Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP

California's Invasion of Privacy Act (C**A) is sparking new legal challenges for businesses over common tracking technologies. MWM's Jane Davidson and Brent Lehman explore the implications of C**A claims and offer guidance for compliance: https://www.munckwilson.com/news/california-invasion-of-privacy-act-cipa-lawsuits-pixel-tracking/

The generative AI revolution is here—will your business embrace it or be left behind? Explore the challenges and opportunities in Part I of our open letter on AI adoption by Charles Theodore Zerner: https://www.munckwilson.com/news/anopenlettertobusiness-thegenerativeaichallenge/

Our world is increasingly digital – we buy our goods online, follow our favorite brands on social media, and can purchase items directly within an app simply because an influencer says so. While this gives companies unprecedented opportunities to access and interact with consumers, it also gives bad actors and third-party infringers seemingly endless ways to confuse consumers and hurt a company’s brand. MWM's Catherine Rifai has identified 5 proactive strategies brand owners can implement now to protect their trademark and other IP online.

Learn more about MWM's trademark practice: https://www.munckwilson.com/services/trademark/

We are excited to announce that MWM’s Dallas Managing Partner, Jenny Martinez, was named Most Influential Woman of the Year at the Texas Legal Awards earlier this month! This honor is a testament to Jenny’s leadership, her impact on the legal industry, and commitment to guiding the firm's Dallas office. Please join us in congratulating Jenny on this well-deserved honor.

MWM's Jenifer Wallis will be a featured panelist at the Digital Media and Video Game Conference to discuss Cross-Media IP Exploitation in Entertainment and Gaming.

This panel will explore how entertainment and video game companies are expanding their IP across multiple media formats, including games, film, TV, and merchandising while addressing legal and business considerations for successful franchise expansion. Jenifer will be joined by fellow panelists, Pam Reynolds, Ned Sherman, Russell (Rusty) Weiss, and Cooper Jackson moderating. Learn more here: https://law.ucla.edu/academics/centers/ziffren-institute-media-entertainment-technology-sports-law/digital-media-video-game-conference

EcoFactor, Inc. v. Google LLC heads to the Federal Circuit for the first en banc review of a utility patent since 2018, involving a $20M smart thermostat patent dispute. MWM's Sarah Lopano breaks down what you need to know.

Congratulations to MWM's Brent Lehman for being named a Lawyer on the Fast Track at the 2024 California Legal Awards! Brent is a powerhouse in MWM's LA office, representing clients across the music, film, tech, and gaming industries in entertainment and litigation matters. Learn more about Brent's practice here: https://www.munckwilson.com/people/brent-lehman/

Miley Cyrus' Flowers v. Bruno Mars' When I Was Your Man: A lawsuit tests the line between creative inspiration and copyright infringement. MWM's Marina Bogorad explores the ongoing legal battle and discusses a fair use defense: https://www.munckwilson.com/news/the-fairest-use-of-them-all/

Join us in congratulating MWM’s Kate LaQuay and Jim Berry for being recognized as Leaders of Influence: Labor and Employment Attorneys by the Los Angeles Business Journal! Their expertise in navigating California’s complex employment laws continues to be a tremendous asset to our clients. We’re proud to have them leading the way in our Los Angeles office!

Join us in congratulating Jake LaCombe, Amanda Greenspon, and Steve Spears for their outstanding achievements as Rising Stars! Jake has been recognized as a nationally ranked Patent Star, Amanda as both a Copyright and Trademark Star, and Steve as a Notable Practitioner by IP STARS. We're proud to celebrate their incredible work in their respective fields.

A Texas court has blocked the FTC's ban on noncompetes, but ongoing appeals and state efforts signal this battle is far from over. MWM's Lauren Mitchell Varsamis breaks down what employers need to know moving forward: https://www.munckwilson.com/news/texas-judge-blocks-ftcs-ban-on-noncompetes-but-appeals-and-state-action-are-ongoing/

Congratulations to MWM’s Eve Brackmann and Josie Leinart for being nominated by the LA Times B2B Publishing for the Inspirational Women Forum and Leadership Awards! Eve and Josie have made remarkable contributions to their respective legal fields and continue to inspire us with their leadership and dedication every day.

Amazon sellers are being impacted by false trademark infringement claims in a competitive online market. MWM's Tracy Carson details how sellers can navigate these claims here: https://www.munckwilson.com/news/protect-your-amazon-business-how-to-respond-to-false-trademark-infringement-claims/

Congratulations to MWM's Dallas Managing Partner, Jenny Martinez, for being selected as a finalist for the Influential Woman of the Year award by Texas Lawyer! Jenny’s outstanding leadership both in the office and in the community sets a remarkable example for us all. We are proud to have her leading our Dallas team. https://www.munckwilson.com/people/jenny-l-martinez/

Munck Wilson Mandala has filed a landmark lawsuit against ElevenLabs, Inc. on behalf of voice actors Karissa Vacker and Mark Boyett, as well as authors Brian Larson, Iron Tower Press, Inc., and Vaughn Heppner. The plaintiffs allege ElevenLabs created digital clones of their voices without consent, violating personality rights and the DMCA.

Stay tuned for updates as MWM attorneys Michael Wilson, Charles Zerner, and Abby Karol lead the charge. Learn more here: https://www.munckwilson.com/news/leading-the-charge-in-ai-related-litigation/

We are proud to announce that MWM’s Los Angeles office has been recognized as one of the most admired law firms to work for in 2024 by the Los Angeles Business Journal! MWM’s “family first” culture, led by a family-focused leadership team, is the heart of our success. From monthly Cake Days and annual holiday parties to Boss’ and Staff Appreciation Weeks, we celebrate our team year-round. https://labusinessjournal.com/custom-content/leaders-of-influence-most-admired-law-firms-to-work-for-2024-munck-wilson-mandala-llp/

Join us in welcoming Kyle Garza to MWM! As a recent graduate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, Kyle’s practice focuses on mergers & acquisitions, securities law, and sports & entertainment law. Learn more about Kyle here: https://www.munckwilson.com/people/kyle-garza/

Please join us in welcoming Kristal Bird to MWM! She joins us as an associate in our corporate and transactional group, bringing a wealth of experience from her time at the University of Texas School of Law. Welcome to the team, Kristal! https://www.munckwilson.com/people/kristal-bird/

Illinois just passed HB 3773, placing new requirements on employers using AI for hiring and employment decisions. Learn more about the legal impact from MWM's Kate LaQuay here: https://www.munckwilson.com/news/illinois-regulates-employers-use-of-ai-in-decision-making/

Please join us in welcoming Luke Dombroski to MWM! As a recent graduate from the University of Texas School of Law, Luke joins the firm's award-winning litigation team. We're excited to have him join the team.

In the article “And really, THAT Song?,” Partner Brent Lehman explores recent developments in the use of copyrighted music by political campaigns. It highlights how artists are increasingly sending cease and desist letters to prevent their music from being used without permission, often for publicity rather than litigation. The piece discusses recent legal cases brought by the Issac Hayes Estate, The White Stripes, and Eddy Grant illustrating the complexities of copyright law in a political context as it relates to licensing requirements and the Fair Use Doctrine. Read the full article here: https://www.munckwilson.com/news/and-really-that-song-use-of-copyrighted-music-by-political-campaigns/

Congratulations to MWM's Eve Brackmann for being recognized by Lawdragon as one of the 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers! Learn more about Eve's practice and achievements here: https://www.munckwilson.com/people/eve-a-brackmann/

From the NO FAKES Act to California's recently signed AB 2602 and Tennessee's ELVIS Act, MWM's Jenifer Wallis, Jane Davidson and Tiffany Kahler offer an in-depth update on the latest AI likeness protection laws across the country: https://www.munckwilson.com/news/ai-likeness-protections-legislative-update/

Congratulations to Munck Wilson Mandala’s William A. Munck, global managing partner and chair of the firm's Intellectual Property Group, and Michael Wilson, chair of the firm’s Patent Litigation Group and co-chair of the High-Stakes Litigation Group, for being named to the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America.

Munck has been repeatedly recognized on this prestigious list for his exceptional work in patent and intellectual property litigation. Wilson has also been recognized for his exceptional work across patent and intellectual property litigation, as well as his work in trade secret and other plaintiff cases involving catastrophic commercial losses.

Meta's use of AI in advertising has sparked a legal battle and raised concerns over intellectual property rights, digital replicas, Section 230 immunity and more. Read the full article from MWM's Kristin B. Kosinski here:https://www.munckwilson.com/news/metas-legal-battle-over-fake-ads-reveal-ai-challenges-in-ip-law/