Entertainment Law, Media Law and Telecoms Law

The FTC secured major enforcement wins including blocking Henkel's $725 million Liquid Nails acquisition and unwinding Zillow-Redfin's market-exit deal, while also proposing new personalized pricing policies and finalizing penalties for deceptive AI advertising claims. What do these recent actions signal about the agency's enforcement priorities and regulatory approach?

The Advertising Standards Authority has issued a detailed ruling on Popeyes' breakfast menu advertisements, examining whether they violated new restrictions on advertising less healthy foods. The case hinged on whether products could be visually distinguished from similar menu items, with the colour of hash brown seasoning becoming a critical factor in the decision.

Readers may recall a recent piece in which we discussed the first federal appellate court (“7th Circuit Court”) decision to address whether the Telephone Consumer Protection Act’s (“TCPA”) private right of action applies to the receipt of unwanted text messages. After this ruling, other federal courts were expected to adopt its reasoning, which was exactly what a federal judge in North Carolina did in a case involving TCPA claims arising out of the alleged receipt of unsolicited text messages (“TCPA Text Decision”).

From digital sampling battles to AI-generated music, copyright law has consistently arrived late to technological disruption in the music industry. This examination traces landmark litigation across sampling, streaming, and artificial intelligence, revealing how rights holders have repeatedly shaped legal frameworks through strategic action rather than waiting for legislative solutions.

Taylor Swift faces a trademark dispute over her album title "The Life of a Showgirl" with performer Maren Flagg, who holds a 12-year registration for "Confessions of a Showgirl." The case centers on reverse confusion claims and whether Swift's global fame could overwhelm Flagg's earlier trademark rights, raising questions about brand dilution and the commercial impact of similar marks in the entertainment industry.

When Taylor Swift released her album 'The Life of a Showgirl,' she faced a trademark infringement lawsuit from Maren Flagg, who claimed the title violated her registered trademark CONFESSIONS OF A SHOWGIRL. The case explores the critical boundary between artistic expression and commercial trademark use, particularly when musical artists transform album releases into merchandise-driven business ventures.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how litigation teams prepare and present evidence in the courtroom, but its use raises critical questions about credibility, transparency, and juror perception. As AI tools become more sophisticated in enhancing visual evidence and streamlining trial preparation, legal professionals must navigate the fine line between legitimate enhancement and problematic alteration. Understanding when AI supports the evidence versus when it undermines trust has become essential for

California's legislature has sent a comprehensive package of privacy, AI, and advertising bills to Governor Newsom's desk, with decisions due by September 30, 2026. The legislation addresses sensitive personal information protections, data broker obligations, AI-powered chatbot regulations, and digital replica rights, potentially reshaping how businesses handle consumer data and automated decision-making systems. Will these bills become law and set new national standards for technology regulation?

California's 2026 legislative session produced sweeping privacy and AI regulations that will reshape how companies operate in the state. From automated employment decisions to children's online protections, these new measures establish comprehensive frameworks governing AI transparency, data brokerage, and consumer rights that extend far beyond existing requirements.

The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 (PCSA), introduced in the Senate on June 2, 2026, by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and joined by Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Chris Coons (D-DE), represents a comprehensive federal legislative effort to reshape the governance and economics of intercollegiate athletics...

One year after the landmark House v. NCAA settlement reshaped college athletics, legal and business challenges continue to emerge around Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation. From the $2.8 billion in back damages to the new $20.5 million institutional licensing cap, the framework governing student-athlete compensation raises complex questions about oversight, third-party agreements, and Title IX compliance that remain unresolved.

Winston Taylor and Hagens Berman announce that their audit of Power Five Conference revenues has uncovered over $44 million in additional compensation for Division I athletes under the House Revenue Sharing System. The collaborative audit process with the NCAA and major conferences identified previously unreported revenues, resulting in an extra $131,438 per participating school for the 2026-27 academic year.