Entertainment Law

GMSR has successfully represented parties in some of the leading California cases regarding profit participation, entertainment industry contracts, and publicity rights.

Ninth Circuit affirms $319 million award for GMSR’s client

Celador International, Inc. v. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., et al. (2012) 499 Fed.Appx. 721 (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit) [unpublished]. GMSR’s client Celador International licensed its mega-hit game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire to ABC and a subsidiary in

Celador Internat., Inc. v. American Broadcasting Cos., Inc. (9th Cir. 2012) 499 Fed.Appx. 721

Television show creator found contractually entitled to 50% of network’s profits; substantial evidence supported jury’s $269 million damages award

Price v. Stossel (9th Cir. 2010) 620 F.3d 992

Ninth Circuit holds that district court erred in dismissing GMSR’s client’s express defamation claim against ABC on anti-SLAPP grounds.

Ladd v. Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. (2010) 184 Cal.App.4th 1298

Studio’s undervaluation of film producers’ share of revenues; infringement of film producer’s rights

Oct 08, 2009 Gary J. Wax
Cable Company Monopoly: Comcast and Time Warner Control the Board (2009) 28 Loy. L.A. Ent. L.Rev. 159.

This Article addresses how the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has adversely affected competition and raised prices in the cable industry through unprecedented industry consolidation and market swapping.  As an alternative to traditional rate regulation, it suggests imposing a luxury tax on the cable television giants.

Blanks v. Seyfarth Shaw LLP (2009) 171 Cal.App.4th 336

Reversing $30 million legal malpractice judgment because of error in instructing on Talent Agencies Act

Halicki Films, LLC v. Sanderson Sales and Marketing (9th Cir. 2008) 547 F.3d 1213

GMSR’s clients owned the copyrights to and trademarks associated with the classic 1974 film, “Gone in 60 Seconds” and its iconic car character, “Eleanor.” In 2000, Disney (through an agreement with GMSR’s clients) released a blockbuster remake of the film under the same name, reprising

HLC Properties, Ltd. v. MCA Records, Inc. (May 16, 2008, B191608) 2008 WL 2068155 [nonpublished opinion]

Bing Crosby’s heirs were denied their constitutional right to a jury trial of their claims

Court of Appeal reverses defense judgment in artist royalty case

HLC Properties v. MCA Records (2008) 2008 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 3993 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Five) [unpublished]. GMSR’s clients, the heirs of legendary performer Bing Crosby, sued MCA Records for unpaid royalties. Because it concluded that the claims were equitable in

Hermit’s Glen Productions, Inc. v. Twentieth Century Fox Films Corp. (1999, B113342)

Enforcement of profit participation clause

Who We Serve

PUBLIC ENTITIES

Whether on appeal, assisting trial counsel, or advising government officials contemplating legislative action, GMSR provides unique insight into the complex laws that impact public entities.

Read More
INSURERS

Where coverage may exist, GMSR represents insureds on appeal effectively and efficiently. Where it does not, the firm protects insurers’ right to deny claims.

Read More
BUSINESSES

GMSR offers corporate clients objective assessments on appeal, based on a deep understanding of the limitations and opportunities of appellate review.

Read More
TRIAL COUNSEL

The firm’s lawyers are team players, collaborating with trial counsel at any level from legal strategy to writing or editing trial court motions and appellate briefs.

Read More
INDIVIDUALS

GMSR vigorously advocates the rights of individual plaintiffs and defendants, in both state and federal appellate courts.

Read More
COMMUNITY PRO BONO

As part of GMSR’s long-standing commitment to social justice and equality, GMSR provides pro bono appellate services to individuals and to community organizations on issues of concern.

Read More