Freedman and Taitelman, LLP


		"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.”

		"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.

		"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."

		"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."

		"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.

		"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.

		"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.

		"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.

		"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."

		"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."

		"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!'"

		"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."

		"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."

		"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."

		"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.

		"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.

		"UNIVERSAL SNAPS COPYRIGHT SUIT AT FAMOUS CELEBRITY BLOGGER" Daily Journal 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."

		"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.

		"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.

		"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.

		"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.

		"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.

		"'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."

		"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."

		"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.

		"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.

		"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.

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

		"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.

		"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.