Week 8 EOC: Bratz Brawl

So, apparently, there’s a trial that’s been going on between Mattel and MGA. Mattel is suing MGA because they say that Mattel, owner of the popular Barbie doll, should own Bratz as well. This has been going on for a decade, at least, and I honestly feel it’s a waste of time and money. Not to mention Mattel has, once again, lost its case against MGA.

“‘I have a passion for making things kids want, and I have a passion for winning,’ says the 59-year-old Iranian-American with closely cropped graying hair, droopy eyes and an unshakable Persian accent.” -Isaac Larian, Forbes.com

Can’t say the attorney who supported MGA in this endeavor didn’t score either.

“Jennifer Keller, the attorney who won an $88.5 million verdict against Mattel Inc. in the battle over the Bratz doll, has teamed up with three former partners at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to create a new litigation boutique based in Irvine, Calif.” -americanlawyer.com

Doesn’t seem like Mattel got much worth out of it as well, having to pay MGA back a whole lot in damages.

“A federal appeals court on Thursday tossed out $172 million in damages that Mattel had been ordered to pay MGA Entertainment, the maker of Bratz dolls. It was the latest move in a bitter nine-year legal dispute over commercial rights to the ethnically diverse, pouty-lipped toys.” -nytimes.com

Week 8 EOC: 10 Questions

1. Do I have to copyright the animations that I make?

2. What’s a trademark?

3. Do I have to trademark my animations as well?

4. How important is it to copyright and/or trademark any artwork you make?

5. How long does it take for a copyright and trademark to go through?

6. What’s important most when creating your own work?

7. Would it be safe to post your own work on the web?

8. What should I do if someone steals my work in any way?

9. How long would it normally take if you make a case against them?

10. What’s your stand on keeping your work private?

Week 7 EOC: Lawyers

1. Keith E. Gregory & Associates

631 S 10th St

Las Vegas, NV 89101

(702) 979-4730

2. Day & Nance - Personal Injury Lawyers

1060 Wigwam Pkwy

Henderson, NV 89074

(702) 475-3522

3. Hawkins, Boley and AlDabbagh Law Firm

3143 Industrial Rd

Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 723-0257

4. Crystal Eller Attorney at Law

8625 W Sahara Ave

Las Vegas, NV 89117

(702) 997-8770

5. Claflin Law Ltd

3753 Howard Hughes Pkwy Ste. 200

Las Vegas, NV 89169

(702) 608-1942

6. Roger P. Croteau & Associates

9120 W Post Rd

Las Vegas, NV 89148

(702) 605-1758

7. Gallo Law Office

818 S Casino Center Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89101

(702) 509-9820

8. Law Offices of Martin Hart, LLC

229 Las Vegas Blvd S Suite 200

Las Vegas, NV 89101

(702) 997-8231

9. The Law Office of William J Crock, LLC

7465 W Lake Mead Blvd Suite 100

Las Vegas, NV 89128

(702) 706-5529

10. TCM Law - Attorney Thomas C. Michaelides

1614 S Maryland Pkwy

Las Vegas, NV 89104

(702) 708-1143

Week 6 EOC: Sumpreme Court Prayer

I am not in a religion, but I’m also not an atheist. My point being that I don’t have a problem with a prayer being said in public places. I may feel a little awkward about, but I wouldn’t want to be rude about it either. It’s who it affects most that really matter.

“Two women objected to the prayers at board meetings and sued to stop the practice. One is an atheist; the other, Susan Galloway, is Jewish.” -npr.org

Since there aren’t just Christians anymore all over the country, it doesn’t suit the entire population to start with a Christian prayer. There are a couple other religions here in the US, and some have felt they were being alienated because of it.

“Mulling over the beliefs of Christians, atheists, Bahais and even devil worshipers, Supreme Court justices appeared confounded Wednesday by how to fashion guidelines for prayer at public meetings in an era of rapidly increasing religious diversity in America.” -latimes.com

The most important thing to me is where people should say their prayer. I wouldn’t mind much if it’s with the family and at the dinner table, but not if it’s in a public setting (A restaurant, elementary school, park, etc.). It just wouldn’t seem right. There may be some discrepancies from people around, such as the parent of children if any or someone who is not of that religion’s prayer.

"We are a very religiously diverse country," said Justice Samuel Alito, who worried about the town officials articulating binding guidelines on what can be said. "All should be treated equally. So I can't see how you can compose a prayer that is acceptable to all these religions.” -cnn.com