Entertainment Industry through Law

In the entertainment industry, there are so many laws and liabilities that come into play. Because the work of the artist and business is so important, especially when it comes to a profit that can be made, it is important the entertainers and businesses to what is necessary to protect their intellectual property as well as defend and get what they deserve when it is infringed upon. I will discuss three cases in the entertainment industry that dealt with intellectual property and how they were handled

1.     Milton H. Green Archives, Inc. v. Marilyn Monroe , LLC

In this case the plaintiff sued the defendant claiming that they had ownership of the right is Marilyn Monroe. They believed that the defendant was violating these rights by using the actresses’ image and likeness for unauthorized commercial purposes. [1] I thought this case was interesting because I often see images of Marilyn Monroe from posters to t-shirts. Her image is very popular and she is still cherished today even by those who weren’t alive to appreciate her talent. It is interesting to know that each of these images have to be approved by the owners of her estate and rights. The court however, decided that the plaintiff did not own these rights based on the time of Ms. Monroe’s death.

2.     1^st media, LLC v.  Electronic Arts Inc.

This case deals with the infringement of patents related to an entertainment system for use in purchasing and storing songs, videos and multimedia karaoke information.[2] I also thought this case was interesting because I found interesting that even things like karaoke have to go through the appropriate patent and trademark laws. The case was dismissed because the inventor and his attorney did not name all the appropriate information and withheld information dealing with the specific patent.

3.     Howard Entertainment, Inc. v. Kudrow

The former actress was sued by her manager for breach of contract. [3]This case was the most interesting to me because I find it interesting that the manager sued the client. I’m sure this happens all of them time especially when the artist are offered projects and things without the manager’s consent. When the artist decides to pursue these projects, the manager looses out and this could possibly be a breach of their contract. The court ruled in the defendants favor because of the lack of foundation provided by the plaintiff.

---

[1] Milton H. Greene Archives, Inc. v. Marilyn Monroe LLC, 08-56471

[2] 1st Media, LLC v. Electronic Arts, Inc., 10-1435

[3] Howard Entm't., Inc. v. Kudrow, B234962

Sometimes you have to be a JERK

Let’s be honest, in a perfect world everyone is honest and sweet and cares about your feelings. Unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world and when it comes to business it is the best place to find imperfections. Being a woman in the entertainment industry is not easy. First and foremost you have to compete with a man, second you have to gain the respect of the people around you, and since the entertainment industry is a male dominated industry that is probably who you will be proving yourself too. It is easy to get walked over and taken for granted. Many people that I have met in this industry have all asked me the same question. “How mean can you be.” Sometimes you just have to be a jerk to be taken seriously. Of course I don’t mean go around disrespecting each person you see but it does mean being able to check those you need to be checked. It is important to always back yourself up with facts. You don’t want to give anyone the opportunity to say that you don’t know what you are talking about. The entertainment industry is so tough and it is important that you can give back a little of the crap that it throws at you everyday. It is always good to remember your self worth. Remember that you are an amazing person, you worked hard to be where you are, and your not going to let anyone or anything take that from you. Unfortunately that means backing up your niceness, smarts, and patience with a little bit of jerk once in a while. Trust me you will gain the respect you deserve. 

The Art of Being Humble

The Art of being Humble

Many times, on the journey to success in the entertainment industry, you can get lost in where you are now and where you want to be. No one becomes successful over night. It is something that takes a lot of times and hard work. Right now I am in a stage of being humble. What this means is, I have acknowledged my accomplishments but I don’t let them make who I am. Being humble means knowing that you still have a lot more to learn, and will probably continue to learn, all throughout your professional career. The entertainment industry is really hardcore. From artist to manager to record executive to movie executive, everyone is fighting for a place and hoping that someone falls off so that they can take that place. The more you know the better off you will be. When interviewing for jobs, especially in the entertainment field, just having a degree is not enough. You have to have work for experience that proves that in some time in your life, you have done the work that is required of the job that you are applying for. Being humble and knowing that you have to start somewhere, usually at the bottom, working your way to the top, is the best way to get to where you want to be. For myself, I know sometimes it can be a bit frustrating being passed over time and time again because of lack of experience, especially when you think you have enough experience. I just remind myself to be humble and to try to learn as much as possible from any job that I take on, so that one day when I do get to the interview of my dream, I can get the job of my dreams. Humble yourself but don’t doubt yourself. If you put in the work, you will eventually reap the benefits.