Entertainment Law Case Decisions
Decisions from the courts that matter most in entertainment law.
U.S. Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the ultimate authority on copyright, trademark, and First Amendment issues that shape entertainment law. Landmark decisions like Campbell v. Acuff-Rose (fair use), Jack Daniel's v. VIP Products (trademark), and Thaler v. Perlmutter (AI copyright) define the boundaries of entertainment IP practice nationwide.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
The 9th Circuit is the most important federal appellate court for entertainment law. It covers California — the center of the film, television, and music industries — and has developed a substantial body of copyright, right of publicity, and guild contract case law. Most major studio and streaming disputes are litigated in the Central District of California and appealed here.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
The 2nd Circuit is the second most important court for entertainment law, covering New York — the center of music publishing, book publishing, advertising, and Broadway. Major music copyright cases, publishing disputes, and media law decisions come from this circuit.
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
The Central District of California is the trial court for the vast majority of entertainment law litigation in Los Angeles. Studio copyright claims, guild disputes, talent agency matters, and right of publicity cases all originate here before appeal to the 9th Circuit.