Michael I Rudell

April 30, 2010 | New York Law Journal

Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini, partners in Franklin Weinrib Rudell & Vassallo, discuss reversion rights, turnaround provisions and a recently-filed suit by highly successful author Michael Connelly over the film rights to two of his books.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

10 minute read

June 27, 2008 | New York Law Journal

Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini, partners in Franklin Weinrib Rudell & Vassallo, write that even the top rung on the ladder of contingent compensation, a share of "gross receipts," may have devils lurking in the details of the parties' contract and in the interplay of industry custom and other "extrinsic" sources of evidence when ambiguous contract language, such as the meaning of "gross receipts" itself, is disputed.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

11 minute read

December 22, 2006 | New York Law Journal

Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini, partners in Franklin Weinrib Rudell & Vassallo, review a recent decision which offers an opportunity to consider how unauthorized electronic imitations of human celebrities should fare in the balance of the First Amendment and publicity rights.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

12 minute read

December 22, 2004 | Law.com

In the mid-1990s, the best-selling author James Patterson became romantically and professionally involved with Christina P. Sharp. The termination of their relationship resulted in an action by Sharp claiming breach of contract, misappropriation of novel and original ideas, copyright infringement and unjust enrichment. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York has upheld in part and denied in part Patterson's motion to dismiss the amended complaint.

By Michael I. Rudell

9 minute read

August 27, 2004 | New York Law Journal

Michael I. Rudell, an entertainment attorney practicing with Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo, analyzes a case involving two scripts, one Tinseltown law firm and the House of Mouse.

By Michael I. Rudell

6 minute read

October 27, 2006 | New York Law Journal

Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini, partners in Franklin Weinrib Rudell & Vassallo, write that dancers who signed broad releases permitting use of their "life stories" in works of popular entertainment lately have been the focus of news reports on the East Coast and a judicial decision on the West.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

11 minute read

October 26, 2007 | New York Law Journal

Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini, partners in Franklin Weinrib Rudell & Vassallo, write that a recent decision concerning the film that the American Film Institute calls the greatest of all time illustrates why parties negotiating rights acquisition agreements should assume always that old and new technology will give way to unforeseen newer technology. For one reason, there is little risk in doing so and for another, much can be lost by doing anything else.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

12 minute read

October 23, 2009 | New York Law Journal

Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini, partners in Franklin Weinrib Rudell & Vassallo, write that the numerous and variable terms that come into play during a negotiation over film distribution rights are difficult to cover in a festival's highly charged atmosphere and relatively short duration. A recent dispute over the critically acclaimed, upcoming film "Precious" demonstrates that the parties must achieve a clear mutual understanding that a deal exists and commit the terms to writing or else face the likelihood that at least one party's expectations will be dashed, followed by a lawsuit.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

11 minute read

January 04, 2010 | New York Law Journal

Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini, partners in Franklin Weinrib Rudell & Vassallo, write: Reduced sales of DVDs and increased piracy of filmed entertainment are affecting the profits of studios and other financiers of motion pictures. To lessen their impact, changes are being made in deal terms offered to creative talent - such as actors and creative producers - and new relationships are emerging among such talent, financiers and distributors of theatrical motion pictures.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

8 minute read

February 27, 2009 | New York Law Journal

Michael I. Rudell and J.Neil Rosini, partners in Franklin Weinrib Rudell & Vassallo, write that the Freedom to Work Act has brought relief to many, but not all, broadcast employees who wish to change employers at the end of a contract term without delay, without leaving the industry, and without fear of litigation. However, they warn, as long as broadcast agreements include a right of first negotiation and matching right that apply to post-term employment, employees bound to those contracts either will comply or attempt to evade such provisions and face the consequences. With high salaries and high-profile careers sometimes at stake, one may assume that a court proceeding will determine whether the act precludes those clauses.

By Michael I. Rudell and Neil J. Rosini

13 minute read