Briefs
Legal explainers
The law behind the news, explained in a few minutes by the experts who know it best.
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8:27MUSICSAMPLINGRIGHTS
Music Sampling Rights
Prof. Joseph Fishman · Vanderbilt Law
What counts as sampling, the de minimis circuit split, fair use, and why sample licenses can cost so much.
8:3419K viewsNFTROYALTIES
How Do NFT Royalties Work?
Prat Vallabhaneni & Adam Chernichaw · White & Case · Pillsbury
Smart contracts, platform terms, and the legal limits of resale royalties for NFT creators
2:52815 viewsSUED FORAN EMOJI?
Can You Be Liable for the Emojis You Use?
Prof. Eric Goldman · Santa Clara Law
Courts read emojis together with words, so a gun emoji or a thumbs-up can carry real legal consequences.
1:54TRADEMARKA COLOR?
Can a color be trademarked?
Prof. Barbara Kolsun · Cardozo Law
Tiffany blue, Louboutin red, and when a single color can work as a trademark
2:17SELLINGYOUR OWNNAME?
Can a designer lose legal rights to use her name?
Prof. Barbara Kolsun · Cardozo Law
Why designers who sell their namesake brands may lose the right to use their own names in business
1:21FAUXFURCRIMES
Faux Fur Crimes
Christine Mott · Animal Law Attorney
Federal law requires real fur to be labeled by species, yet real fur keeps turning up in items sold as faux.