Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Noval Williams Films LLC v. Branca

Estate Executors Did Not Show Copyright Ownership But Are Granted Strike of Affidavits

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

OPINION & ORDER

*1 Plaintiff Noval Williams Films LLC (“Noval”) brings this declaratory judgment action against Defendants John Branca and John McClain, Executors of the Estate of Michael J. Jackson (“Executors”), seeking: (1) a declaration that Noval has not infringed a copyright in a video footage or photographs of the late pop star Michael Jackson (“Jackson”) used in its documentary film, “Michael: The Last Photo Shoots” (“Film”)1 and has not breached, or caused a breach of, any agreement in relation to the video footage or photographs; and (2) further relief, under 28 U.S.C. §2202, based on any declaratory judgment. ECF 21 (First Amended Complaint (“FAC”)) 70. Executors counterclaim, seeking a declaration that “the Estate owns the Footage and all rights therein, and/or that Plaintiff cannot commercially exploit the Footage without the Estate’s approval, consent, and/or involvement.” ECF 50 (First Amended Answer (“FAA”)) 33.Executors move for summary judgment on Noval’s claims, and Noval cross-moves for partial summary judgment on the Executors’ counterclaim and the Noval’s declaratory judgment claim. Executors also move to strike affidavits by Hasaun Muhammad and Michael Williams submitted by Noval in support of its motions. Since there are numerous factual disputes, the

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
British Legal Awards 2024
November 27, 2024
London

Celebrating achievement, excellence, and innovation in the legal profession in the UK.


Learn More
GlobeSt. Healthcare Real Estate 2024
December 02, 2024 - December 03, 2024
Scottsdale, AZ

Join the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers and financiers for the real estate healthcare event of the year!


Learn More
ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Awards 2024
December 11, 2024
Las Vegas, NV

This event shines a spotlight on how individuals and firms are changing the investment advisory industry where it matters most.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROSECUTION PARALEGAL

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROSECUTION PARALEGAL - NEW JERSEY OR NEW YORK OFFICESProminent mid-Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office lo...


Apply Now ›
ATTORNEY - REMOTE - NEW YORK

Experienced Insurance Defense Attorney.No in office requirement.Send resume to:


Apply Now ›
Associate Justice- Appellate Division, Palau Supreme Court

The Republic of Palau Judiciary is seeking applicants for one Associate Justice position who will be assigned to the Appellate Division of ...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs