The Licensing Letter

Licensing Law

NBA’s Latest NFT Offering Marred by Hackers

The NBA has been a leader in the NFT craze, but its latest offering was disrupted by hackers who took down the entire collection. The NBA began minting its collection of 18,000 NFTs last week, with 75 NFTs created for each player in the 16 participating teams. The NFTs also have some unique attributes. As with actual players, these NFTs don't stay static, as the NFT traits will … [Read more...] about NBA’s Latest NFT Offering Marred by Hackers

Licensing Law: Spin Master Wins Key IP Legal Actions in China

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Canadian-based toymaker Spin Master announced it has won several landmark IP protection cases in the Chinese courts. While many Western companies have in the past complained about IP theft in China, Spin Master says its victories are a positive sign of China's commitment to tackle counterfeiting and IP infringement in the toy industry. "These … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Spin Master Wins Key IP Legal Actions in China

Licensing Law: IP Theft and Fraud Rampant In NFT Markets

A TLL Special Report: For Members Only By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The value and popularity of NFTs has soared over the past year, but a wave of fraud and IP thefts threaten to derail the marketplace. That's a major problem for licensing companies, which have seized on non-fungible tokens as a way to create value for digital collectibles. The NBA's Top Shots program, … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: IP Theft and Fraud Rampant In NFT Markets

Licensing Law: Actor Gets 20 Years For Licensing Ponzi scheme

Zach Horwitz Sentenced For $230 Million Fraud Based On False Claims of Licensing Deals With Netflix and HBO Max By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For most of his adult life, 35-year-old Zachary Horwitz (aka Zach Avery) was an actor in a number of low-budget horror flicks. But his big role came when he starred as the central character in an equally terrifying, $230 million … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Actor Gets 20 Years For Licensing Ponzi scheme

ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The founders of Chizcomm have exited Genius Brands over a contractual dispute and conflict over strategic vision. ChizComm was acquired in November of 2020 by Genius Brands, which has grown rapidly due to an aggressive acquisition strategy. At the time, all seemed like sweetness and light would prevail. This week, however, Chizcomm … [Read more...] about ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute

Licensing Law: Andy Warhol Foundation Asks Supreme Court For Legal Review

The Andy Warhol Foundation is asking the Supreme Court to weigh in on a lawsuit over the artist's Prince Series, produced in 1984. The lawsuit was filed in 2017 by photographer Lynn Goldsmith, who claims Warhol’s Prince Series was largely based on photographs she took while on assignment for Newsweekmagazine. Those photos, like Warhol's paintings, depict the rock star Prince, … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Andy Warhol Foundation Asks Supreme Court For Legal Review

Licensing Law: MediaMuv Charged With Stealing $20 Million in Music Royalties From YouTube

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Officials in Arizona have charged two men on allegations they defrauded YouTube of $20 million by falsely claiming they owned rights to more than 50,000 songs. According to a statement from the US Attorney's Office charges have been laid against Jose Teran of Scottsdale, Az. and Webster Batista, 38, of Doral, Fla. The allegations include … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: MediaMuv Charged With Stealing $20 Million in Music Royalties From YouTube

IP Management: Brainbase Licensing Suite Wins Major Award

Brainbase, the venture-backed company helping licensing teams optimize their partnerships from contract to revenue, this week announced it has been selected as winner of the Contract Management Solution Provider of the Year award in the second annual LegalTech Breakthrough Awards program. LegalTech Breakthrough is a leading independent market intelligence organization that … [Read more...] about IP Management: Brainbase Licensing Suite Wins Major Award

Licensing Law: ZAG To Give IP Pirates The Heave Ho

ZAG Creates Internal Anti-Piracy Department With Two New Hires The independent animation studio ZAG is establishing an anti-piracy department to protect the company’s intellectual property rights for its brands, content, and products in the global marketplace and  to manage counterfeit enforcement. The immediate focus is for the company’s hit flagship brand, Miraculous™, Tales … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: ZAG To Give IP Pirates The Heave Ho