0.2: Lights, Camera, Lawsuit
THIS WEEK: A dispute with Netflix is in the limelight, the Supreme Court is back in session, and a few X's for your review.
Lawsuit in the Limelight
We’ve got the complaint and popcorn in hand. So here are the spoilers: Netflix (and director Zack Synder) is working on its next big blockbuster, Rebel Moon. We’re talking about a space opera with multiple parts and an expansive universe.
After Netflix picked up the project, Synder pitched a companion tabletop role-playing game (think Dungeons & Dragons), which would provide content for future Rebel Moon projects. Netflix was in.
Enter (plaintiff) Evil Genius Games, the game designer. Now accordingly to Evil Genius, they were not given much from Netflix. So, they allegedly “supplied all the missing pieces” and “created a cohesive backstory for the entire Rebel Moon franchise, dubbed the ‘World Bible.’”
Now we aren’t talking about a manila folder with some loose papers. This “World Bible” was 228 pages of lore and concepts. Eventually a 430-page “Player’s Guide” and 337-page “Game Master’s Guide” were also created.
Here is where things take a turn. Netflix apparently claimed that Evil Genius breached a confidentiality clause in their contract after leaking content and artwork at a trade show. As a result, Netflix terminated their agreement and took possession of all of the intellectual property created.
Evil Genius filed this lawsuit and claims this is all nonsense. In fact, they claim that Netflix —- in a recorded phone call —- actually agreed to disclose artwork at a trade show to solicit potential retailers and distributers.
Given how much content is at stake, we expect this one to be a pretty significant fight. We’re going to re-up on snacks and get back to you once things start to heat up.
Back in Session
Seems to be spooky season for regulatory agencies in the U.S. That’s right, the Supreme Court is back and taking aim at regulatory agency power.
Unless conjuring memories of your administrative law class makes you shudder with horror, you may recall the Court’s decision in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council.
Not familiar? Let us walk you through Chevron Deference.
In short, administrative agencies are given significant leeway to interpret vague laws. Did Congress speak to the issue? No? Was Congress’s intent at least clear? Also no? Let’s give the agency’s (reasonably) interpretation some weight.
Well, this is on the chopping block (Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo). And while we can’t speak to how the Court will rule, we can say that at least a few Justices don’t love Chevron.
Other cases include challenges to the funding structure of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, the SEC’s ability to pursue fraud cases, and the EPA’s Clean Water Act. Buckle in. It’s going to a long couple of months.
Joke Break
XXX
There is a lot going on with X (formerly Twitter). Instead of giving you a big analysis about one case, we’re going to give you a heads up about three.
Case No. 1: X is being sued for being X. X Social Media, LLC has filed a lawsuit against X for infringing on it’s trademark.
Case No. 2: A California man is suing Elon Musk for defamation after he amplified posts on X, that allegedly falsely placed the man at a confrontation involving far-right protesters.
Case No. 3: X is suing a former employee for allegedly leaking information to the media in order to embarrass Elon Musk.
A Few 0.1’s
In news that would make Ferris Bueller proud, apparently, there’s a pandemic of young people stealing Hyundais and Kias. The companies say TikTok is to blame.
Putting this one on my strange lawsuit dartboard: the My Poops lawsuit has settled.
Bill This to Us
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