Hollywood Docket: Warner Bros. Fires Back at 'War Dogs' Lawsuit

Here are the latest reports from The Hollywood Reporters ‘THR Esq’.

Hollywood Docket: Warner Bros. Fires Back at ‘War Dogs’ Lawsuit

Plus, “Queen of the Desert” producers settle a piracy lawsuit and Dr. Luke reaches a deal in a copyright case over “Price Tag.”

Eddie Money Wants Ex-Drummer’s Discrimination Suit SLAPPed Out of Court

The rocker’s attorneys will address the later-added sexual harassment claims in a motion for summary judgment.

Appeals Court Asks If Sound Recording Rights Can Be Divested Like Magic Tricks

It’s the 11th Circuit’s turn to wade into the legal fight over the performance of pre-1972 songs.

Film Studios in Talks With Musicians Guild to Settle Dispute Over Unoriginal Scores

The parties are also said to be looking at how to avoid future lawsuits.

Kanye West’s “Famous” Video Is Infamous, But Will Any Celebrity Dare Sue?

Yeezus, Kim Kardashian sued over what? The Supreme Court may tackle what what? Ray J better be prepared for what what what?

National Amusements Directors Pen Snarky Letter in Response to Viacom Board Unrest

“There is no world in which Mr. Dauman and Mr. Abrams could have vetoed” the decision to replace nearly half of the Viacom board, states the letter.

Rolling Stone Defeats Defamation Lawsuit from Virginia Fraternity Brothers

While the later-debunked article about a fraternity gang rape may have made Phi Kappa Psi members look bad, it doesn’t amount to defamation.

Jeffrey Katzenberg Sued Over “Side Deal” to DreamWorks-Comcast Merger

Shareholders claim the studio’s founder sweetened his own deal to their detriment.

Hulk Hogan Wants to Assess Whether Gawker’s Nick Denton Is Really Indispensable

Hogan demands a deposition and documents as part of a move to possibly move forward in collection efforts against Denton.

Appeals Court Revives Lawsuit Claiming Viacom Violates Kids’ Privacy on Nick.com

The 3rd Circuit lets Viacom off the hook on most claims, but not one that alleges the company failed to live up to a promise not to collect personal information.

‘Happy Birthday to You’ is One Step Closer to Being in the Public Domain

The song is expected to be officially freed in July.

Philippe Dauman Tries to Navigate Tricky Path Over Ouster from Sumner Redstone Trust

In new court papers, the Viacom CEO also hints he could later challenge other trustees continuing to serve on the entity that controls the fate of his company.

Cinemark Beats Victims’ Lawsuit Over Mass Shooting at Colorado Movie Theater

A judge concludes that the promixate cause of deaths wasn’t the lack of safety measures, but rather shooter James Holmes’ premeditated state.

CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN Escape Antitrust Lawsuit Over NFL Broadcast Deals

The outcome of a now consolidated complaint against the NFL and DirecTV will nonetheless be impactful to TV networks.

‘Star Wars’ Model-Maker Sues Ex-Employees For Stealing Trade Secrets

Two long-time employees of iconic model-maker Grant McCune stole a key client and proprietary information before leaving to form a competing company, according to the lawsuit.

Soap Actress Allowed to Advance Lawsuit Alleging Sony Retaliated Against Her Advocacy

Victoria Rowell claims that ‘Days of Our Lives’ took her off an audition list based on her work on behalf of minorities.

Judge Halts Auction of Whitney Houston’s Emmy

The Television Academy succeeds at the preliminary stage in showing a likelihood of victory in the lawsuit and irreperable harm from a planned sale.

Bill Cosby Loses Bid to Toss Lawsuit Concerning Alleged Assault a Half Century Ago

Kristina Ruehli allowed to move forward on claim of being defamed.

A “Stairway to Heaven” Appeal Would be a Fruitless Climb, Attorneys Say

The unanimous jury verdict in favor of Led Zeppelin would be tough to overturn.

Jeep Faces $5M Class Action Lawsuit After Anton Yelchin’s Death

The lawsuit claims a “dangerously defective” gear shifter has caused more than 300 incidents, including the actor’s death.

CBS, Paramount Tell ‘Star Trek’ Fans How They Can Make Fan Films Without Getting Sued

In the midst of a lawsuit targeting a crowfunded film, the two studios give 10 conditions.

Led Zeppelin Wins ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Jury Trial

A jury rules in the band’s favor after hearing testimony and arguments that the iconic song was a copyright infringement of Spirit’s “Taurus.”

Discovery Accused of Taking Advantage of Financial Crimes to Steal TLC’s ‘The Little Couple’

LMNO also says that last week, Discovery sent notices of termination for other reality shows including “7 Little Johnstons,” “Killer Confessions,” “Speaking For The Dead,” “Unusual Suspects” and “Hollywood & Crime”