Welcome to Licensed to Gossip: a juicy breakdown of pop culture and the law by two attorney besties. Follow us on Instagram @LicensedToGossip for all things L2G, and until next Thursday... later babes! Your hosts, Allie and Noëlle (Produced by RYCO & Indie Chameleon with mixing and mastering by Taryn Sweeney)
Babes, it’s a presidential election year (surprise!), and in this Season 2 finale, L2G tackles all things voting. But first, we start with a recap of the controversial apology video of Sean “Diddy” Combs, and chat about Scarlett Johansson’s letter to Open AI, claiming the company’s “Sky” voice was created to sound like “Her” (as in, the movie where ScarJo voices an AI bot). Then, we discuss your right to vote in the United States, touching on the history of disenfranchisement of voting rights, the Constitution, registering to vote, your rights at the polls, the Election Protection Hotline, and more! Lastly, dearest reader, you know we can’t resist briefly chatting about the latest season of Bridgerton. Tune in, don’t forget to vote this fall, and we’ll see you next season. Later babes!
23 May 2024
Baby Reindeer v. Defamation
“This is a true story.” Even if you haven’t seen it, you’ve heard the buzz surrounding Netflix’s Baby Reindeer—a captivating miniseries about a man and his stalker, ‘Martha,’ who claims the show isn’t a true story at all. In L2G’s seventeenth episode, we discuss defamation claims and what the real ‘Martha’ would likely need to prove in a lawsuit against Netflix. We also chat about the outcome of Bad Bunny’s copyright lawsuit (spoiler, he lost!), and give our thoughts on King Charles’ bloody fantastic portrait and Sabrina Carpenter’s new hit—I’m working lateeee cuz I’m a singerrr—ahem, Espresso. Later babes!
16 May 2024
"Hot Girls" v. Title VII
Alright L2G babes, is it safe to crown Kendrick Lamar winner of the Drake v. Kendrick feud? We kick off episode sixteen with a play-by-play of the heated rap battle, briefly touching on A.I. Tupac Shakur’s featured track, before launching into our main topic: hostile work environment claims under Title VII. We discuss the elements of this federal employment discrimination claim, using recent lawsuits filed against “hot girls” Megan Thee Stallion and Lizzo as illustrative examples. Then walk the red (or vomit green) carpet with us for a “smash or pass” Met Gala edition, where we share our expert commentary on a range of celeb looks from Kendall Jenner’s take on the “Sleeping Beauties” theme, to Tyla’s sand dress, Loewe boots, corsets, and more. Later babes!
9 May 2024
Birkin Bags v. Antitrust Laws
Whether you’re sporting a crocodile skin Birkin bag or a sweaty gym bag, you’re all L2G babes in our eyes. In L2G’s fifteenth episode, we chat about the elusive Birkin bag and the recent antitrust lawsuit brought against luxury fashion house Hermés for *checks notes* making these handbags too exclusive by illegally “tying” them to the sale of other items. We’ll also briefly explain what the proposed federal reclassification of marijuana spells for pot-enthusiasts, give a glowing review of Zendaya’s sexy new movie, Challengers, and give our hot take on animal cafés. Later babes!
2 May 2024
Build-A-Bear v. Squishmallows
Grab your nearest plush toy and cuddle up for episode fourteen, where we cover the cutest legal battle ever! L2G breaks down Squishmallows’ intellectual property infringement lawsuit against Build-A-Bear’s “Skoosherz” stuffed toy line. We’ll analyze the strengths of the case and unpack trademark law’s protectability of product design, a form of trade dress, as well as the secondary meaning that has to be shown in order to achieve that protection. Plus, we’ve heard Kylie and Timmy might be in the market for some new baby animal toys…have you heard the rumors? Later babes!
11 Apr 2024
Conservators v. Conservatees
You asked, we listened. L2G is tackling conservatorships in our thirteenth episode. #FreeBritney with us as we unpack the essential elements of creating a conservatorship, explain the ‘clear and convincing evidence’ standard, other relevant legal terms (what is a lucid interval?), and discuss societal implications before diving into the celebrity examples you know all too well - Britney Spears, Amanda Bynes, and Michael Oher. We also ‘leave Britney alone!’ and talk about Lizzo’s mysterious ‘quitting’ announcement, Zendaya’s red carpet slays, and the forever reign of the Princess of Genovia herself, Anne Hathaway. Later babes!
4 Apr 2024
Wills v. Quills
We, Licensed to Gossip, being of sound mind and body, do hereby declare that L2G’s twelfth episode is all about “Wills.” The legal documents, not Prince William or William Shakespeare (though we might mention them too). Get ready to talk about death, because we discuss what will happen to all your cool stuff if you die without a Will, using ourselves as examples (stay tuned to find out what will happen to Noëlle’s Leonardo DiCaprio posters). Don’t put down your quills yet, because we also talk about handwritten Wills and what is usually required for these less formal documents to hold up in court, using Aretha Franklin’s recent couch-cushion Will as an example. Lastly, we’ll gossip about some juicy (and maybe speculative) celebrity Will clauses, from the recently-passed Matthew Perry to the very-much-alive Oprah Winfrey, before we wrap up with our controversial opinions on Timothée Chalamet’s Wonka movie. Later babes!
28 Mar 2024
Love v. Tinder
L2G here, your one and only source into the scandalous lives of…oops wrong series. We may be a little rusty, but we’re back for season 2! Join us in our discussion of a necessary evil for singles everywhere - dating apps - and the recently filed false advertising lawsuit against Hinge, Tinder, and (for the ambitious) The League. (And yes, we did notice the similarities to Netflix’s “Love Guaranteed”). If you’d rather trade date-night for a night in, we gotcha covered. Throw on Beyoncé’s country album, organize your throw pillows, and flaunt your Trader Joe’s mini tote bags. You know you love us, xoxo L2G.
1 Jun 2023
Andy Warhol v. Fair Use
L2G babes, you are simply the best. Better than all the rest. Thank you for joining us for the last(!!) episode of season one of Licensed to Gossip. In our tenth episode, we discuss copyright law’s fair use doctrine in the context of a recent Supreme Court decision involving mid-century artist Andy Warhol’s famed portrait depicting the legendary musician Prince. We break down SCOTUS’s decision, focusing particularly on what makes an artistic work “transformative.” We also mourn the passing of the iconic Queen of Rock n’ Roll, Tina Turner, chat about the Cannes Film Festival (so profoundly that we deserve a 16 minute standing ovation), give our thoughts on joint bachelor/bachelorette parties, and weigh-in on the longstanding debate of meats v. sides at cookouts. Later babes!
25 May 2023
Sports Betting v. USA
The NBA finals are almost here and, odds are, you or someone you know has wagered money on a game or two. Parlay with us in L2G’s ninth episode as we discuss the booming sports betting industry, an abridged history of sports betting regulations in the United States, and the societal issues we are grappling with as more and more states legalize sports betting. We also give updates on Montana’s new TikTok ban (yup, it’s happening), weigh-in on Jane the Virgin’s Justin Baldoni and his “Man Enough” podcast, and gush over the new face of Bleu de Chanel, our bagel-loving king, Timothée Chalamet. Later babes!
18 May 2023
TikTok v. Dances
Renegade, WAP, Savage. By now you’ve either recorded your own viral dance video or spent hours scrolling through them on TikTok. In L2G’s eighth episode, we explore choreography in the context of TikTok dances, focusing on whether these dances are the type of expression that is typically protectable under copyright law. Weigh in on the latest binge-worthy show “Queen Charlotte” created by the queen herself, Shonda Rhimes, and let us know your opinions on TikTok restaurant influencers and the Taylor Swift/Matty Healy dating rumors. Later babes!
11 May 2023
A.I. v. Human Authors
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm, and babes, we are freaking out. In L2G’s seventh episode, we discuss the legal questions raised by AI-created artwork and compositions, including whether these works are copyrightable, and who would be considered their “author” under copyright law. Chat with us about Ed Sheeran’s recent lawsuit, Jury Duty (the show starring James Marsden, not the civic duty), issues raised by the AI-generated Drake/Weeknd song “Heart On My Sleeve,” and the controversial Choupette cat costumes worn by Doja Cat and Jared Leto at the Met Gala. Meow. Later babes!
4 May 2023
Harry & Meghan v. Tabloids
“You should see him in a crown” - and this weekend you will. King Charles’ coronation is Saturday, and we are talking all things royal in L2G’s sixth episode. On top of coronation drama, we discuss the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their ongoing battle for privacy against the British press. Join us as we breakdown the torts of Publication of Private Fact and Intrusion upon Seclusion, using Harry and Meghan’s lawsuits against the British tabloids to illustrate. Play a game of “Royal Rule Roulette” with us, and let us know your thoughts on Phantom of the Opera’s epic Broadway run, the upcoming Harry Potter and Twilight TV series, and Coachella’s downfall. Later babes!
27 Apr 2023
OG Taylor Swift v. Taylor’s Version
Choose your fighter: Taylor’s original album recordings or her new “Taylor’s version” albums. In L2G’s fifth episode, we talk about why Taylor Swift is re-recording her old albums and break down the difference between publishing rights and masters in the music industry. And, of course, this Taylor-themed episode would not be complete without our thoughts on the Eras tour and a heartbroken (or heart-breaking?) Joe Alwyn. Keep listening for our thoughts on the Montana TikTok ban, AI ChatBot marriages, and a few recent celebrity couple updates (Millie Bobby Brown and Vanessa Hudgens are engaged…to other people, and Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet are breaking the internet). Later babes!
20 Apr 2023
Prenups v. Celeb Couples
What do Jeff Bezos and Justin Bieber have in common? They didn’t sign prenups. Find out more in L2G’s fourth episode as we unpack the seemingly scary and misunderstood topic of prenuptial agreements and the types of property they typically cover. We also play a “wild celebrity prenup” guessing game, chat about Daisy Jones and the Six (hello Sam Claflin, or should we say Finnick?), and weigh in on why Reese’s eggs are superior to classic peanut butter cups. Later babes!
13 Apr 2023
Austin Butler v. Elvis
If you’re looking for trouble, you came to the right place. Join us as we discuss the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley, and the latest telling of his life story in Baz Luhrmann’s glittering movie. In L2G’s third episode, we break down the right of publicity and how it impacts this film (and other Hollywood biopics), the iconic moments from Gwyneth Paltrow’s recent trial, and, of course, Austin Butler’s controversial “Elvis voice.” Thank you, thank you very much, for listening. Later babes!
6 Apr 2023
State v. Baldwin
In L2G’s second episode, we discuss the accidental shooting on the film set of Rust. Listen for a breakdown of the facts around the fatal accident, the charges against Alec Baldwin (formally known as Alexander Rae), and some criminal law basics. In lighter news, we chat about Ke Huy Quan’s big Oscar win, the Jonas Brothers’ comeback, Ted Lasso’s mustache, and our thoughts on low rise jeans (please no). Later babes!
30 Mar 2023
Pinocchio v. Pinocchio
Welcome to Licensed to Gossip. If you’ve been wondering how two unrelated Pinocchio movies could be released in the same year, you’ve come to the right place. In L2G’s first episode, we compare Disney’s live action remake to Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, break down some copyright law basics, and critique Tom Hanks’ tragic performance as Geppetto. If wooden boys aren’t your thing, get ready to chat with us about Rihanna’s comeback, Pedro Pascal’s daddy-ness, and mushroom coffee (does anyone actually drink this?). Later babes!
23 Mar 2023
The Launch of Licensed to Gossip
Welcome to Licensed to Gossip: a juicy breakdown of pop culture and the law by two attorney besties. Follow us on Instagram @LicensedToGossip for all things L2G, and until next Thursday... later babes! Your hosts, Allie and Noëlle xoxo
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