Who Writes This Stuff?

As a new case involving Dwight Yoakam illustrates, successfully serving a copyright termination notice is fraught with potential pitfalls, and mistakes come easy and often. Can the "harmless error" doctrine save the day?

As a new case involving Dwight Yoakam illustrates, serving a copyright termination notice is fraught with potential pitfalls, and mistakes come easy and often. Can the "harmless error" doctrine save the day?

In a new lawsuit, Sacha Baron Cohen, who claims he's never used cannabis in his life, objects to Solar Therapeutics' unpermitted use of both the copyrighted Borat character and his own likeness on a Massachusetts billboard

LLegal Filings

Sacha Baron Cohen Sues For Use of “Borat” on Cannabis Billboard

byAaron Moss

The actor, who claims he's never used cannabis in his life, objects to Solar Therapeutics' unpermitted use of both the copyrighted Borat character and his own likeness.

The SDNY rejects a claim that SiriusXM violated the right of publicity by broadcasting old Howard Stern shows featuring "Stuttering John" Melendez's name, voice and likeness.

CCourt Decisions

Court Tosses “Stuttering John” Lawsuit Based on Copyright Preemption

byAaron Moss

The judge rejects a claim that SiriusXM violated the right of publicity by broadcasting old Howard Stern shows featuring "Stuttering John" Melendez's name, voice and likeness.

The First Circuit ruled that the classic 1960 board game "The Game of Life" was created as a work made for hire, which means it isn't subject to copyright termination

CCourt Decisions

A “Game of Life” That Can’t Be Terminated

byAaron Moss

The First Circuit rules that the classic 1960 board game "The Game of Life" was created as a work made for hire. Here's why it matters.

Rachel Dolezal, the woman accused of misrepresenting her racial background has filed a new infringement lawsuit against CBS Interactive. Is she weaponizing copyright?

LLegal Filings

Is Rachel Dolezal Using Copyright to Erase History?

byAaron Moss

Rachel Dolezal, the woman accused of misrepresenting her racial background, has filed a new infringement lawsuit against CBS Interactive. Is she weaponizing copyright?

Some Muppets fans (and even the media) were confused into thinking the puppets in SNL's parody sketch were "real" Muppets

WWhat's the Deal?

Why SNL’s “Muppets” Parody Had Even the Media Fooled

byAaron Moss

"Saturday Night Live's" literal beat down of "The Muppet Show" so closely resembled the classic Jim Henson characters that some viewers thought the Muppets had really made an appearance on the show. Did SNL go too far?

Rin Tin Tin is an the center of a new copyright lawsuit by Scott Duthie, who claims a 50% ownership interest in the character

LLegal Filings

Warner Bros. Seeks to Muzzle Rin Tin Tin Lawsuit

byAaron Moss

The studio argues that a complaint seeking an accounting of profits from its planned Rin Rin Tin film doesn't arise under the Copyright Act.

LLegal Filings

Foreign Works, US Rights: The 7th Circle of Copyright Hell?

byAaron Moss

Nirvana has been sued for using an illustration from a 1949 translation of Dante’s “Inferno” on band merchandise. Here's why determining the copyright status of old foreign works can be a hellish undertaking.

The Andy Warhol Foundation (AWF) is asking the Second Circuit to reconsider its recent fair use ruling over Warhol's “Prince Series,” arguing that the decision “threatens to render unlawful many of the most historically significant artistic works of the last half-century.”

LLegal Filings

Andy Warhol Foundation Seeks Rehearing in Fair Use Case

byAaron Moss

The Andy Warhol Foundation (AWF) is asking the Second Circuit to reconsider its recent fair use ruling over Warhol's “Prince Series,” arguing that the decision “threatens to render unlawful many of the most historically significant artistic works of the last half-century.”

Aaron Moss

Copyright Termination and “Harmless Error”

Sacha Baron Cohen Sues For Use of “Borat” on Cannabis Billboard

Court Tosses “Stuttering John” Lawsuit Based on Copyright Preemption

A “Game of Life” That Can’t Be Terminated

Is Rachel Dolezal Using Copyright to Erase History?

Why SNL’s “Muppets” Parody Had Even the Media Fooled

Warner Bros. Seeks to Muzzle Rin Tin Tin Lawsuit

Foreign Works, US Rights: The 7th Circle of Copyright Hell?

Andy Warhol Foundation Seeks Rehearing in Fair Use Case

Is Trump Office’s Use of the Great Seal Legal?

The Copyright Myth Project

Copyright Registration for Blogs and Social Media Posts Now in Effect—But Here’s Why You May Not Qualify

Warhol’s “Prince Series” Isn’t Fair Use, But What Is?