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Eight Early Sullivan Attorneys Named 2023 Southern California “Super Lawyers”
Category: Awards | Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 | Comments Off on Eight Early Sullivan Attorneys Named 2023 Southern California “Super Lawyers”
The firm is pleased to announce that several of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in Thomson Reuters’ 2023 Southern California “Super Lawyers” list. The “Super Lawyers” distinction is given annually to the nation’s most outstanding attorneys, based on peer recognition, professional achievement, and independent research. Only the top 5% of lawyers in each state are selected to receive this honor.
The following attorneys have been recognized as “Super Lawyers” for their expertise in these practice areas:
- Eric Early – Business Litigation (2005-2023)
- Bryan Sullivan – Entertainment & Sports, Business Litigation, Business/Corporate (2015-2023)
- Scott Gizer – Business Litigation, Real Estate, Employment Litigation (2005-2008, 2010-2016, 2020-2023)
- Devin McRae – Entertainment & Sports, Intellectual Property Litigation, Business Litigation (2016-2023)
- Eric D. Anderson – Criminal Defense, Business/Corporate, Cannabis Law, Business Litigation, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense: White Collar
- Diane Myint Luczon – Business Litigation (2020-2023)
- Stephen Ma – Business Litigation, Real Estate, Entertainment & Sports (2014-2023)
- Christopher Ritter – Business Litigation (2023)
Bryan Sullivan Discusses the Future of Ticketmaster and Live Music With Scripps News
Category: News, Press | Friday, January 6th, 2023 | Comments Off on Bryan Sullivan Discusses the Future of Ticketmaster and Live Music With Scripps News
Bryan Sullivan appeared on-air with Scripps News in a recent segment exploring possible antitrust fallout for Ticketmaster following the Taylor Swift ticket debacle. Two fan-led lawsuits have been filed against Ticketmaster for the way they handled Swift’s tour tickets, and potential government investigations are increasingly possible.
“They’re saying that Ticketmaster has such control over the marketplace for tickets and venues that it’s basically unfair competition and a violation of the antitrust laws,” Brian explained. As for whether Ticketmaster’s large control over the market constitutes “acting unfairly?” According to Bryan, “It’s not necessarily just that they control it, but they have to engage in certain conduct that restricts, restrains other competitors from entering into the field.” He adds, “If they’re able to achieve that level of success based on their superior services and products, business acumen, or just through the mergers and acquisitions that they’ve done, which were fair and above board, then the law allows them to control that level of the market.”
“What’s Ahead For Ticketmaster, Live Music After Taylor Swift Tour Mess” – Scripps News
Devin McRae Speaks to IndieWire About Potential Termination of GMA3 Anchors
Category: News, Press | Friday, December 9th, 2022 | Comments Off on Devin McRae Speaks to IndieWire About Potential Termination of GMA3 Anchors
Devin McRae was recently quoted in Tony Maglio’s IndieWire article “‘GMA3’ Can Definitely Fire T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach, Lawyers Say,” which examines the legality of terminating morning show anchors T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach following allegations of the pair being in a relationship.
The article highlights recent reports claiming that the anchors’ employment agreements with ABC contain a morality clause, noting that such a clause could be significant when considering that ABC’s parent company is Disney—an organization consistently clear about the values it wants to project.
“‘The whole thing about the double infidelity’ doesn’t jive with Disney values,” according to Devin. “Journalists are supposed to report the news and not make it.”
Even if the alleged relationship doesn’t violate the terms of Holmes’ and Robach’s employment agreements, the article explains that the pair could still be at risk for termination “without cause.” If such a termination were to occur, a predetermined payout could be triggered, and Devin contemplates that such a payout could come at a negotiated “discount.” In his opinion, if there is a dispute, “there’s an ‘overwhelming likelihood’ that [it] will be quietly arbitrated and settled.”
Read the full story here.
Bryan Sullivan Featured in Newsy Segment on How Taylor Swift’s Tour Impacted the Industry
Category: News, Press | Friday, November 18th, 2022 | Comments Off on Bryan Sullivan Featured in Newsy Segment on How Taylor Swift’s Tour Impacted the Industry
Bryan Sullivan recently spoke to Newsy in its segment entitled, “Taylor Swift Eras Tour Helped Uncover Deep Issues Of Concert Ticketing,” which examined how the artist’s upcoming tour has brought attention to the monopolization issues surrounding Ticketmaster, and the concert industry as a whole. On Tuesday, fans who were able to get tickets were left with limited options other than to pay the high prices and fees asked by Ticketmaster, or to buy resale tickets from scalpers who also overprice their tickets.
Many lawmakers are now examining the broader implications of Ticketmaster’s majority share of the market. Bryan explained, “The argument is there’s too much control by one company over a substantial number of venues and concert shows.” Bryan continued to express how the 2009 merger between Ticketmaster and Live Nation has contributed to unfair competition in the industry and limited options for fans. He said, “Of course, if there’s two arenas in one city and one is owned by Live Nation, odds are the concert promotion will be going to the one owned by Live Nation, and they’re making money up and down the chain.”
“Taylor Swift Eras Tour Helped Uncover Deep Issues Of Concert Ticketing” – Newsy
U.S. News & World Report Ranks Early Sullivan As A 2023 “Best Law Firm”
Category: Awards | Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 | Comments Off on U.S. News & World Report Ranks Early Sullivan As A 2023 “Best Law Firm”
Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae has been ranked once again as a “Best Law Firm” in the 2023 edition of U.S. News & World Report. The firm received rankings on the national and Los Angeles lists in the practice areas of:
– Entertainment Law – Music
– Litigation – Intellectual Property
– Entertainment Law – Motion Pictures & Television
– Litigation – Real Estate
– Commercial Litigation
– Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
– Real Estate Law
– Environmental Law
– Litigation – Environmental
The annual “Best Law Firms” rankings are prestigious and highly regarded in the legal profession, due to the rigorous evaluation process of client and peer reviews of the law firms and their practicing attorneys.
Bryan Sullivan Speaks to Los Angeles Times on Kanye West Streams in Wake of Controversy
Category: News, Press | Thursday, October 27th, 2022 | Comments Off on Bryan Sullivan Speaks to Los Angeles Times on Kanye West Streams in Wake of Controversy
Bryan Sullivan spoke to the Los Angeles Times about why Kanye West’s music has remained available on major streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music, following the rapper’s recent antisemitic remarks. The article, entitled, “Why Spotify and Apple Music haven’t pulled Kanye West’s songs,” explains that even though a number of brands have cut ties with West since the scandal, it may be more difficult from a contractual standpoint for streaming platforms to do the same.
According to Bryan, Apple Music and Spotify may first be required to obtain permission from the music publisher or recording studios. He explains, “It all depends on what the contract says.” Without a contract in place, the streaming platforms may be able to remove all his music.
Read the full article below.
“Why Spotify and Apple Music haven’t pulled Kanye West’s songs” – Los Angeles Times
Bryan Sullivan Quoted in The Hollywood Reporter on ‘Rust’ Settlement
Category: News, Press | Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 | Comments Off on Bryan Sullivan Quoted in The Hollywood Reporter on ‘Rust’ Settlement
Bryan Sullivan was recently featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s article “Inside the Secret ‘Rust’ Settlement: Why Did Halyna Hutchins’ Widower Drop His Suit to Become an Executive Producer?” The article examines the options available to Matthew Hutchins and the film’s producers during the suit, and why the late cinematographer’s husband ultimately decided to settle.
In the article, Bryan explained why the film’s producers operated under Rust Movie Productions (RMP), a limited liability corporation, and the impact it had on this case. He noted, “the whole point of creating [Rust Movie Productions] is for liability purposes.”
Bryan’s insight was also featured in a subsequent article in The Hollywood Reporter which examines how the creation of Rust Movie Productions LLC was an attempt by ‘Rust’ producers to use the LLC as a shield.
Click below to read the full articles.
Farce on Top of Tragedy: ‘Rust’ Producers Escape Accountability – The Hollywood Reporter
Early Sullivan Recognized as a Top Litigation Firm in 2023 Edition of Benchmark Litigation California
Category: Awards | Thursday, September 29th, 2022 | Comments Off on Early Sullivan Recognized as a Top Litigation Firm in 2023 Edition of Benchmark Litigation California
Early Sullivan has been ranked by Benchmark Litigation as a leading Entertainment firm in California. The prestigious annual guide recognizes the state’s leading trial firms and attorneys, ranked by their peers and clients.
To view the firm’s profile on the Benchmark Litigation website, click here.
Deadline Covers Clash Over Film Depiction of Iconic Michigan State University Football Team
Category: News, Press | Thursday, September 29th, 2022 | Comments Off on Deadline Covers Clash Over Film Depiction of Iconic Michigan State University Football Team
Deadline recently covered an ongoing clash between Michigan State University, former football players and their family members, and the producers behind an unauthorized film in production about the school’s legendary football team. Surviving members of the 1965-1966 teams, who battled racial and social injustice as the first fully integrated football team and went on to win national championships, as well as their family members and the university community, with MSU’s support, have been ardent about their opposition to the project and how it falsely depicts the events of this critical juncture in history.
The full article can be found below.
‘Black Spartans’ Film Tackled By Michigan State University Over Depiction Of Iconic Football Team
Bryan Sullivan Pens Forbes Article on Defamation Lawsuits Against Netflix
Category: Press, Publications | Wednesday, September 14th, 2022 | Comments Off on Bryan Sullivan Pens Forbes Article on Defamation Lawsuits Against Netflix
Bryan Sullivan’s article entitled, “Netflix’s ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ And ‘Inventing Anna’ Subjects Of Defamation Lawsuits” was recently published in Forbes. The article examines the extent to which creators can legally bend and stretch the truth to conform to their storylines, without causing defamation to the real people they are portraying.
Using precedents from “The Wolf of Wall Street” case, Bryan examines what the “based on a true story” tagline means for the industry at large. “With the rise of true crime and historical dramas, producers navigate shaky territory where they balance telling a compelling story without crossing the line into defaming real-life people,” he said. “This requires diligence and creativity as was found in the “Wolf of Wall Street” case where the producers engaged in vetting efforts and created a character from a composite of three people.”
Read his full article here.