A&E Settles Lawsuit Over Bristol Palin Reality TV Series

“This is exactly what should happen when good lawyers and top-notch clients work together to get things done. In just five short months, the Massey’s can move on with their business of making quality family entertainment without the distraction of litigation,” said California trial attorney, Courtney M. Coates, who led the litigation.”

California Ruling Guides Employers On Unlimited Vacation Policies

– California Employment Law Update
In a “groundbreaking decision” in McPherson v. EF Intercultural Foundation Inc., addressing the growing trend of providing unlimited paid time off (but no accrued monetary benefits) to certain exempt employees, the California Court of Appeal’s Second Appellate District has weighed in with some important new restrictions, which could have significant implications once COVID-19 recedes and everyone heads back to work. Courtney Coates states: “This is a significant victory for California employees everywhere who are affected by so-called unlimited vacation policies and denied accrued vacation. We pride ourselves in fighting for fairness and equality in the workplace.”

Kanye West Sued Over Sample

– Vibe Magazine
Attorney Courtney Coates says he expects to be “victorious,” saying: “How would you like your actual voice to appear in a hit record without credit, your consent, or any compensation whatsoever? This is one of the most clear cut examples that I’ve seen in a long time of copyright infringement and misappropriation of an author’s voice in a copyrighted recording.”
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Disney, Sony Sued Over Sampling In ‘Step Up’ Soundtrack

– Law360
“More suits will follow as we uncover more unauthorized samples and expose the music industry’s theft of Pryor’s music and willful disregard of copyright laws,” the family’s attorney, Courtney M. Coates, said.
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Lil Twist sentenced; Chris Massey’s lawyer responds

– RollingOut
“We intend to hold him fully responsible in the civil trial. We expect the court to deliver justice. He must take full responsibility for the assault, burglary, and battery that took place.”
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OTHER SOURCES

– Online Articles:

• California Court of Appeal Addresses Unlimited Vacation Policies for the First Time in McPherson v. EF Intercultural Foundation, Inc., The National Law Review (April 7, 2020)
• Unlimited vacation policies in the coronavirus era. The San Diego Union-Tribune (May 11, 2020)
• California Employers Using Unlimited PTO Policies may Lose it: California Court Rules that some Unlimited PTO Policies are Unlawful “Use it or Lose it” Policies. JD Supra (April 8, 2020)
• California Appellate Court Issues Guidelines on “Unlimited” Vacation Policies in McPherson v. EF Intercultural Foundation, Inc. JDSupra.com (August 20, 2020)
• Former Child Stars Lay Claim to Bristol Palin Reality Show, E! Entertainment Courthouse News Service
• Verity Records Sues Tonex for Over $1 Million, GospelCity.com

– Presentations:

• Women and Men Working Together, Legal and Biblical Principles, Intersect Conference, Gateway Seminary (November 7, 2019)
• ADA: A Slippery Slope, Real Estate Litigation in California, Lorman Educ. Services (October 19, 2005)
• Understanding Rights of Business Owners Under the ADA, S.F. Chamber of Commerce (March 2004)
• Restoring Class To Class Actions: Hanson Bridgett, LLP (May 25, 2006)
• Setting Up Your Music Business Entity, 2006 Urban Impact Summit, Mashantucket, CT (June 2006)

– Published Articles:

• Pleadings: California Litigation Review, State Bar of California (February 2007)
• Do Record Companies Control Your Preaching Ministry?, U-Zone Magazine (May 2007)
• Den of Thieves, How to Hold Record Companies Accountable, U-Zone Magazine (May 2007)
• A Borderline Decision? TransScript, Vol. 2, Issue 2 (July 2004)
• It Ain’t Fair (But It’s Getting Better), TransScript, Vol. 1, Issue 3 (October 2003)
• Build It and They Will Come, TransScript, Vol. 1, Issue 1 (February 2003)