NFL Sunday Ticket Litigation: Fans Want the Suit Back in State Court

On Friday, January 29, 2016, plaintiffs involved in a suit over Direct TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket package urged a California federal court to remand the case, which alleges violations of California law, back to state court.

The putative class action was initially filed by Robert Gary Lippincott Jr. in Sonoma County Superior Court back in October. Lippincott’s complaint alleged that contracts for Direct TV’s Sunday Ticket Package are void under California law as illegal contracts including “unconscionable provisions.” Specifically, Lippincott brought claims for unconscionability in …

January 6, 2016 NFL / TV

Sports Legislation and Regulation in 2016: The Hot Topics (Part II)

In the first part of our look ahead to what are some of the hottest sports legislation topics, we focused on the battle surrounding daily fantasy sports sites FanDuel and DraftKings, along with the FCC’s potential ruling on “linear” online video platforms that offer sports streaming. Today, we’ll look at the fate of the Washington Redskins’ name and a bill that could end sports blackouts.

THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS’ MONIKER

In July 2015, a federal judge ordered the cancellation of the Washington Redskins’ federal trademark registrations. …

January 5, 2016 Fantasy Sports / Litigation / TV

Sports Legislation and Regulation in 2016: The Hot Topics (Part I)

In the realm of sports law, 2016 will provide some interesting developments as to legislation and regulation. First, many states are likely to take a stance on daily fantasy sports in 2016 — both in the courts and via state legislation. Second, the FCC will rule on “linear” online video platforms that offer sports streaming. Third, the Washington Redskins’ challenge to the cancellation of its trademark registration will face a federal bill proposing to force a name change. And finally, the bill proposal seeking to …

July 20, 2015 NFL / TV

Rigging The Game: Bar Owner Says NFL-DirectTV Partnership Violates Sherman Anti-Trust Laws

A class-action lawsuit was filed in federal court on Monday against the National Football League and broadcast satellite service provider DirecTV over their NFL Sunday Ticket partnership. The suit was brought by Ninth Inning Inc., which owns The Mighty Duck sports bar, on behalf of similarly situated establishments. The complaint generally alleges that the business relationship between the NFL and DirecTV is an impermissible monopolistic partnership in violation of Sherman Anti-Trust laws.

In a statement, Ninth Inning described its position:

Because DirecTV and the NFL

June 27, 2015 Litigation / NFL / TV

Fans Prepare to Sue NFL and DirecTV Over Blackouts

Another class action suit is around the corner for the NFL and DirecTV. Football fan Thomas Abrahamian filed a proposed complaint in a California federal court on Wednesday for a class action suit alleging that the NFL and DirecTV have violated Sherman anti-trust laws.

NFL coverage is currently set up in the form of a ‘blackout coverage’ system. What this means is games will be broadcasted on a regional basis. If a person is outside of a particular game’s ‘broadcast region,’ they will be unable …

March 31, 2015 Copyright / Intellectual Property / Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Trademark / Litigation / Music / Trademark / TV

Rise and Fall of an Empire (Distribution, Inc.)

In the pilot episode of Fox’s smash-hit series Empire, Cookie Lyon, explaining why, after her release from jail, she’s returning to her husband Lucious Lyon’s fictional record label, Empire Entertainment, says simply: “I’m here to get what’s mine.” This is, of course, in reference to the formerly-jailed matriarch having taken the rap for Lucious to the tune of 17 years behind bars for drug-running while he built his music “empire.” Coincidentally, it also may sum up the thinking over the last couple of months …

March 27, 2015 TV

Former Television Judge Joe Brown Loses Appeal Over Contempt Finding

On Monday, March 23, former television personality Judge Joe Brown lost his appeal of the juvenile court ruling that found him in contempt of court and sentenced him to five days in jail last March.

Joe Brown was visiting Shelby County Juvenile Court last March when he was approached by a woman who wanted his advice. The former judge decided to represent the woman in the courtroom and became heated when the magistrate judge denied his request for dismissal and rescheduled the hearing. Brown became …

March 6, 2015 Defamation / NHL / TV

TSN Broadcasts Inappropriate Trade Deadline Tweet Sparking Legal Controversy

On Monday March 2, TSN mistakenly rebroadcast a distasteful tweet about Toronto Maple Leafs players Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuf, and Pheneuf’s wife – actress Elisha Cutherbert. Now, the rebroadcast could cost TSN and the tweet’s author a “significant amount.”

TSN is a Canadian sports television network, widely known for its coverage of hockey and the NHL. On Monday, the network was broadcasting live coverage of the NHL’s trade deadline on a segment called TradeCentre. It encouraged viewers to live tweet their thoughts and comments using …

February 6, 2015 Litigation / TV

Former NFL Defensive Tackle Accused of Workers’ Compensation Fraud

Brad Culpepper, a former tackle for multiple National Football League teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears, has recently found himself in hot water over a reality-TV show appearance which an insurance carrier claims is evidence of fraud.

Culpepper, who is now a personal-injury attorney in the State of Florida, took part in the “Survivor” reality series in 2013 engaging in physically-demanding tasks. However, he also reportedly settled a workers’ compensation claim for $175,000 based on a rating of an 89% …

January 5, 2015 TV

Thumb’s Down on Set of Cancelled CBS Show ‘Vegas’

On Thursday December 18, a lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County against two crane companies for injuries arising from an accident on the set of former CBS show ‘Vegas’ last year.

Plaintiff Andrea Krout was working as crane dolly grip on the set of the now canceled ‘Vegas,’ starring Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis, when her hand was pulled into the belt and pulley drive, crushing and almost severing her left thumb on January 8, 2013. Krout was rushed to the hospital where she …