Litigation | Bell Davis Pitt

A Seller, A Listing Agent, A Few Changes To The Listing Agreement, And A Lawsuit

Joshua B. Durham

Litigation Blog

Because I’ve represented real estate professionals in a number of matters over the years, I’m always watching for cases throughout the country that make for good teaching lessons. My latest find is from Michigan, and it provides three important warnings. First and foremost, be extremely careful when striking out provisions in a listing agreement or any type of contract. The strikethroughs aren’t always as effective as you’d like.

Lessons From Hollywood And The "Black-ish" Lawsuit: How Business Owners Can Avoid Drama Of Their Own

September 28, 2016

Joshua B. Durham

Litigation Blog

I don't watch a lot of TV shows, but ABC's hit show "Black-ish" is one that I do catch occasionally. It's a good show, and its recent Emmy win for outstanding comedy series should be no surprise. The show's cast, crew, writers, and creators deserve all the credit for its success. Just who the creators are, however, seems to be in dispute. Music video and motion picture director Bryan Barber recently filed a lawsuit against "Black-ish" creator Kenya Barris claiming that Barris stole his idea for the show.

A child jumping from a high height - Credit: Josh Durham

Thinking About Making A Joke In A Work Email? My Kids, And Hulk Hogan, Will Make You Think Again.

Joshua B. Durham

Litigation Blog TMC (Trademark, Marketing & Copyright) Blog

My kids like to do things that make me cringe. Running full speed down the sidewalk when they were very young. Jumping from some elevated surface. Going higher, and then just a little higher, and perhaps a little higher than that, in a tree. I suppose they are like most kids in this respect, and I suppose that I am like most parents when I tell them to please be careful. “I won’t get hurt, Daddy,” they tend to respond. “Well, no one ever intends to get hurt,” I tell them. It’s true. Kids can fall. They get hurt.