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Where ever you are and whatever you do this holiday season here is our special wish for you.
May your holidays be joyful and all your dreams come true in 2014!
Happy Holidays from Hodgson Legal

There is often confusion amongst clients and their advisers as to the difference between registration of a domain name and registering a trademark or service mark. Domain names are not trademarks without proper use and one that is distinctive.

Entertainment litigators routinely use the Talent Agencies Act, California Labor Code 1700 to their advantage.   Disgruntled clients seeking to stiff former managers for money owed under percentage compensation agreements have made the Talent Agencies Act their first line of defense for many years.  For the first time, an entertainment lawyer has been held subject to the Talent Agencies Act, and his fee agreement with the client voided.  The reason?  The Commissioner found Blancarte’s services were rendered as an unlicensed talent agent in violation of the Talent Agencies Act.  

In September 2013, the Labor Commissioner ruled in Solis v. Blancarte that Los Angeles attorney James Blancarte had violated the Talent Agencies Act by “procuring employment” for his client without a talent agent license. As a result, Mr. Blancarte was ordered to forfeit his right to payment from his client.  His crime?   Doing the job he was hired to do—negotiate a contract as an entertainment lawyer. The ruling in Solis is not surprising, but the inevitable next step in a long line of rulings by what could be considered a power drunk California Labor Commission. Solis could turn out to be a defining moment in the rather long history of the California Talent Agenciy Act, Labor Code § 1700, since insiders say entertainment lawyers are preparing to storm Sacramento.

The California Copyright Conference presents “Exploring the Digital Landscape” on February 12, 6:15 p.m., Sportsmen’s Lodge. Join moderators Ed Arrow, Sr. VP Universal Music and James Leach VP, SESAC as they ask the tough questions of representatives from YouTube, MusicNotes,  Android and Google Play.   Where exactly is all the money going?

An informative, and we hope a provocative evening.  Register here:   http://theccc.org/events/exploring-the-digital-music-landscape-