Freedman and Taitelman, LLP


		"Writer claims his own managers stole 'Lottery Ticket'" THR, Esq., August 11, 2010 By Matthew Belloni It's every screenwriter's nightmare: your manager advises you to collaborate with another client, who then takes your idea and develops it into a big movie without including or even telling you. Those are the allegations in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court today against Evolution Entertainment and managers Brad Kaplan, Oren Koules and Mark Burg, as well as Erik White, the director with a co-"story by" credit on "Lottery Ticket," an Alcon film that Warner Bros will release on August 20. "Documents do not lie," Huang's lawyer Bryan Freedman tells us. "What makes this case so egregious is that Evolution actually represented Mr. Huang in connection with this very project and then used that position to secretly steal it away. They will be punished."

		"Facebook Claimant Must Answer `Where Have You Been?' to Succeed" Bloomberg, July 20, 2010 By Bob Van Voris Paul Ceglia, the western New York man who says a 2003 contract with Facebook Inc. founder Mark Zuckerberg entitles him to 84 percent of the company, will have to answer a critical question to pursue his claim, lawyers said. “The first thing that comes to mind is, where have you been all this time?” asked Los Angeles litigator Bryan Freedman, who isn’t involved in the case. Freedman said the long gap between contract and lawsuit makes Ceglia’s claim look suspicious. Even if valid, Ceglia’s claim could be thrown out if he waited too long to sue, Freedman said. The statute of limitations in New York requires a claimant to sue within six years of the date on which the contract was breached.

		"Power Lawyers 2010" THR, Esq., July 16-18, 2010 By Matthew Belloni The e-mails arrive in our inbox every couple of weeks. Someone is desperately - desperately! - looking for a great Hollywood lawyer. Maybe it's an author fielding offers to turn her novel into a movie. Or a TV producer upset that a new reality show looks awfully similar to the concept he pitched a year ago. They invariably ask whether the editor of a blog devoted to entertainment law (THREsq.com) can offer a recommendation or two. Well, consider this issue to be one giant "reply all."

		"Who is Trenton Brungard? UTA sues to unmask fake agent" THR, Esq., June 16, 2010 By Matthew Belloni UTA has filed one of those only-in-Hollywood lawsuits claiming that an unidentified person has, since April, "represented himself to be an employee and agent of UTA in order to solicit women, and specifically aspiring models and actresses, to send him illicit photos of themselves" so he can "procure them work in the entertainment industry." The complaint for deceptive trade practices in violation of Sec. 17200 of California's business and professions code was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by Bryan Freedman and Jonathan Genish of Freedman & Taitelman. It seeks unspecified damages and an injunction.

		"Self-help guru Wayne Dyer sued for stealing from Tao book" THR, Esq., May 24, 2010 By Matthew Belloni Popular self-help author Wayne Dyer has been accused of helping himself to someone else's book. In a copyright infringement lawsuit filed today in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, author Stephen Mitchell says Dyer "copied verbatim a significant portion" of his interpretation of the ancient Taoist scripture Tao Te Ching in two separate books. The suit was filed by Bryan Freedman and Jesse Kaplan at L.A.'s Freedman & Taitelman.

		"Wayans brothers joke theft case moves to L.A." THR, Esq., May 18, 2010 By Matthew Belloni A lawsuit claiming that the Wayans brothers stole jokes from a former assistant and published them in a book called "101 Ways to Know You're a Golddigger" has been transferred from New York to Los Angeles... "This lawsuit lacks any merit, and we will fight it vigorously," Wayans attorney Bryan Freedman tells us.

		"'Housewife' sued by man alleging libel and slander" The Orange County Register, January 30, 2010 By RICHARD CHANG "We are seeking to set the record straight," Photoglou's attorney Brian Freedman said in an interview Friday. "We’re going to show what the real truth is, in terms of what their relationship was. The things she has been saying are untrue and inflammatory. We're looking forward to showing people who she really is."

		"'Real Housewives of O.C.' Star Slapped with Suit" Courthouse News Service, January 29, 2010 "By using her fame and influence to reach millions of people, Rossi has achieved her goal of destroying Photoglou's personal and business reputations," the lawsuit states. Photoglou seeks damages for libel and slander. He is represented by Bryan Freedman with Freedman Taitelman.

		"Bob Yari Prods. files for bankruptcy" The Hollywood Reporter, January 20, 2010 By Gregg Kilday "It's our belief that all of their actions were taken to hinder and avoid their creditors, and we intend to prove that," UTA lawyer Bryan Freedman said. "Certainly, United Talent Agency is looking to file a fraud claim to have the debt they are running from declared, and I would imagine a lot of creditors will be filing claims."

		"Old Laws, New Apps Lead to Rise in Lawsuits" Daily Journal, December 31, 2009 By Evan George Bryan Freedman, the attorney representing Simorangkir, said he expects Twitter to spur many more lawsuits because it has so many high-profile and celebrity users who use it to broadcast gossip in real time and limited word-length. “Twitter is so instantaneous that with only 140 characters you have to get your punch in right away,” said Freedman, who has also defended celebrities like Hollywood blog mogul Perez Hilton against Internet libel complaints. “It's possible someone can apologize or change what they said,” Freedman said. “But its unlikely because the people who are on Twitter... are less likely to respond in a way that limits their liability.”

		"Bob Yari faces contempt hearing, fines in secret battle with UTA" THR, Esq., December 1, 2009 By Matthew Belloni "Given its officers' comments about the filing of bankruptcy, the arbitrator had yet another reason to issue an order requiring (Yari) to place the monies at issue in an escrow account," UTA's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, tells us. (We've left messages for Bob Yari Prods. and its lawyer, Behzad Nahai, none of which have been returned. Judge Craig Karlan later confirmed the order and warned Yari in a public filing that if the money wasn't deposited, he'd find the company in contempt. "In my opinion, it's unprecedented that an arbitrator would order the funds at issue to be placed into an escrow account," Freedman says. "There was obvious concern over the financial health of Bob Yari Prods."

		"Perez Hilton claims victory (and plugs new book) after Black Eyed Peas' manager apologizes" National Post, November 19, 2009 By Steph Davidson Bryan Freedman, Mr. Hilton’s lawyer, said yesterday: "We are pleased that, as part of yet another criminal case against him, Mr. Molina has admitted to and apologized for his violent actions. That admission assures his liability in the civil matter pending in Los Angeles. Hopefully he now understands that violence is never an acceptable response to freedom of speech."

		"Designer's lawsuit against Courtney Love for libel on Twitter continues" Contra Costra Times, October 26, 2009 "Love is the first celebrity to be sued for allegedly making defamatory remarks on Twitter, according to Simorangkir's lawyer, Bryan J. Freedman. Her suit, filed March 26, also alleges Love slandered her on MySpace. Freedman praised Monday's ruling and said it also reflects on Love's current image. "It shows Ms. Love is now more famous for her bad behavior than for her music career," Freedman said."

		"Judge Allows Twitter-Libel Suit Against Rocker Love" On Point News, October 26, 2009 By Matthew Heller "That Love is a celebrity does not transform anything Love says, especially about others, into matters of public interest," plaintiff's counsel Bryan J. Freedman (Freedman & Taitelman, Los Angeles) argued in a brief. "At best, Love has commented on a private dispute that ... does not affect the public at large. The judge definitively said that we were going to be able to prove our case of libel," Freedman tells On Point.

		"TENANTS SUE OVER LOW-INCOME UNITS" Daily Journal, October 22, 2009 By Jason W. Armstrong Michael A. Taitelman, an attorney for lawsuit co-defendants New Venice Partners and New Venice Investors, owners of Holiday Venice, said the lawsuit is "frivolous and without merit." He said his clients decided to prepay the mortgage "because they had a legal right to." He said HUD required his clients to sign a "use agreement" specifying that the property would continue to be operated under the affordability rules in Section 236 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 until the loans were set to expire. The series of loans had been scheduled for payoff between 2011 and 2015, according to Weiss. Taitelman said the property "will remain affordable."

		"Short Outbursts on Twitter? #Big Problem" The New York Times, October 8, 2009 By LAURA M. HOLSON Bryan Freedman is the lawyer in Los Angeles who is representing Dawn Simorangkir, a designer who markets clothes under the Boudoir Queen label, and who sued Ms. Love for libel in March. The lawsuit contends that Ms. Love "became infatuated" with the designer, asking her to create costumes using vintage material the singer owned.

		"Gina Gershon Accused of Nose Thumbing Agents" TMZ.com, September 22, 2009 By TMZ Staff The Fortitude talent agency is suing Gershon because they claim they hooked the actress up with a sweet gig on Broadway but never got their 10% commission on the deal.

		"The Kirstie Alley-Perez Hilton war of Tweets rages on; Controversial blogger also battling with Demi Moore" GregInHollywood.com, September 3, 2009 By Greg Hernandez As if Kirstie Alley wasn’t mad at Perez Hilton enough already, the actress ratcheted up her Twitter war with the blogger today as their battle spread to include Perez’s online battle with Demi Moore.

		"Bad Hair Day Cited in Ventriloquist Case" Courthouse News Service, September 2, 2009 By KARINA BROWN Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham tried to snatch the rights to interviews and performances he gave to the makers of "I'm No Dummy," a documentary on the history of ventriloquism, the moviemakers say. They claim Dunham reneged on a deal after claiming that some of the film made him look "sick and unhealthy and with bad hair."

		"Rocker Love Says Her “Vile” Tweets Warned Public" On Point News, August 26, 2009 By Matthew Heller The case is certainly shaping up as a no-holds-barred battle, with each party being represented by high-profile attorneys. Bryan J. Freedman, for Simorangkir, has represented gossip blogger Perez Hilton in several lawsuits.

		"PAYBACK! WME Tries To Bully Fired Agents: Agents Bully WME Right Back For Salaries" Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily, August 25, 2009 By Nikki Finke Understandably, the agents receiving these WME letters first began freaking out. Then four of them fought back. Their attorney, Century City pitbull litigator Bryan Freedman of Freedman and Taitelman, filed and immediate demand for arbitration. This time, it was former Endeavor, and now WME, business affairs exec Tom McGuire's turn to freak out. I hear he called Freedman to express shock and complain that the attorney was asking for arbitration so quickly without trying to negotiate first. To which Freedman reportedly responded, "Your WME letters didn't say, 'Hey, give me a call." They said, "We're not paying you starting immediately.'"

		"Courtney Love vs. Designer over Lawsuit" myFOXla.com, August 21, 2009 By Scott Coppersmith Love is the first celebrity to be sued for allegedly making defamatory remarks on Twitter, according to Simorangkir's lawyer, Bryan J. Freedman. Freedman scoffed at Love's comments that she wants to warn others about Simorangkir. "I think we can all agree that it certainly does not behoove Ms. Love to engage in a credibility battle," Freedman said. "If Love thought it was so important to protect the world from my client, why is it that Love, in writing, practically begged Dawn to continue purchasing clothing from her?"

		"Judge rules defamation case against Britney Spears' mother can go ahead" Everythingy.com, August 3, 2009 "This is a significant loss for Lynne Spears and a sign of things to come," said Lutfi’s lawyer, Bryan J Freedman.

		"July 2009: Bryan Freedman honored again as one of the entertainment industry’s most Influential Attorneys" The Hollywood Reporter, July 24-26, 2009 By Matthew Belloni Freedman's tireless representation of litigious blogger Perez Hilton has led him to develop a lucrative niche practice protecting celebrities and others who want defamatory statements about them removed from the Internet.

		"Judge: It's a Spears Family Affair" NBC Los Angeles, July 23, 2009 Lutfi's lawyer, Bryan J. Freedman, said after the hearing that he was encouraged by Sinanian's comments indicating he is leaning toward denying Lynne Spears' motion. "I think there's no question we will prevail on this motion," Freedman said.

		"Wesley Snipes, talent agency settle suit" DailyBreeze.com, June 30, 2009 Bryan J. Freedman, who represents Beverly Hills-based United Talent Agency, said a resolution was reached "in principle" on Monday with the help of a mediator. He said it could take another three months for all the details to be worked out.

		"McConnell v. Innovative Artists Talent and Literary Agency, Inc., No. B205533" California Case Law - Employment Law, June 25, 2009 In an dispute involving an employment contract, trial court judgment is affirmed where the trial court properly denied defendant's motion to strike under the anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) statute as plaintiff's retaliation and wrongful termination claims did not arise from defendant's protected First Amendment activity.

		"Perez Hilton sues Black Eyed Peas’ manager over altercation" Los Angeles Times, June 24, 2009 By Harriet Ryan The performers, lawyer Bryan Freedman wrote, were angry that Hilton had panned their latest album. Freedman charged that Molina punched Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, three or four times in the face, causing an injury to his eye. Toronto police charged Molina with assault.

		"Lawyer says Perez Hilton set to sue over punch" MSNBC - Access Hollywood, June 23, 2009 “Perez will take legal action against anyone who chooses to resort to physical violence as a means to respond to criticism they do not like,” Hilton’s attorney, Bryan J. Freedman, said in a statement to Access Hollywood.

		"The Perez Hilton-will.i.am feud, digitally direct to the masses" Los Angeles Times, June 23, 2009 By Ben Fritz and Harriet Ryan In an interview with The Times on Monday, a lawyer for Hilton said the blogger is planning to sue "at least" Molina. "It's going to become a civil matter as quickly as I can type," attorney Bryan Freedman said. "This is certainly about showing Mr. Molina and will.i.am that violence is not the answer." The attorney said it "seems pretty apparent" will.i.am encouraged the altercation.

		"Perez Hilton lawyer threatens Will.I.Am" THR, Esq., June 22, 2009 By Matthew Belloni Bryan Freedman, whose aggressive representation of Hilton (aka Mario Lavandeira) has resulted in a few recent court victories against paparazzi agencies and others, is threatening Will.I.Am with legal action if he is found to have assaulted the blogger or encouraged manager Polo Molino to do so.

		"Britney Spears' Camp Responds To Sam Lutfi's Lawsuit" Celebrity News Service, June 9, 2009 By Anne Lu Lutfi's attorney Bryan Freedman told eonline.com, "I was hardly shocked that they didn't agree with our position. But I think that there is ample evidence of this contract. There are writings that indicate the same. At the end of the day there won't be much dispute about the issue."

		"Perez Hilton wins judgment against PerezRevenge site" THR, Esq., May 8, 2009 By Matthew Belloni Last summer Hilton (aka Mario Lavandeira) brought a complaint in federal court in Los Angeles against the operators of the site, which the self-professed Queen of All Media claimed was trying to piggyback off his famous name (or, in this case, fake name), as well as the look and feel of his popular site.

		"'Without a Trace' Star Sued for Nose Thumbing" TMZ.com, May 7, 2009 By TMZ Staff Roselyn Sanchez is being sued for allegedly stiffing her former management company out of some serious "Without a Trace" commission checks -- but this bitter, bitter lawsuit doesn't seem to be about the money.

		"Sam Lutfi Won't Go Down Without a Fight" TMZ.com, April 30, 2009 By TMZ Staff Lutfi lawyer, Bryan Freedman, told us "Never before in the history of the world has a restraining order been granted as a result of someone answering someone else's cries for help."

		"Closing Arguments Heard in Britney Restraining Order Case" People.com, April 21, 2009 By Ken Lee Bryan Freedman, a lawyer for Lutfi, 34, has denied his client committed any wrongdoing, saying Lutfi was merely responding to Spears's "cries for help," alleging she was seeking to overturn her father's legal control over her life. "Not one threat or act or violence was directed at Britney Spears," Freedman argued.

		"Britney and Sam Lutfi: A Very Tangled Web" OK! Magazine, April 21, 2009 Then there's Sam's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, who says Britney never suffered the level of harassment and emotional stress which would require a restraining order. "Sam sent 10 text messages to her hairdresser," Freedman says. "None of which were directed to Britney Spears. Not one had a curse word or used vulgar language or had a threat in it." He adds, "In fact, Britney called Sam and was crying out for help, asking for a cell phone and asking for a lawyer."

		"Perez Hilton Sued by Ohio Woman" myFOXla.com, April 20, 2009 By Scott Coppersmith "This lawsuit is a complete, utter joke and has absolutely no merit," Lavandeira's attorney, Bryan Freedman, said, adding that because Wargo sent the original insulting message from her work computer, "she should have no expectation of privacy."

		"Sam Lutfi Tones Down Attack on Britney Spears" EOnline.com, April 20, 2009 By Josh Greenberg While all this plays out, a judge could decide as soon as tomorrow to make permanent the restraining order against Lutfi and attorney John Eardley—a ruling which Freedman said he will appeal should they come out on the wrong side. Freedman also expressed a desire to bring Spears in from her Circus tour to explain why, if Lutfi was such a nuisance, she didn't file her own restraining order against Lutfi before her father took control of her affairs.

		"Courtroom battle over Britney Spears and her one-time confidant" Los Angeles Times, April 2, 2009 By Harriet Ryan There were plenty of opinions this week during a hearing on whether to impose a long-term restraining order against Lutfi and another man, but none offered by Spears herself.

		"Is Britney Spears Trying to End Her Father's Control?" People.com, April 1, 2009 By Ken Lee The ongoing hearing is to determine whether to extend a restraining order against Lutfi, 34, whom Britney's father alleges is harassing his daughter and is conspiring to disrupt his legal control over her life. Lutfi's attorney, Bryan Freedman, has denied his client has committed any wrongdoing. "Sam's only crime was trying to help out a friend," Freedman tells PEOPLE. "When someone asks for your help, that person is obviously not scared of you or in need of a restraining order."

		"Photographer Says Web Site Defamed Her" Courthouse News Service, March 27, 2009 A photographer has accused the operators of a Web site called wehirealiens.com of making baseless claims that she illegally hires models without work visas and pays them in cash, insinuating she's guilty of tax fraud. "The accusations are entirely false and inaccurate," Zoe Wiseman claims in Superior Court.

		"Courtney Love Sued by Designer 'Boudoir Queen'" Courthouse News Service, March 26, 2009 By MILT POLICZER A fashion designer has filed a libel suit against singer Courtney Love for allegedly embarking on "an obsessive and delusional crusade to terrorize and destroy" her.

		"Courtney Getting No Love From Ticked-Off Designer" EOnline.com, March 26, 2009 By Natalie Finn A fashion designer has sued the former Hole frontwoman for libel, breach of contract and other bad-faith maneuvers, claiming she has become "the latest victim of Love's volatile personality, hair trigger temper, and malicious and tortious behavior," according to the complaint.

		"Judge rules Wesley Snipes must answer more lawsuit questions" Los Angeles Wave, March 7, 2009 By CITY NEWS SERVICE The actor’s attorneys maintain Amen Ra had no involvement with UTA or the four films at issue, but UTA lawyer Bryan J. Freedman on Friday scoffed at that argument. "We couldn’t be more pleased with the ruling," Freedman said. "If Amen Ra had nothing to do with this case, then why did Snipes refuse to answer the questions?"

		"Britney Spears' father keeps tight control over pop star's every move" Los Angeles Times, February 24, 2009 By Harriet Ryan The restraining order proceeding is going forward as Lutfi pursues a civil suit against Spears and her parents. He has alleged a host of charges including defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and breach of contract. In court papers, he has suggested her parents do not have Spears’ best interests at heart. Lutfi’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, appeared to echo those charges with several questions about her tour.

		"Britney's dad testifies for restraining order" Associated Press, February 23, 2009 By Anthony McCartney "A restraining order is for severe harassing conduct that causes substantial emotional distress," Freedman said, adding that Spears' testimony "doesn't remotely come close to that."

		"Britney Spears' former manager sues pop star and parents" Los Angeles Times, February 4, 2009 By Harriet Ryan "Seeing Lutfi's involvement with Britney as a threat to their lifestyle, Jamie and Lynne launched a campaign of lies and intimidation designed to destroy Lutfi and drive him out of Britney's life," Lutfi's attorney, Bryan Freedman, wrote.

		"Lutfi Lawyer: Money's Not Behind Britney Spears Lawsuit" E! Online, February 4, 2009 By Ashley Fultz and Whitney English Freedman says his client still cares about Spears and only named her in the defamation lawsuit he filed Tuesday for procedural purposes. “The real people denying payment have been the conservatorship,” claims Freedman.

		"Sam's Attorney Speaks: Lynne Spears 'Destroyed Sam's Reputation' And Exposed Brit 'For Her Own Profit'" X17 Online, February 3, 2009 Britney Spears' parents, Jamie and Lynne, are being sued by their daughter's former friend slash manager Sam Lutfi today...

		"Video: Julia Roberts Swears and Rants at Paparazzi" Aceshowbiz.com, January 20, 2009 Big screen beauty Julia Roberts has been caught on camera swearing and ranting at a photographer she claims to have been following her all day long. The incident happened on January 10 after she picked up her two children from a New Mexico school.

		"Samantha Ronson, the Web and suits to spare" Los Angeles Times, December 11, 2008 By Harriet Ryan Watching from the sidelines, Hilton's lawyer said he was stunned Ronson was pursuing the case. Coverage of the first suit had extended the life and increased the audience for a small blog item, he said, and the malpractice claim was making it even bigger. "Is this getting her what she wants, which is for this story to never be told in the first place? Are any of the goals she set out to achieve coming even remotely close to being achieved?" Freedman asked.

		"Lenders Yanking Borrowers’ Bucks" Los Angeles Business Journal, November 24, 2008 By Alexa Hyland “After the credit crisis started, and for no other reason, Comerica sent a letter saying we want you to hold $800,000 in the account and not use it at all,” Freedman said. “They did it because they wanted to limit their downside risk.”

		"JOHN RICH - MONTANO SUES RICH OVER HOTEL PUNCH-UP" ContactMusic.com, November 13, 2008 Rocker JERRY MONTANO is suing country star JOHN RICH for assaulting him with a beer bottle in a Hollywood hotel last month (Oct08).

		"Blogger Hilton Collects $87K From Lohan Pal Ronson" KNBC.com, October 6, 2008 Perez Hilton received nearly $87,000 Friday from Lindsay Lohan gal pal Samantha Ronson to pay his attorneys' fees for a defamation case she filed and lost against the celebrity blogger.

		"Andy Dick: Construction Co. Gave Me the Shaft" TMZ.com, October 7, 2008 By TMZ Staff "For once, it seems, Andy Dick will appear in front of a judge and not be called 'the Defendant.'"

		"Power Lawyers: the 100 most influential attorneys in entertainment" The Hollywood Reporter, July 25-27, 2008 By Matthew Belloni A blue-haired Internet gossip has put Freedman at the forefront of the clash between free speech and intellectual property rights in cyberspace. "The cases against Perez Hilton are cases of first impression with wide-ranging implications for anyone who starts a blog or a Web site and wishes to use content (from another) Web site," he says.

		"Perez Hilton Retaliates Against Sony BMG Claim For Posting Britney Tunes" Hollywood Reporter, Esq. Entertainment and Media Blog, April 2, 2008 By Eriq Gardner "Months after the settlement of his copyright dispute with the X17 paparazzi agency, blogger Perez Hilton isn't taking too kindly to being accused of infringement. On his popular website, Hilton says he won't promote Sony BMG artists in retaliation for a lawsuit accusing him of posting unreleased Britney Spears tracks."

		"Mercury Plastics Inc. v. Luben Rabchev, et al." VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS, January 25, 2008 "Defendants' motion for directed verdict granted as to misappropriation of trade secrets and intentional interference with economic advantage. Unanimous verdict for $16,457,866 plus $250,000 in punitives against Rabchev and $25,000 in punitives against Nakaoka. Rabchev and Nakaoka were found liable for breach of fiduciary duty; Rabchev, Nakaoka and Infinity Packaging were found liable for conspiracy."

		"Perez Hilton Wins in Lohan Friend Suit" THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, January 24, 2008 Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton is entitled to nearly $85,000 to pay his legal costs in a defamation lawsuit brought by a friend of Lindsay Lohan.

		"Blogger Perez Hilton gets $85,000 in Lohan friend's lawsuit" THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, January 23, 2008 Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton will receive nearly $85,000 to pay his legal costs in a defamation lawsuit brought by a friend of actress Lindsay Lohan, a judge ruled Wednesday.

		"Perez Hilton wants Samantha Ronson to pick up his Bar tab" E! News, December 7, 2007 By Jennifer Cady The celebrity blogger's camp has requested $93,000 in attorneys' fees to compensate for the bill he racked up defending himself against a defamation lawsuit brought by Lindsay Lohan's gal-pal.

		"Wesley Snipes wants $1.7 million default judgment set aside" Daily News Wire Services, November 1, 2007 Wesley Snipes is asking a judge to set aside a $1.7 million default judgment to the talent agency that formerly represented the "Blade" trilogy star and claims it's owed commissions for getting him movie roles. Lawyers for Los Angeles-based United Talent Agency Inc., which brought the suit against the 45-year-old actor, filed papers yesterday stating the company wants the issue decided at trial. UTA attorney Bryan J. Freedman said he is happy to see Snipes "engaged" in the litigation rather than continuing to ignore it. A hearing on the motion is set for Nov. 14.

		"Perez Prevails in Ronson Libel Suit" E! News, November 1, 2007 "It's a huge victory for not only Perez Hilton but also for everyone who uses the Internet to comment on celebrities of public interest," the celebrity gossip purveyor's attorney, Bryan J. Freedman, told reporters following Thursday's hearing. "We are thrilled this judge ruled the correct way and found the lawsuit to be frivolous." Freedman said that he planned to file a motion to collect about $50,000 in attorneys' fees from Ronson's camp.

		"LA judge says Lohan's friend can question celebrity blogger" TimesDaily.com, October 10, 2007 By The Associated Press A Los Angeles judge has ruled that Lindsay Lohan's friend, Samantha Ronson, can question celebrity blogger Perez Hilton about his report that she planted cocaine found in the actress's car after a crash.

		"Hack Chris Crocker Sued for Fraud" TMZ.com, October 5, 2007 By TMZ Staff "TMZ has obtained a lawsuit filed today in L.A. County Superior Court by Onch, which alleges that Crocker failed to meet his obligations with regard to promoting their jewelry line."

		"Agents Sue Innovative" Daily Variety, August 28, 2007 By Janet Shprintz McConnell's attorney, Bryan Freedman, said, "Michael McConnell has filed this lawsuit to vindicate himself and resolve a longstanding problem with Innovative whose contract provisions are unconscionable and unmatched in the entertainment industry."

		"A tangled Legal Web" Hollywood Reporter, Esq., July 24 - August 6, 2007 By Matthew Heller "There has never been the type of situation Perez Hilton is in," says his attorney, Bryan Freedman. "All of a sudden, a blogger creates something that is so popular. You're talking about a different world."

		"Gossip Blogger Perez Hilton Sues Photo Agency" Daily Journal, June 27, 2007 By D. Heimpel The gossip blogger known as Perez Hilton has fired back at the paparazzi suing him for unauthorized use of their pictures. In a lawsuit filed this week, the blogger, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, accused the photo agency X17 of employing illegal immigrants to stalk Hollywood's glitterati.

		"Snap Judgment" Entertainment Weekly, May 18, 2007 By Vanessa Juarez For now, Hilton continues to publish his blog from his makeshift office-- a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in L.A.--though Freedman confirms another law firm has been added to the blogger's tea. Meanwhile, other celeb webmasters are anxiously watching how the legal battle plays out.

		"I'M A SHAMELESS WHORE!" Ciudad Magazine, May 2007 By Daniel J. Vargas Lavandeira's attorney, Bryan J. Freedman, argues that his client's use of the photos falls under the "fair use" exception to the Copyright Act. "Perez will fight this battle on behalf of all bloggers and, if necessary to defend these rights, will take the case to trial." Lavandeira adds, "I don't believe I'm doing anything wrong or illegal, and I'm going to defend myself vigorously. This could potentially have a lot of repercussions in the blogosphere."

		"Demolition Man" Radar Online, April 2007 By Ethan Brown What's up with Wesley? An indictment for tax fraud, an affinity for extremist groups, and a private militia, for starters.

		"Judge Denies Injunction Against Perez Hilton" Hollywood Reporter, Esq., March 9, 2007 By Leslie Simmons Lavandeira's attorney, Bryan Freedman of Freedman & Taitelman in Los Angeles, said X17 simply created arguments without bothering to supply the court with evidence, and Fairbank's decision "is the biggest ruling by far in the case. You get the first look at the court's opinion in the matter. It's nice to see the right decision being made in this case," Freedman said. "And we feel vindicated by the court's ruling."

		"Perez Hilton Evens Score in Paparazzi Lawsuit" TMZ.com, March 9, 2007 By TMZ Staff "The court's ruling is further validation of our client's position in this dispute," Hilton's lawyer, Bryan J. Freedman, tells TMZ, "We continue to believe that Mr. Lavandeira ultimately will prevail on the legal merits at the time of trial in this matter."

		"X17 CASE TAKING INT'L NEWS INTO BLOGGING ERA" Hollywood Reporter, Esq., March 6, 2007 By Leslie Simmons "Our client has made it clear: He will go all the way on behalf of bloggers everywhere to make a statement that this is fair use and people can take photographs and transform them for the purpose of satirical comedy," Freedman said.

		"Paparazzi Pile on Perez Hilton" Red Herring, February 23, 2007 By Sunshine K. Mugrabi Bryan Freedman, an attorney for Perez Hilton, said that without seeing the lawsuit he cannot comment on the specifics of it. Overall, he said, his client is using photos on his site in such a way that he believes should be protected under the fair use exception to the Copyright Act. "Anybody can say, ‘that’s my photo take it down.’ Perez has no idea whether that’s actually their photo, and I haven’t seen a letter with copies of photos, or copyright registrations, or any indication of proof of ownership," said Mr. Freedman.

		"UNIVERSAL SNAPS COPYRIGHT SUIT AT FAMOUS CELEBRITY BLOGGER" Daily Journal, February 22, 2007 By Andrew Harmon "It is unfortunate that Universal has chose to bring this lawsuit as our client has done nothing wrong," Freedman said. "The use of a portion of a single photograph that was previously published on numerous Web sites for the purpose of commentary and satire constitutes fair use."

		"Blogger Sued Over Topless Aniston Pic" CBS News Online: Showbuzz, February 21, 2007 A Hollywood movie studio filed a lawsuit claiming gossip blogger Perez Hilton posted a stolen topless photograph of Jennifer Aniston on the Web. Universal City Studios Productions LLLP filed the suit Tuesday claiming the stolen image was posted on the perezhilton Internet site by Mario Lavandeira, aka Hilton.

		"Blogger Perez Sued over Topless Aniston Pic" E! News Online, February 21, 2007 By Lia Haberman The studio sued the celebrity-gossip blogger Tuesday for copyright infringement, accusing Hilton of posting a stolen topless picture of Jennifer Aniston that was shot and then swiped either during production or postproduction of 2006's The Break-Up.

		"Judge: 'Hot News' Misappropriation Applies to Photos" The Hollywood Reporter, Esq., February 12, 2007 By Leslie Simmons Freedman said he was not disappointed with the decision because X17's arguments will bolster Lavandeira's fair use defense. "One of the reasons to file the motion to dismiss wasn't just solely to prevail, but to glean some admissions of the fair-use defense" under the Copyright Act, he said. "We think we got incredible admissions in (X17's) opposition, including that they find the pictures our client uses on the Web site to be newsworthy, which is one of the elements required under fair use."

		"Bottom Line: The salacious side of the movie business through the prism of one woman's tragic story." The Hollywood Reporter, January 25, 2007 By Sura Wood While not exactly an investigative journalist, Stenn researched the case diligently for more than a decade and persisted in pursuing Douglas for an interview. It says something for him that after 65 years of silence, Douglas, who trusted no one, agreed to talk on camera about her ordeal. Grossly overweight and with the affect of a wounded animal, Douglas was bitter, profoundly depressed and in overwhelming pain. She died shortly after the interviews. Her halting account of the rape and its aftermath is riveting. Greta van Susteren, attorney Michael Taitelman and Douglas' daughter, among others, provide context.

		"ALLIED ENERGY GROUP SPECIAL INVESTMENT REPORT" Allied Energy Group, Inc., January 10, 2007 Allied Energy Group, Inc. was formed in June 2003 with the objective of becoming a leader in the oil and gas industry. The company relies upon its geologists, engineers, and industry experts whose combined industry experience is essential to the success of each project. Allied Energy Group's strategic focus is the development of reserves.

		"New Complaint - Chris Crocker" Entertainment Law Digest, 2007 "YouTube notoriety has its ups and downs, as evidence by a jewelry maker's $2 million lawsuit against Christ Crocker, a devoted Britney Spears fan who earned his moment in the spotlight with a homemade video beseeching the public to 'Leave Britney alone!'"

		"Legal Pad: Copyright Vs. the Paparazzi Mentality" Legal Pad: CAL LAW Blog, December 19, 2006 By Brian McDonough While the trial is likely to be a little more entertaining than average, it also stands to make some case law about copyright and fair use in our current age. That’s the Internet Age, not the "Must Know Every Time Katie Holmes Goes Jogging" Age. Just making sure. The way we consume news (and seriously, is Paris Hilton stumbling drunk out of a limo still "news" at all?) is changing, and the laws governing intellectual property and commentary that uses or abuses it are facing new challenges that may lead to new case law.

		"Paparazzi Sue Celeb Blogger for $7.6M" Fox News, December 18, 2006 By Associated Press "I am going to vigorously defend myself," he said. "I am willing to step up to the plate and fight for my rights and fight for the rights of all bloggers." His attorney, Bryan Freedman, said Hilton has a legal right to make satirical or humorous use of newsworthy photographs.

		"Paparazzi sue celeb blogger Perez Hilton" CNN, December 18, 2006 By Associated Press His attorney, Bryan Freedman, said Hilton has a legal right to make satirical or humorous use of newsworthy photographs. If the copyright lawsuit succeeds, "the effect would be to eliminate the ability to comment on and transform photographs under the fair-use exception to the Copyright Act," Freedman said.

		"Perez Hilton takes their best shots: the gossip blogger's use of an agency's paparazzi photos puts the legal spotlight on copyright infringement." The Los Angeles Times, December 17, 2006 By Robin Abcarian "The effect would be to eliminate the ability to comment on and transform photographs under the fair-use exception to the Copyright Act," said Hilton's attorney, Bryan Freedman of Century City. It's one thing to take somebody's copyrighted work and turn around and sell it, he added, but to alter the work to achieve a satiric or humorous end is entirely different and is allowed under the law.

		"PEREZ HILTON TAKES THEIR BEST SHOTS" The Los Angeles Times, December 17, 2006 By Robin Abcarian "The effect would be to eliminate the ability to comment on and transform photographs under the fair-use exception to the Copyright Act," said Hilton's attorney, Bryan Freedman of Century City.

		"Blogger Perez Hilton Hit With Photo Agency Copyright Claim" Hollywood Reporter, Esq., December 1, 2006 By Leslie Simmons Popular celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton was sued Thursday in Los Angeles federal court by the X17 photo agency, which is claiming his site blatantly uses its copyrighted images without permission.

		"UPDATING YOUR CALENDAR SYSTEM PROTECTS PRACTICE AND CLIENTS DAILY JOURNAL" By Michael A. Taitelman Fortunately, practices of all sizes, including small firms and solo practitioners, have options. As a nine-lawyer firm that focuses on business litigation, we have many court dates and jurisdictions to track, both state and federal. While the Los Angeles County state courts and the local district court are familiar places, other jurisdictions pose a challenge to our firm's calendaring system.

		"UTA: Snipes owes millions" THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, August 1-7, 2006 By Carl DIOrlo UTA, jilted by Wesley Snipes in February, is suing the actor for back commissions on "Blade: Trinity" and other films.

		"UTA, FORMER AGENT SPAR OVER EXIT" THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, June 6-12, 2006 United Talent Agency and Chris Coelen, formerly one of its top agents, have traded lawsuits stemming from Coelen's decision to form a new personal management company with financial backing from former UTA client RDF Media.

		"Rescue Dawn - Production Troubles" The Werner Herzog Archive, May 22, 2006 By Michael A. Hiltzik The Clippers' Brand has tried to transfer his basketball success to Hollywood, but his time as a producer has been marred by lawsuits. "He was as stand-up a guy and as honorable a person as I have ever been in litigation against," said Bryan J. Freedman, a lawyer who represented producer Gerald Green. "He came down to my office, looked in my eyes, and did exactly what he said he was going to do."

		"Movie Game Is Not So Easy" The Los Angeles Times, May 21, 2006 By Michael A. Hiltzik Freedman, Green's attorney, said that Brand appeared in his Los Angeles office on his own three or four weeks after the lawsuit was filed, expressing a desire to resolve the matter himself. Soon after the meeting, he remitted funds sufficient to close the case, Freedman said.

		"'WEST WING' STAR STIFFED AGENCY, LAWSUIT ALLEGES" Daily Journal, May 23, 2005 By Draeger Martinez Bryan J. Freedman, who represents the plaintiff Paradigm Talent & Literary Agency in Beverly Hills, says his client seeks at least $90,000 in damages and residuals, plus declaratory relief, court costs and interest. "We still need to conduct discovery to determine the full extent of residuals earned and commissions earned by Mr. Schiff," says Freedman, a co-founder of Freedman & Taitelman in Century City. "There's still a season left unpaid, so the underlying financial numbers may change over time."

		"Party that failed to file opposition to summary judgment motion was not entitled to mandatory relief for attorney's neglect." Daily Appellate Report, April 17, 2003 Freedman & Taitelman, Michael A. Taitelman and John D. Guerrini for Defendants and Respondents Robert Greenwald and Heidi Frey Greenwald.

		"When in a Niche, Less Can, Indeed, Mean More" VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS, March 5, 1999 By Reena Furutari At this point, the biggest question is growth. There has been discussion about adding partners. "You want somebody who is going to fit, thinks like you do, has the same mentality, and wants the culture to stay the same," said Taitelman.

		"BOY'S STEPDAD SUES MICHAEL JACKSON" In a lawsuit filed in Santa Monica Superior Court, the stepfather alleges that Jackson "interposed himself" into his family, showering his wife and children with gifts and ultimately "sexually assaulting" his stepson, according to the man's lawyer, Brian Freedman.

		"Just Desserts for Ice Cream Shop" The Los Angeles Times By Eric Malnic The owner of a popular ice cream shop in Carson won her battle Wednesday to hang on to the business she has run in a strip mall for more than 23 years.

		"Legal Victory Is Just Desserts for Carson Ice Cream Shop" The Los Angeles Times By Eric Malnic SAVORING DECISION: Judge ruled in favor of Wanda Johnson-Pope after mall owner tried to cancel lease.

		"Developer Aims to Rescue Shop From Meltdown" The Los Angeles Times By Jean Merl 'We think Ken's should be a part of the neighborhood for years to come.' –Tim Lelweke, president and chief executive of AEG, which is developing a sports complex in Carson.