
Big Wins, Big Losses: Authors, Disney, Napster, and the Future of Copyright
From Entertainment Law Update by Gordon Firemark
September 24, 2025 · 1h 10m · Episode 184
About this episode
This episode discusses significant recent developments in entertainment law, including issues related to authors, Disney, and Napster.
The past few weeks have been packed with huge developments in entertainment, copyright, and AI law. In this episode, we’re breaking down the biggest stories: ✔︎ Anthropic’s $1.5 billion copyright settlement with authors — what it really means (and why Judge Alsup may not approve it). ✔︎ Disney back in hot water over VFX software — the Ninth Circuit revives Rearden’s copyright claims. ✔︎ Jimmy Kimmel vs. George Santos — why parody and fair use won in the Second Circuit. ✔︎ Supertramp royalty fight — the Ninth Circuit says old publishing deals last as long as the songs earn. ✔︎ Napster loses its blanket license — and gets hit again in court. ✔︎ The F-word as a trademark? The Federal Circuit isn’t satisfied with the USPTO’s reasoning. ✔︎ Canada’s “right to de-listing” — edging toward a European-style “right to be forgotten.” ✔︎ Plus: updates on Kim Dotcom’s extradition and the D.C. Circuit reinstating the Register of Copyrights. For more insights, visit: 🔗 Gordon Firemark’s blog: https://firemark.com 🔗 Tamera Bennett’s blog: https://createprotect.com
Topics covered
- copyright
- entertainment law
- Disney
- Napster
- authors
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Entertainment Law Update
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