Podcasthon episode – celebrating musicares.org – Entertainment Law Update 178
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EPISODE SUMMARY
In Episode 178 of the Entertainment Law Update podcast, we cover a range of important legal and industry updates, starting with the suspension of Beneficial Ownership Interest (BOI) reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act. We also discuss Sony’s victory in a trademark dispute over the “Ultra” name, as well as sports trademark misappropriations involving Disney and the Oregon Pickles baseball team, and Netflix’s legal battle with Pepperdine University over Running Point. Additionally, we dive into Disney’s recent win in the Moana copyright infringement lawsuit, the FCC’s payola inquiry into iHeart, and the evolving role of AI in the courtroom, specifically the Microsoft Copilot case. Lastly, we tackle the ongoing problems with the California Bar Exam, including disastrous rollouts and legal challenges. Tune in for a thorough breakdown of these key issues shaping the entertainment and legal landscape.
PodcasThon/MusiCares
In a special segment, we are thrilled to participate in PodcasThon, a global podcast initiative raising awareness for charitable causes. Now in its third year, PodcasThon has become the world’s largest podcast charity movement, with over a thousand podcasts highlighting various charities. Founded by French entrepreneurs Jérémie Mani and Yves Delnatte, PodcasThon aims to create long-term connections for charities through the power of podcasting, turning “podcasting for good” into a global tradition.
This year, we are shining our spotlight on MusiCares.org, a nonprofit that provides health, human services and other relief to music professionals in need. We are joined by Theresa Wolters, Vice President of Health and Human Services at MusiCares, who shares her incredible background and work. With a rich history in global health services, Theresa is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by music professionals, including addiction recovery, mental health, and emergency assistance.
Theresa takes us through the important work MusiCares is doing, including their response to recent crises such as wildfire relief efforts. She also explains how the charity allocates donations, who qualifies for assistance, and the organization’s future vision for helping the music community.
If you’re moved by MusiCares’ mission, we encourage you to learn more and contribute to this vital cause.
Donate: https://musicares.org
And volunteer for Musicares.org’s Day of Service on April 25th.
Tune in for a heartfelt discussion about how charity and community can come together through the power of podcasts!
Beneficial Ownership Interest (BOI) reporting suspended
https://fincen.gov/sites/default/files/shared/FinCEN-BOI-Notice-Deadline-Extension-508FINAL.pdf
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0038
Sony wins District Court decision on “Ultra” publishing mark
Sports Marks Misappropriations in the News
Disney/Pixar’s “Win or Lose” rings a sour note for Oregon ball club, the Portland Pickles
Pepperdine (Waves) v. Netflix
https://awfulannouncing.com/netflix/pepperdine-waves-legal-case-running-point-basketball-sitcom.html
https://tushnet.blogspot.com/2025/02/rogers-v-grimaldi-lives-on-at-least-for.html
Other times it’s come up in the past
http://www.fordhamiplj.org/2015/10/02/tackling-hbos-unauthorized-use-of-nfl-trademarks-in-ballers/
Disney Prevails in Moana copyright claim
https://wdwnt.com/2025/03/disney-wins-moana-copyright-infringement-lawsuit-against-screenwriter
FCC Initiates Payola Inquiry of iHeart
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-409718A1.pdf
AI Corner
AI in the Courtroom – Microsoft Copilot case
https://todaysgeneralcounsel.com/decision-in-microsoft-copilot-case-helps-define-use-of-ai-in-the-courtroom/?utm_source=digitalmag&utm_medium=email
FUBAR. California Bar modernization effort fails spectacularly in February
https://abovethelaw.com/2025/02/california-bar-exam-managed-to-be-even-worse-than-expected
https://www.reddit.com/r/CABarExam/?rdt=40182
https://www.instagram.com/p/DG85E6VPRri/?igsh=MTBpdmNxbWhkMGFwcQ%3D%3D&img_index=1
https://www.courthousenews.com/just-give-up/ https://vimeo.com/1063001436 (two hours of board of trustees meeting for CA Bar)