intellectual property: news
Media Mention
Copyright Protection, Freedom of Expression, and Fashion Show Photographs?
February 22, 2013 -- Center For Art Law
The Center For Art Law excerpted and linked to a review of the Ashby Donald and others v. France decision written by Barry Werbin, partner and chair of the Intellectual Property and Technology Group, which was originally published by the New York State Bar Association's Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Blog.
Media Mention
Ultra Music, Ultra Music Festival Announce 'Global Alliance'
August 12, 2012 -- Billboard.biz
Days after Herrick successfully represented Ultra Enterprises, Inc. in a federal law suit against the largest independent electronic dance music (“EDM”) record label in a trademark infringement and breach of contract action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, both parties agree to an alliance. The alliance is the result of a 13-hour settlement negotiation, spearheaded by Herrick, which benefits the growth of the Ultra brand.
Media Mention
Have You Heard? Duprees Singer's Suit Over Group's Name Is Thrown Out.
March 28, 2012 -- New Jersey Law Journal
Barry Werbin is quoted and Herrick’s win in federal court in New Jersey is noted in this article. A federal judge in New Jersey granted judgment to our client, the Estate of Michael Arnone, in a case that challenged the registered trademark ownership and rights of our client to use or license the name of The Duprees. The group, one of the world’s leading doo-wop groups, tours to this day and generates royalties. The judgment likely brings to a close the six-year dispute over the rights to the name and rejects the notion that early members of a band can use the group’s name if they leave the band without securing an agreement to the contrary or a license.
Media Mention
Toto, I've a feeling we're not in the public domain anymore
July 13, 2011 -- Thomson Reuters News & Insight
Barry Werbin weighs in on the possibility of appeal from or en banc reconsideration of a complex Eighth Circuit decision regarding rights to publicity photos shot on movie sets, based on the 1909 Copyright Act. This article notes that Barry is chair of the New York City Bar Association's copyright committee and mentions his view that portions of the plaintiff-friendly decision might be ripe for appeal, but that en banc reconsideration is unlikely, given the absence of a dissenting opinion from the three-judge panel.
Media Mention
NFL warning sponsors about deals with players trade group
March 27, 2011 -- Sports Business Journal
Barry Werbin says the NFL's and franchises' websites are primarily informational -- and the players public figures -- which means the league is probably on safe ground continuing to use players' likenesses during the lockout. He says he understands the players' ire but says the league's First Amendment rights to disseminate information probably will prevail.
Media Mention
Firms Train Sights on MTA Licenses
January 30, 2011 -- Crain’s New York Business
Barry Werbin is quoted in “Firms Train Sights on MTA Licenses,” which discusses the growing popularity of New York City subway merchandise and how several entrepreneurs have licensing contracts with the MTA. Barry explains that entrepreneurs must have solid projections of what they can sell and how much demand there is for their product before entering into these contracts.
Media Mention
SC Leaves Big Questions Open in Text-Message Privacy Case
June 18, 2010 -- E-Commerce Times
Barry Werbin says the Supreme Court's ruling in City of Ontario v. Quon was based on such a narrow and unusual fact pattern that it leaves open the larger questions of how much privacy employees can expect when they use employers' networks and systems for personal communications during work hours. Barry notes that as the cost of technology drops, more employees will have personal communications devices, which should lessen their reliance on employers' equipment.
Media Mention
Lohan to Sue E-Trade for $100M
March 9, 2010 -- CNBC's Power Lunch
M. Darren Traub tells a live network audience that Lindsay Lohan's suit against E-Trade, in which she alleges that the company's television ad uses her likeness without her permission, is unlikely to succeed. Further, he says, even if it does, Lohan will have difficulty proving damages.
Media Mention
Can Offbeat Names Hurt Business?
August 3, 2009 -- SmartMoney's SmallBiz
Barry Werbin cautions entrepreneurs against using lewd names for their small businesses because, he says, U.S. trademark law prohibits registering marks that the general public would consider immoral or scandalous. Also, he reminds, landlords can reject tenants for any non-discriminatory reason.
Media Mention
The Problems With Me, Inc.
August 3, 2009 -- SmartMoney's SmallBiz
In an article about eponymous small businesses, Barry Werbin says that selling a company with a trademarked name requires relinquishing the good will, or pleasant associations, that customers attach to brands or company names. Barry notes that in the U.S., a sale of a trademark without good will voids the mark if it's ever challenged in court.
Media Mention
Selling Your Trademarked Name
July 9, 2009 -- SmartMoney.com
Barry Werbin analyzes the legal and business issues behind selling companies' trademarked names in this question-and-answer column.
Media Mention
Google, Book Foes Propose Settlement To Copyright Lawsuit
October 29, 2008 -- Investor's Business Daily
Barry Werbin praises the settlement of widely watched copyright litigation between Google and two adversaries, the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers. Barry notes that the public will have a robust search mechanism, authors will receive appropriate royalties, and Google will develop significant revenue streams as a result of the settlement.
Media Mention
Unsealing of documents 'not great' for licensees
September 22, 2008 -- Sports Business Journal
Barry Werbin is quoted on the significance of a judge's unsealing of previously nonpublic documents -- including commercial license contracts -- in a lawsuit in which retired professional football players are suing the players' union over licensing income.
Media Mention
Workplace Text-Messaging Ruling Wows Privacy Advocates
June 20, 2008 -- E-Commerce Times
Barry Werbin is quoted on a Ninth Circuit decision that held that employers using outside vendors to manage their text-messaging services generally do not have the right to ask the vendors for data about the employees' use of texting.
Press Release
Herrick advises Quiet Flight in Sale of Retail Operations to Billabong International
June 12, 2008 -- Herrick, Feinstein LLP
Herrick, Feinstein LLP advised renowned surf shop chain Quiet Flight in the sale of its retail operations to Australia-based Billabong International Limited. Quiet Flight is a leading U.S. east coast retailer and the operator of 13 stores, including the flagship Billabong and Element retail stores in New York, and has been one of Billabong Group’s key retail partners in the U.S.
Media Mention
Dealing With the Damage From Online Critics
October 4, 2007 -- The New York Times
Barry Werbin is quoted in this story, which explores various ways that companies can deal with on-line, negative postings about them.
Media Mention
Equal vs. Splenda
April 25, 2007 -- CNBC
Barry Werbin discusses the litigation between Equal and Splenda, arguing that Splenda's slogan, "It's made from sugar so it tastes like sugar," is not misleading and that Equal's claims are without merit.
Media Mention
CAN-SPAM Act of 2003
2003 -- Computer and Internet Lawcast
Barry Werbin is interviewed by Computer and Internet Lawcast, an audio legal news service, to discuss the provisions and practical implications of the “CAN-SPAM Act of 2003,” one of the most sweeping federal laws regulating e-commerce and use of the Internet to date.
Media Mention
The Boss's Souvenirs
December 1, 1998 -- The Village Voice
Barry Werbin is quoted in The Village Voice.