The Licensing Letter

Licensing Law

Google Reaches Agreement to Pay Canadian Media For News Content

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian government and Google have just reached a landmark agreement that will see the search giant paying for news content. Canadian media outlets, including CBC News, are reporting today that Google and the federal government have resolved their dispute over the Online News Act, according to sources. CBC reports … [Read more...] about Google Reaches Agreement to Pay Canadian Media For News Content

Two Major Advances in Generative Music AI Announced by YouTube and Grimes

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Artificial intelligence is turning the licensing world on its head, and this week saw major announcements from YouTube and the artist Grimes. The Google-owned YouTube streaming service has licensed the voices of John Legend and Sia for AI-created soundtracks, while Grimes' company Create Safe is creating a new tool for publishing and … [Read more...] about Two Major Advances in Generative Music AI Announced by YouTube and Grimes

Two Men Arrested As Feds Seize $1 Billion in Counterfeit Designer Goods

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Federal prosecutors arrested two men Nov. 15 in what they say was the largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in US history. The investigators seized more than 200,000 counterfeit handbags, clothes and other luxury items worth $1.03 billion. The indictments of Adama Sow and Abdulaj Jalloh were unsealed, … [Read more...] about Two Men Arrested As Feds Seize $1 Billion in Counterfeit Designer Goods

Licensing Law: Shelby Wins Trademark Fight Over the GT 500 Mustang Brand

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A California court has put Shelby back in the driver's seat for brand ownership of the legendary GT500 Shelby Mustang. In a story that seems like it was pulled from a film script, the Shelby Trust has been fighting for a decade to win back its trademark, which was claimed by the producer of three Hollywood films that featured the car. It … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Shelby Wins Trademark Fight Over the GT 500 Mustang Brand

Guess Who Founders Sue Former Bandmates for ‘Fake BS Shows’

By Gary Symons The Guess Who, one of the great bands from the 1970s, is embroiled in a lawsuit between four of the original members. Guess Who founding members Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman, who wrote most of the music, are suing their former band mates Jim Kale and Garry Peterson, as well as the rest of the current lineup of The Guess Who. The two musicians accuse the … [Read more...] about Guess Who Founders Sue Former Bandmates for ‘Fake BS Shows’

Who’s News: Seeker Music Appoints Dan Stuart as General Counsel

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Seeker Music has appointed music and talent industry professional Dan Stuart to the position of general counsel. “I’ve known Dan for almost 20 years and what I’ve known about Dan since the day I met him is how smart, dedicated, passionate, authentic, and well-respected he is," said Seeker Music CEO, Evan Bogart. "He is one of the best in … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Seeker Music Appoints Dan Stuart as General Counsel

JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand

Leader in Brand Protection Showing Off New Licensing Management System at BLE By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In the world of licensing, nothing is more important than protecting your brand. But according to Franco Diaz (at right in above photo, with VP Pete Reyes) of the brand protection technology manufacturer JPatton, many brand owners don’t invest in brand … [Read more...] about JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand

Special Report: TikTok Shop Takes Shoppers ‘From Content to Cart’

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There's a saying in the media that argues, "content is king." According to the social media giant TikTok, that saying may also apply to retail. On Sept. 12, TikTok released a statement that promises to change the world of retail and advertising forever, while sending chills down the spines of retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. It will … [Read more...] about Special Report: TikTok Shop Takes Shoppers ‘From Content to Cart’

US Court Confirms AI-Generated Art Cannot Be Copyrighted

Ruling Seen As Victory For Artists and Other Human Creators By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Artificial Intelligence fought the law, and the law won, thanks to a US court that confirmed only human works of art can be copyrighted. In a case heard in a US District court in Washington, D.C., Judge Beryl Howell supported the US Copyright Office's rejection of an application … [Read more...] about US Court Confirms AI-Generated Art Cannot Be Copyrighted

Analysis: Canada Needs America’s Help to Save Journalism

The Task of Corralling Tech Giants Now Falls To The US Senate By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Canadian news media have filed an antitrust complaint against social media giant Meta over its plan to ban news stories. News organizations on Tuesday asked Canada's antitrust regulator to investigate Meta Platforms' decision, accusing its subsidiaries Facebook and … [Read more...] about Analysis: Canada Needs America’s Help to Save Journalism