Posted inLawsuits

Cast Away Competition

Festival feud

The executive director of “The Nantucket Wine & Food Festival,” Nancy Bean, has filed a lawsuit in US District Court and is asking for a trial by jury.  Bean’s event has run since 1996, every year during the third week of May.  The focus of the lawsuit involves the discovery of an announcement that Gordon Companies Inc. will be hosting a similar event next year under the name “The Nantucket Food and Wine Experience.”  Although the names of the two events are undeniably comparable, the crux of the legal issue extends far beyond this matter. 

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

It Pays to Share

Failed business deal

In recent news, a former footballer and an actor go head-to-head in the ultimate legal showdown of a business venture gone awry.  In the U.S. District Court of Central California, David Beckham filed a complaint against the Syndey, Australia-based company F45 Training, which is 36% owned by Mark Wahlberg.  Beckham claims that Wahlberg approached him to serve as a brand ambassador for the company but was later allegedly duped out of millions.  The former athlete alleges breach of contract and fraudulent conduct.  Since the initial filing, Wahlberg has denied the accusations and is seeking a dismissal.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

A Modern Renovation

House fix gone wrong

In response to a lawsuit filed in December 2023, actor Sofia Vergara has issued a counterclaim.  The legal dispute focuses on the renovations to Vergara’s Los Angeles home, which she purchased in 2020, while still married to her now ex-husband Joe Manganiello.  According to the initial claim, Vergara’s contractor, Reside Custom Homes (RCH), accuses the Modern Family alum of promissory fraud, breach of contract, and intentional interference with contractual relations.  Among the allegations, RCH claims that Vergara failed to pay two bills, one for $896,196.15 and the other for $657,245.23, associated with work already completed on the home.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Whopping New Claim

Not as advertised

Commercials, billboards, and flyers serve as some of the means for fast food marketers to reach their target audience of consumers that are on the go, in a rush, or are looking for easy meal alternatives.  The trick to grabbing their attention is just that: to trick.  While soda products appear crisp and fizzy with the help of antacids, the buoyancy of breakfast cereal in a bowl would lose its visual luster without the aid of glue.  It goes without saying that consumers may enjoy these products without antacids or glue, however, a new lawsuit may counter that argument.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Show Drama Unwinds

Streaming wars

The long-running animated show, South Park, has premiered as a staple on the cable television network, Comedy Central, for many years.  Although known for its hilarious parodies, which often poke fun at celebrities, pop culture, and politics, South Park is now at the center of an extensive lawsuit focusing on streaming service rights.  The two services that are battling against one another are HBO Max and Paramount+.  The lawsuit was filed at the end of February in a New York Supreme Court and places into consideration a $500 million contract between the two services.

2 minutes