Michael I Rudell

October 02, 2020 | New York Law Journal

Neil J. Rosini and Michael I. Rudell, in their column on Entertainment Law, discuss a class action by recording artists seeking termination of rights that looks at "execution" of grants and makes new law.

By Neil J. Rosini and Michael I. Rudell

9 minute read

July 31, 2020 | New York Law Journal

In their Entertainment Law column, Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini explore one of the big questions for contracting parties in the midst of this pandemic: whether force majeure will excuse or postpone a party's obligations without liability.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

7 minute read

February 24, 2020 | New York Law Journal

In their Entertainment Law column, Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini discuss a recent decision illustrating that while several legal theories of recovery might be asserted by individuals in response to unauthorized advertising use of their personas, the facts and circumstances matter.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

8 minute read

September 13, 2019 | New York Law Journal

This July, Taylor Swift voiced strong dissatisfaction with not owning her early recordings, which were sold by her former record label. Her efforts to purchase the masters for herself reportedly failed when the transaction was conditioned on her remaining with the label, and it has been suggested that she might re-record several albums to compete with the originals. In their Entertainment Law column, Neil J. Rosini and Michael I. Rudell discuss the situation, which has shined a spotlight on re-recording restrictions in agreements between recording artists and their record labels.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

7 minute read

May 31, 2019 | New York Law Journal

In their Entertainment Law column, Neil J. Rosini and Michael I. Rudell discuss a long-simmering dispute between the Writers Guild of America East and West Coast branches and the talent agencies that represent writers (among other talent) in the television and motion picture industries. There are high stakes for both sides and the ultimate resolution reached through litigation or negotiation could make fundamental changes in how compensation is determined for writers and agents alike.

By Neil J. Rosini and Michael I. Rudell

9 minute read

March 11, 2019 | New York Law Journal

Entertainment Law columnists Michael Rudell and Neil Rosini discuss the Everly Brothers' case where Don Everly was awarded sole royalties for the song “Cathy's Clown,” which his brother Phil claimed he co-authored, despite signing a “release and assignment” that ceded 100 percent of songwriter royalties to Don. The authors conclude that “despite the unusual nature of this case, details and analysis leading to the result deserve the attention of current and would be co-authors.”

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

9 minute read

October 24, 2018 | New York Law Journal

Entertainment Law columnists Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini write: Much press is given to the compensation aspects of the creators' agreements with exhibitors, but attention also should be paid to the extent and duration of the exhibitor's exclusivity in the property in which rights are being acquired, including holdback provisions, reversion of rights, and the right to produce derivative spinoffs, sequels and other derivative works.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

6 minute read

July 20, 2018 | New York Law Journal

In their column on Entertainment Law, Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini discuss the cancellation of “Roseanne” and the ordering of “The Connors,” which provides a lens to view aspects of various arrangements in the television series business.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

1 minute read

April 13, 2018 | New York Law Journal

In their Entertainment Law column, Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini use an action filed last month concerning a live stage adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' to illustrate how critical the contractual clauses that govern the extent of the author's creative control are when artistic visions clash between an author and (here) a producer.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

9 minute read

February 02, 2018 | New York Law Journal

Entertainment Law columnists Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini write: When a band name retains its value notwithstanding changes in band personnel, a recurring legal question arises: Who among the band members retains the right to continue performing under the name of the original band?

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

8 minute read