Entertainment Litigation Blog

PRIVACY AND ACCURACY ARE AT RISK WITH ABILITY TO INSTANTLY COMMUNICATE

Technology and the explosion of social networking sites are changing the paradigm of how and when we communicate with each other. Facebook, YouTube and the most recent craze, Twitter, together with rapidly improving camera/video cellular phone technology, allow instant communication to thousands of people. Communication that includes pictures and video, as well as text.

The potential uses for these expanding media are seemingly endless. The question is -- is that a good thing?

Continue reading "ENTERTAINMENT LITIGATION: THE SOCIAL NETWORKING CRAZE" »

COMMENTARY ON A CITIZEN'S OBLIGATION TO SERVE

Last month, I was summoned to jury duty in a not-so-desirable area of Los Angeles County. I was happy to serve and fulfill my obligation. For a trial lawyer, serving on a jury -- and even just appearing for jury duty and being a part of a jury pool -- is educational. However, some people seemingly will go to great lengths to avoid jury service.

The following is my rant on what I observed some people are willing to do to avoid serving on a jury.

Continue reading "ENTERTAINMENT LITIGATION: JURY DUTY" »

Check out my firm's new website, The Avanzado Law Firm. It replaces the temporary site I put up when I opened the firm in July. In the upcoming weeks, I'll be tweaking it and refining the content. Check back often.

ROCKER JACKSON BROWNE SURVIVES REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE'S ANTI-SLAPP MOTION

Jackson Browne's 1977 iconic song "Running on Empty" is the focal point of a federal court lawsuit which highlights the tension between the First Amendment's strong protection for political speech and the rights of an artist to control his work. Browne sued the Republican National Committee (RNC), Senator John McCain and the Ohio Republican Party (ORP) because the ORP used "Running on Empty" in a web ad during the 2008 presidential campaign without Browne's permission. Browne, a well known activist who favors liberal causes and candidates, sued.

Continue reading "ENTERTAINMENT LITIGATION: FEDERAL COURT HANDS REPUBLICANS ANOTHER LOSS" »

PROMOTING THE 2009 PHILIPPINE BAR ASSOCIATION DINNER

Here's the video of my appearance this afternoon on the "Kababayan LA" television show on KCSI-TV 18 in Los Angeles hosted by the lovely Jannelle So.

WORLD CHAMPION BOXER AND THE PRIDE OF THE PHILIPPINES TO BE HONORED

The Philippine American Bar Association of Los Angeles (PABA) and the PABA Foundation have confirmed that Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao will be attending the organizations' annual installation dinner and personally accept the PABA Foundation's 2009 Kababayan Award. The Kababayan Award honors those Filipinos who inspire others through their accomplishments and service to the Filipino community. Manny's success in the ring, as well as his lesser known philanthropic efforts, have inspired millions of Filipinos and others worldwide.

Also receiving awards from PABA will be California State Bar President Holly Fujie (Distinguished Advocate for Diversity Award), Assemblyman Warren Furutani (Distinguished Community Service Award) and Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley (Distinguished Leadership Award).

Pacquiao, Fujie, Furutani, and Cooley will receive their awards at the 2009 PABA Installation and PABA Foundation Awards Dinner, to be held at the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows in Beverly Hills, California, on March 11, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. Channel 7 Eyewitness News (ABC) Health Specialist Denise Dador will be the emcee.

Although PABA is increasing capacity for the event, seating remains limited. The event invitation, with RSVP form, can be downloaded here. RSVP forms should be submitted immediately to incoming PABA President-Elect Angeli Aragon via e-mail (aaragon@hinshawlaw.com) or fax (310) 909-8001. Individuals responding on or after March 6, 2009 should bring checks for their admission on the night of the event, payable to “PABA Foundation.”