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It appears that a lawsuit over the 1984 classic film Spinal Tap has been turned up to 11.   Main actor Harry Shearer – also famous for his extensive voice acting on The Simpsons – has launched a $125 million lawsuit citing breach of contract and fraud against Studiocanal and Vivendi. Despite the film’s huge cultural…

Competition is hardly ever a negative for the consumer. If we relied on a single company to provide us with services, then the potential for unfair business practices would skyrocket. However, in the world of streaming music, this has become a significant concern from companies and consumers alike.   In June this year Apple refused…

With increasing consumer demands, advances in technology and significant budget constraints on the rise, could artificial intelligence be the key to creative relief for film makers? In recent technological developments, producer and mathematician Jack Zhang has created an artificial intelligence software tool that utilises mathematical algorithms to analyse audience patterns and demands against existing story…

With the 2016 Rio Olympic Games set to begin next month, intellectual property protection with brands not officially affiliated with the Olympics and their sponsorship agreements with athletes have been thrust into the spotlight.   The IOC previously had a rule (rule 40 of the Olympic Charter) that non-official Olympic sponsors could not advertise using athletes…

If there was ever any doubt as to the global monopoly that McDonalds has upon its own branding, the corporate giant’s latest trademark victory should put any uncertainty to rest.   Recently, the Australian trademark office has rejected an Australian-Scottish lawyer’s bid to trademark the term ‘McKosher’ for a proposed Scottish/Jewish restaurant in New South…

It’s happened in South Australia, NSW and the ACT, and now UberX has effectively been legalised in Victoria after a landmark court case.   UberX driver Nathan Brenner has recently been found not guilty on appeal of driving a commercial passenger vehicle without accreditation, and without a commercial license. Although found guilty last year ,…

Ever decided to take a screenshot of someone’s drunken night out on their Snapchat story? Even without being THAT dodgy mate, have you ever wanted a permanent copy of the image your friend snapped round of their new art work, and subsequently screenshotted it to do so? In both of these cases, you could very…

When you started your band in your friend’s garage, did you think you’d have to worry about IP protection?   Your band’s reputation – and hence bookability and potential record deals – is indisputably associated with the band’s name.  If someone else sets themselves up under your band name, what rights do you have?   The…

An alleged 4,726 Australian pirates of the Academy Award winning US film, Dallas Buyers Club, can now sleep easier. The film’s copyright holders have dropped their action against iiNet’s customers after a two year legal battle.   Voltage Pictures LLC and Dallas Buyers Club LLC’s lawyers have confirmed they will not be pursuing further legal…

IT might have changed the way the world consumes music, but music giant Spotify is facing the first real threat to its successfully business model with a $150 million legal battle. American musician David Lowery is suing the service for $150million in damages for unpaid royalties as well as illegal distribution of his songs, which…