard for Digital TV Rights
The cable giant is fighting a complaint that it discriminated against the Spanish-language network Estrella TV.
Disney and DreamWorks Animation Want Appeals Court to Stop Fight With 10,000 Animation Workers
The studios make a big bid to pause a legal fight to get clarity on an issue that could impact the certifications of class actions.
Spinning a Lawsuit: Injured SoulCycle Rider Files the Latest Legal Action Over Indoor Cycling
From ‘spin rage’ to expiration date drama — cycling studios don’t just need good instructors, they also need good lawyers.
Cher Sues Financial Firm for Fraud After $1.3 Million in Investments
The singer says that any promises that her investments still could generate strong returns are “hogwash.”
Beyonce Sued for Allegedly Lifting Short Film to Create ‘Lemonade’ Trailer
The plaintiff — a creative director at a news station — claims that a member of the pop superstar’s team has acknowleged seeing his work.
Ed Sheeran Sued for $20M for Allegedly Copying Song Released by ‘X Factor’ Winner
The lawsuit over Sheeran’s monster hit “Photograph” is filed by the same attorney who repped the Marvin Gaye family in the “Blurred Lines” copyright case.
Gawker’s Hulk Hogan Sex Tape Posting Brings Permanent Injunction
The judge says that a publishing of the sex tape is not protected speech.
Warner Bros. Settles ‘Big Bang Theory’ Age Discrimination Lawsuit
A crewmember who says he was ostracized after turning 50 has settled his suit against the sitcom’s producers.
‘God’s Not Dead’ Producers Facing $100M Copyright Lawsuit
Michael Landon Jr. and Kelly Kullberg claim the faith-based film used their story.
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