How much would you spend to maintain the licensing fees for your copyright?
Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. arguably the holder of a 120-year copyright to “Happy Birthday to You,” is fighting diligently to preserve another 40 years of licensing fees that total millions annually. The lead plaintiff is Jennifer Nelson, a director making a documentary about the popular song. Nelson’s production company, Good Morning to You Productions Corp., claims that there is no copyright to the lyrics and that millions of dollars in licensing fees have been wrongly charged for its’ use. A decision on summary judgment motions is pending.
If you have questions about the value of your copyright or need to determine the amount of potential damages for any infringement against it, Asterion’s experienced IP professionals can assist with the calculations you need to make informed business decisions. Just don’t ask us to sing “Happy Birthday” in public.
Can a rising tide save investors defrauded in a Ponzi scheme?
While many victims of Ponzi schemes lose everything, or receive just pennies on the dollar, the recovery of the real estate market may allow some victims to recover part of their investment. Nearly a billion dollars belonging to investors who thought their money was going into managed funds was diverted to propping up the Panoramic View, a beach front property in the Hamptons. This is a case where there is rare agreement. All parties hope the government sells high.
According to http://www.ponzitracker.com/, more than 500 Ponzi schemes have been uncovered and investigated since 2008. Asterion professionals have worked to unravel Ponzi schemes since 1995. If you are working on a matter and suspect fraud, put our staff of certified fraud examiners to work for you.
On the Lighter Side
Worried about large scale catastrophes and national disasters? Here’s an amusing illustrated calculation that may put your mind at ease and help you predict and avoid calamaties.
Afraid you won’t find anything to do on a rainy vacation day? You can always download the Android version of PAeDocket, now available at Google Play or the ITunes store.
Spotlight on Intellectual Property
Asterion has extensive experience in the provision of expert and commercial advice related to the financial and economic issues surrounding Intellectual Property (“IP”). Asterion assists businesses and their legal advisors to navigate the financial and economic complexities related to contentious and non-contentious IP matters. Members of the Asterion team have qualified and testified as experts in Federal and state courts, as well as in alternative forums of dispute resolution.