Trade Secrets, Triggers & Takedowns
Entertainment Law Update
In this episode, hosts Gordon Firemark and Tamera Bennett round up the month’s biggest stories in entertainment and media law. We revisit Price v. Garland and the new EXPLORE Act, which reshapes filming rules on federal land. In our AI Corner, we break down Anthropic’s record-setting $1.5 billion copyright settlement, Stephen Thaler’s petition to the U.S. Supreme Court over AI-authored works, and a California lawyer sanctioned $10,000 for citing hallucinated AI cases. Plus: ASCAP, BMI and SOCAN now allow partial-AI music registrations, California enacts the nation’s first frontier-AI...
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Anthropic’s $1.5B Settlement, Disney’s Copyright Loss, and Kimmel’s Fair Use Win
Entertainment Law Update
The past few weeks have been packed with huge developments in entertainment, copyright, and AI law. In this episode, we’re breaking down the biggest stories: Anthropic’s $1.5 billion copyright settlement with authors — what it really means (and why Judge Alsup may not approve it). Disney back in hot water over VFX software — the Ninth Circuit revives Rearden’s copyright claims. Jimmy Kimmel vs. George Santos — why parody and fair use won in the Second Circuit. Supertramp royalty fight — the Ninth Circuit says old publishing deals last as long as the songs earn. Napster loses its...
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Bored Apes and Interview Tapes
Entertainment Law Update
Entertainment Lawyers Gordon Firemark and Tamera Bennett provide entertainment law news, commentary and analysis.
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Strut, Stream, Sue: NY Fashion Law, HITS act, AI Mayhem and more...
Entertainment Law Update
This month on Entertainment Law Update, we dive into a whirlwind of legal shifts shaking the creator economy. First up: New York’s new Fashion Workers Act takes effect, redefining who qualifies as a talent representative—and setting the stage for conflict between agents, managers, and influencers. Then, it’s good news for indie creators with the HITS Act, which now extends Section 181 tax deductions to music producers and podcasters. We also unpack the latest twists in AI copyright litigation, including Meta’s narrow court victory and the explosive developments in Bartz v. Anthropic,...
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Mustangs, Midjourney, and Minions—Oh My!
Entertainment Law Update
In this episode, Gordon Firemark and the team break down: – New USPTO trademark security measures that could trip up attorneys and applicants, especially where prior counsel is unreachable. – The Ninth Circuit’s ruling in Carroll Shelby v. Halicki, holding that the “Eleanor” Mustang is not protectable as a fictional character under copyright law. – A unique influencer “vibe” infringement case involving beige aesthetics and TikTok trade dress that just settled. – The Chicago Cubs' legal battle with rooftop ticket sellers over trademark use and false affiliation. – A landmark...
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When did Copyright become political?
Entertainment Law Update
🎙️ Entertainment Law Update – Episode 180: “When Did Copyright Become Political?” 🔗 Subscribe & Listen: https://entertainmentlawupdate.com In this eye-opening episode, Gordon Firemark and Tamera Bennett break down recent developments at the complex crossroads of copyright law, politics, and technology. From the Hayes estate’s ongoing lawsuit against Donald Trump to a federal judge questioning Meta’s AI training practices, this month’s roundup covers the most talked-about—and litigated—issues in entertainment law. 📌 Episode Highlights: – Supreme Court...
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Mariah Carey Wins, Superman Loses, and AI Can’t Be an Author
Entertainment Law Update
From Mariah Carey’s legal win to the AI authorship showdown and Roblox’s copyright troubles—this month’s roundup of entertainment law news is packed with big headlines and deeper implications for creators, studios, and platforms alike. In this episode, Gordon Firemark and Tamera Bennett cover: Mariah Carey’s courtroom victory over a copyright claim tied to her holiday hit The Supreme Court's refusal to review the McGucken v. Valnet embedding case, keeping the Server Test alive in the Ninth Circuit Duke University's trademark objection to HBO’s White Lotus The Thaler v. Copyright...
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Mariah Carey Wins, Superman Loses, and AI Can’t Be an Author
Entertainment Law Update
From Mariah Carey’s legal win to the AI authorship showdown and Roblox’s copyright troubles—this month’s roundup of entertainment law news is packed with big headlines and deeper implications for creators, studios, and platforms alike. In this episode, Gordon Firemark and Tamera Bennett cover: Mariah Carey’s courtroom victory over a copyright claim tied to her holiday hit The Supreme Court's refusal to review the McGucken v. Valnet embedding case, keeping the Server Test alive in the Ninth Circuit Duke University's trademark objection to HBO’s White Lotus The Thaler v. Copyright...
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Podcasthon Episode celebrating Musicares.org plus much more
Entertainment Law Update
In this episode of Entertainment Law Update, we cover a wide range of legal developments shaking up the entertainment world: The inspiring story behind Podcasthon and our special guest from MusiCares, Theresa Wolters, who shares how they provide critical support to music professionals in need. The latest BOI reporting chaos and what small businesses should know. Sony’s courtroom victory over the "Ultra" trademark dispute. A potential legal showdown between the Portland Pickles and Disney over suspiciously similar logos. Pepperdine’s battle with Netflix over its basketball sitcom’s...
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AI Copyright Gets Cheesy, Podcasters Win Fair Use, and Spotify Dodges Royalties
Entertainment Law Update
Entertainment Lawyers Gordon Firemark and Tamera Bennett provide entertainment law news, commentary and analysis. This episode, diving into the latest legal battles shaping the entertainment industry. We explore how an AI-generated artwork—featuring none other than a slice of American cheese—became the first of its kind to receive copyright protection. Meanwhile, podcasters scored a major fair use victory at the Copyright Claims Board, reinforcing creators' rights in digital media. And over at Spotify, the streaming giant successfully dodged a lawsuit over its audiobook bundling strategy...
info_outlineIn this episode, hosts Gordon Firemark and Tamera Bennett round up the month’s biggest stories in entertainment and media law.
We revisit Price v. Garland and the new EXPLORE Act, which reshapes filming rules on federal land. In our AI Corner, we break down Anthropic’s record-setting $1.5 billion copyright settlement, Stephen Thaler’s petition to the U.S. Supreme Court over AI-authored works, and a California lawyer sanctioned $10,000 for citing hallucinated AI cases.
Plus: ASCAP, BMI and SOCAN now allow partial-AI music registrations, California enacts the nation’s first frontier-AI safety law, and the Seventh Circuit lets French Montana off the hook in Richardson v. Kharbouch after finding no proof of actual sampling.
We also cover the Wu-Tang Clan album deemed a trade secret, Gibson’s trademark win over guitar shapes, the final dismissal of the Nirvana Baby lawsuit, Alex Jones’s failed Supreme Court bid, and Drake’s loss to UMG.
For full links and case notes, visit entertainmentlawupdate.com.