The Ninth Circuit has been the jurisdiction of choice for authors claiming that a hit movie or television series has infringed the copyright in their screenplay, novel or other literary work. Yet that jurisdiction has been a virtual graveyard for such claims. Attorney Robert Helfing will describe the benighted history of literary infringement cases and explain why, for more than 35 years, the courts almost uniformly dismissed such claims on motions for summary judgment. He will also explore the recent turnaround in which four such claims have survived summary disposition.
   Join CLA and fellow attendees for a social hour with light appetizers (no host bar) at 6 p.m. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. This program is designed for an attorney audience but all members of the community are welcome.