Coast Law Group 2026-07-21T13:02:37Z https://www.coastlawgroup.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1604237/2023/05/cropped-Coast-Law-Group-site-icon-32x32.png On Behalf of Coast Law Group LLP <![CDATA[Slim Shady Gets Schooled—Brand Protection Lessons from Eminem’s Loss]]> https://www.coastlawgroup.com/?p=48309 2026-07-06T20:14:51Z 2026-07-06T20:13:50Z trademark dispute with the Australian beach brand Swim Shady offers a real-world lesson in why "famous" doesn't always mean "protected."

Swim Shady vs. Slim Shady

Swim Shady, a Sydney-based company founded in 2024 by entrepreneurs Jeremy Scott and Elizabeth Afrakoff, sells beach umbrellas, towels, swim bags, and shorts. Eminem's legal team argued the name was confusingly similar to his decades-old "Slim Shady" persona and moved to block the brand's trademark applications in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. In Australia, the outcome didn't go the rapper's way. The Australian Registrar of Trade Marks ruled that Eminem's "Shady" and "Shady Limited" marks had not been actively used in the country across several merchandise categories, including clothing, footwear, and bags. The adjudicator also found no evidence Eminem's team exercised meaningful commercial control over how the marks were used locally. As a result, trademark protection in those categories is set to lapse. Notably, Eminem's team did not register "Slim Shady" as a trademark in Australia until after Swim Shady had already launched — a timing gap that weakened his position further. Eminem's team has since indicated it will appeal.

Why The Result Of This Brand Dispute Matters

This case isn't really about music or beach umbrellas. It's about how trademark rights actually work — and how easily even a household name can lose them.
  1. Fame does not equal legal protection. A brand's public recognition carries no automatic legal weight. Rights are established and preserved through registration and active commercial use in each specific jurisdiction, not through celebrity or reputation alone.
  2. "Use it or lose it" is a global principle. Many countries, including Australia, allow third parties to challenge trademarks that haven't been genuinely used in commerce. If your company holds trademarks in international markets where you're not actively selling under that mark, those rights may be vulnerable to cancellation.
  3. Timing and filing sequence matter. Swim Shady's application predated Eminem's Australian "Slim Shady" registration. First-to-file rules in many countries can favor a smaller, faster-moving competitor over a larger but slower-moving rights holder.
  4. Documentation is your defense. Evidence of "actual control" over how a mark is licensed and used was central to this ruling. Executives should ensure marketing, licensing, and merchandising teams maintain clear records showing consistent, controlled use of company trademarks in every market where protection is claimed.
  5. Global expansion requires jurisdiction-specific strategy. A single global trademark filing strategy is not enough. Protection in the U.S. does not guarantee protection in Australia, the U.K., or Japan — each requires its own registration, use, and enforcement plan.

Active Management Is Critical To Trademark Protection

Whether you're managing a Fortune 500 brand portfolio or a growing startup preparing for international expansion, the Swim Shady case is a reminder that trademark protection is a matter of active management, not passive ownership. Companies that treat trademark filings as a one-time task rather than an ongoing compliance function risk discovering — like Eminem did — that their rights have quietly eroded in the markets that matter most. Businesses expanding internationally or managing multi-jurisdiction brand portfolios should periodically audit their trademark registrations, confirm active use in each covered category and country, and address any gaps before a competitor does.]]> On Behalf of Coast Law Group LLP <![CDATA[Who owns the photos and videos from your action sports career?]]> https://www.coastlawgroup.com/?p=48308 2026-06-30T14:24:46Z 2026-06-30T14:24:46Z When several people contribute to the same content Action sports content rarely comes together through one person's efforts. A single project may involve athletes, brands, photographers, videographers, event organizers and production teams. Each may play a different role in creating or using the finished work. Because several parties may contribute to the same project, written agreements commonly define each party's ownership and usage rights. Depending on the collaboration, an agreement may address:
  • Which party owns the copyright to the finished content
  • How a brand may use photos or videos for marketing
  • How long the content may appear in commercial campaigns
  • Who can edit or repurpose the content
  • Whether another business may receive permission to use the content
These provisions establish expectations before photos or videos appear in advertising, sponsorship campaigns or other commercial projects.

Do athletes have rights in their own image?

Appearing in a photo or video does not automatically make you the copyright owner. In many cases, the photographer, videographer or another creator owns the copyright unless an agreement states otherwise. That does not mean athletes have no legal interests in the work. Commercial use of an athlete's name, image or likeness may involve separate rights from copyright ownership. Sponsorship, endorsement and licensing agreements commonly address both subjects because they affect different parts of a business relationship.

Content rights can continue long after the event ends

The value of photos, videos and other creative work does not always end with the competition or campaign where they first appeared. A photo from one event may appear in future advertising, while a video may become part of a brand's marketing or another licensed project. For that reason, ownership and usage rights can remain relevant long after filming wraps. Whether you are working with a sponsor, collaborating with a brand or creating content with a production team, several parties may have an interest in the same creative work. Clear agreements help define ownership and establish how that work may be used throughout the business relationship.]]> On Behalf of Coast Law Group LLP <![CDATA[The Impact of the Uber Initiative on Rideshare Cases: What Medical Providers and Personal Injury Attorneys Need to Know About the 2027 Changes to Rideshare Litigation]]> https://www.coastlawgroup.com/?p=48307 2026-06-29T15:15:40Z 2026-06-29T15:15:40Z personal injury cases. Effective January 1, 2027, amendments to California Civil Code section 3333.9 will impose significant new obligations on medical providers, alter how medical expenses are calculated and presented, and create new disclosure requirements. This article provides a practical overview of those changes and concrete guidance for medical providers that accept liens.

Limited to Rideshare Cases

The amendments to Civil Code section 3333.9 apply exclusively to rideshare cases — claims arising from incidents involving transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft. The overwhelming majority of motor vehicle collision cases will be entirely unaffected. Equally important, the law is not retroactive. Medical services rendered and liens created prior to January 1, 2027 remain governed by existing law. Civil Code section 3333.9(a). Providers and attorneys handling cases that straddle the effective date should ensure that lien agreements are executed as soon as possible in order to avoid these changes. When the new law does apply, however, its impact will be substantial.

Medical Billing: A New Ceiling on Recoverable Charges

One of the most significant changes involves the cap on recoverable medical expenses. Under the amended statute, medical treatment costs in rideshare cases will be limited to the 70th percentile of FAIR Health, Inc.'s billed charges database, or the 70th percentile of a comparable commercially recognized billed charges database for the same or similar service in the applicable geographic area at the time the service was rendered. Civil Code section 3333.9(b)(1). This benchmark functions as a hard ceiling — not a negotiating starting point — on what a medical provider may claim in a rideshare case. Providers whose customary charges significantly exceed this threshold will face immediate reductions in their recoverable amounts. In addition, providers will be required to submit itemized medical bills using standard health care billing and coding practices, including CPT codes. Providers who do not already bill with this level of specificity will need to update their administrative processes before January 1, 2027. FAIR Health's publicly accessible database is available at https://www.fairhealthconsumer.org and can be used to benchmark anticipated reimbursements by service type and geographic area.

Does It Make Sense to Accept Rideshare Cases?

For chiropractors and similar providers whose customary charges are already near or below the 70th percentile threshold, the ceiling may not represent a dramatic reduction. In fact, anchoring charges to this recognized benchmark could give providers a defensible, data-supported basis for their bills and potentially reducing the size and frequency of reduction requests. For providers whose customary charges materially exceed this benchmark, they may have to make a business decision as to whether to accept rideshare cases and accept a significantly lower payment.

Mandatory Referral Disclosure

The amended statute also introduces a new disclosure obligation with significant trial implications. Upon request, lien-based medical providers will be required to provide a signed declaration stating whether the plaintiff was referred by a law firm, and disclosing the approximate number of patients referred by that law firm during the preceding 24 months. Civil Code section 3333.9(d)(2). Medical providers need to be prepared to be examined regarding these declarations at deposition and trial, especially if a particular law firm is referring a significant volume of cases.

Practical Recommendations

The following steps should be taken before January 1, 2027:
  1. Assess your position under the new billing cap: Run your current fee schedule against FAIR Health benchmarks for your most commonly billed services and geographic area. Determine whether accepting rideshare liens remains economically viable for your practice.
  2. Implement intake screening: In every new personal injury case, ask the referring attorney — at intake — whether a rideshare entity is involved. This single question will determine whether the new statutory framework applies and allow your practice to make an informed decision about whether to accept the case on a lien basis.
  3. Build a referral tracking system: The mandatory declaration requirement means you must be able to accurately report referral sources and volumes on a rolling 24-month basis. If your practice does not currently track this data, establish a system now.
  4. Update your billing practices: Ensure that all billing staff are using CPT codes and standard itemized billing formats for rideshare cases by the effective date.

Reach Out To A California Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today For More Information

The compromise reached between Uber and the CAOC represents one of the most significant structural changes to rideshare personal injury litigation in California in recent years. While the new law's scope is limited to rideshare cases and is prospective only, the changes it introduces — particularly the billing cap, itemization requirements, and referral disclosure obligations — demand immediate attention from medical providers and personal injury attorneys alike. Preparation before January 1, 2027 is not optional. The providers and attorneys who adapt their practices now will be better positioned to serve their clients, protect their recovery rights, and avoid being caught flat-footed when the new law takes effect.   This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Medical providers and attorneys with questions about how these changes apply to their specific circumstances should consult qualified legal counsel.]]> On Behalf of Coast Law Group LLP <![CDATA[What to know about SeaWorld’s fireworks show settlement]]> https://www.coastlawgroup.com/?p=48285 2026-05-27T22:48:51Z 2026-05-25T11:00:02Z What solutions did SeaWorld find? San Diego Coastkeeper and Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF) filed the lawsuit last year. The groups claimed the park violated federal Clean Water Act when they found fireworks debris floating in the bay and measured high amounts of metal pollution in the Bay including aluminum, antimony and copper. Livia Borak Beaudin, legal director of CERF and an attorney with Coast Law Group, represented the environmental groups in negotiations that led to this groundbreaking settlement. The settlement looks a lot like a recently approved California Coastal Commission permit. In fact, this pilot program represents the first of its kind in the state. As a result, SeaWorld can now conduct up to 110 drone shows, each lasting 15 minutes and featuring as many as 1,000 lit-up drones.

When will the drone shows begin?

The nighttime drone displays began May 22, 2026 and will run nightly through August 9, 2026. After that, the shows will shift to a weekend-only schedule through September 7. This timeline matches up with SeaWorld's summer season. However, the settlement isn't just about flying drones instead of launching fireworks.

What does the agreement require?

The agreement goes beyond standard coastal permit requirements in several ways. According to Livia Borak Beaudin, the settlement extends six months beyond the drone study period. If SeaWorld conducts any fireworks shows during this time, the park must follow tough cleanup rules to prevent debris from entering Mission Bay. Most importantly, the settlement also requires SeaWorld to pursue drones as a permanent replacement to fireworks if the study proves successful.

What does this mean for Mission Bay?

Sara Ochoa, CERF Programs Director, called the outcome beneficial for all parties. According to Ochoa, the change offers fresh entertainment options while reducing harm to the environment, wildlife and surrounding community. In line with this, SeaWorld plans to put on 78 drone shows this summer. The theme park has confirmed it will only use traditional fireworks on Independence Day. That's a big drop in potential environmental damage to Mission Bay. This settlement shows how environmental groups and legal advocates can work together to create positive change. When environmental concerns arise, understanding your rights and options under laws like the Clean Water Act can help protect our natural environment for future generations.]]> On Behalf of Coast Law Group LLP <![CDATA[Can you be compensated for emotional distress after a car crash?]]> https://www.coastlawgroup.com/?p=48280 2026-05-13T13:30:26Z 2026-05-13T13:30:26Z Understanding emotional distress damages Emotional distress generally refers to the psychological suffering you might face after an accident. This may include:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Fear
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
California law recognizes that these invisible injuries deserve acknowledgment and compensation. There are two main categories of emotional distress claims in California. The first is Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED), which generally allows recovery for distress caused by negligence, either as a direct victim or a witness. The second is Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED). This typically requires proof another person caused you distress on purpose. Both types may be valid, though they may require different approaches to prove.

What evidence supports your claim?

Documenting emotional distress can be challenging. The symptoms are not always physically obvious. As a result, medical records from mental health professionals showing diagnoses and treatment plans may be very helpful. Testimony from therapists, psychologists or psychiatrists who have treated you may establish the severity of your suffering. Personal journals documenting your symptoms and how they affect your daily life could also prove valuable. Statements from family members, friends or coworkers who witness behavioral changes may prove useful.

Factors that influence compensation amounts

Several factors can affect how much compensation you may receive for emotional distress. More intense or long-lasting psychological effects typically warrant higher compensation. Whether you require ongoing therapy or medication may also matter. The circumstances of the accident could also influence your claim. Particular traumatic events, such as accidents involving fatalities or serious injuries to loved ones, may result in greater distress. The impact on your quality of life, ability to maintain relationships or enjoy activities you once loved, might factor into the evaluation as well.

Knowledge protects your mental well-being

The psychological wounds from a car accident deserve the same attention as physical injuries. By seeking appropriate mental health care and documenting your experience, you may validate your suffering and focus on recovery, both mentally and financially.]]> On Behalf of Coast Law Group LLP <![CDATA[SeaWorld San Diego prepares summer drone shows]]> https://www.coastlawgroup.com/?p=48277 2026-05-07T18:30:54Z 2026-05-07T18:30:54Z SeaWorld San Diego is preparing to launch drone-based light shows this summer. The move away from traditional fireworks shows a meaningful shift in how the marine park entertains its guests while addressing environmental considerations.

A new approach to nighttime entertainment

The park has worked with the California Coastal Commission to gain approval for up to 110 drone shows annually. These displays offer an innovative alternative that responds to concerns about Mission Bay's ecosystem and wildlife. Drone shows are much quieter than traditional fireworks. They also create no debris or chemical waste that could harm the bay's water quality. This quieter approach may help reduce stress on marine animals and birds in the area. For neighbors and the community, drone technology delivers exciting nighttime entertainment without the noise and air quality concerns of fireworks. The shows also prove that theme parks can create memorable guest experiences while protecting the environment.

Community-focused progress

Last year, two environmental organizations - Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF) and San Diego Coastkeeper - filed a lawsuit. The lawsuit cited the environmental impact of traditional fireworks displays on Mission Bay. As counsel for CERF, Coast Law Group has been part of conversations about protecting Southern California's coastal resources. Livia Borak Beaudin, partner at Coast Law Group, serves as legal director for CERF. She has said that SeaWorld seems genuinely committed to finding more sustainable ways to entertain guests. The park's willingness to try new approaches shows how community concerns can spark positive change.

Building a better community together

We believe meaningful progress comes through collaboration and open dialogue. SeaWorld's move to drone technology shows what can happen when organizations listen to environmental concerns and take action. The San Diego community stands to benefit from innovative entertainment that better aligns with our shared commitment to protecting Mission Bay's natural beauty and wildlife. Progress happens one step at a time, and this represents a step in a positive direction for our community.]]> On Behalf of Coast Law Group LLP <![CDATA[Dog bite from a friend’s pet: What may complicate it]]> https://www.coastlawgroup.com/?p=48270 2026-04-21T14:44:55Z 2026-04-21T14:44:55Z Legal responsibility under California law in social settings California law often places responsibility on the dog owner after a bite during a lawful visit. The law does not require proof of an earlier incident. Even so, specific circumstances can still shape how insurers, property owners and involved parties interpret the situation. Key details can affect how reviewers assess the situation:
  • Entering as an invited guest rather than without notice
  • Interacting with the dog in a way that draws attention to the conduct
  • Occurring inside the home versus a shared outdoor space
  • Delaying action after the incident, which can affect records
These details can add context that may affect the overall assessment.

Insurance coverage and shared liability in private gatherings

Insurance often becomes part of the issue because many claims involve a homeowner's or renters' policy. That can shift attention away from the friendship and toward coverage terms, exclusions and notice requirements. In narrower situations, someone beyond the owner could also draw scrutiny, such as a landlord who knew the dog posed a danger and had a chance to address it.

Seeking a fair outcome while preserving personal relationships

A dog bite from a friend’s pet can affect your health, routine and finances more than expected. As you process what happened, you may weigh a possible claim tied to medical care or lost income while managing a personal relationship. Early communication and clear documentation can influence whether you move toward fair compensation without escalating tension.]]> On Behalf of Coast Law Group LLP <![CDATA[The business and IP implications of Kelsey Plum’s AI twin]]> https://www.coastlawgroup.com/?p=48249 2026-04-07T22:24:02Z 2026-04-07T22:24:02Z New opportunities for wealth generation AI technology that allows software to communicate with interested fans creates a new opportunity for revenue for those with strong personal brands. While celebrities can use the internet to monetize their prestige by sending bespoke short videos, restraints on their time made the costs of such services prohibitive for the average fan. This new AI system is interactive and more likely to keep fans engaged, while also being more affordable. Businesses that can secure licensing privileges for various celebrities could soon have a brand-new stream of revenue available to them.

Infringement concerns require consideration

The dark side of this exciting development is the possibility of abuse. The dark web already features inappropriate AI-generated videos and images of celebrities generated using technology. It is easy to see the potential for abuse. Celebrities may need to be more diligent about monitoring the use of their likeness, and businesses may need to be vigilant when they vet new opportunities for creating AI twins or otherwise replicating the likeness of a popular celebrity. Those weighing the intellectual property implications and profits of AI-based interactive software may need guidance to avoid potentially costly infringement claims. Consulting with an attorney can limit the risk of investing in new systems or seeking licensing rights accordingly.]]> On Behalf of Coast Law Group LLP <![CDATA[What happens when sports safety equipment fails in California?]]> https://www.coastlawgroup.com/?p=48227 2026-03-10T13:14:47Z 2026-03-10T13:14:47Z Sports and competitions are exciting, but they also come with risks. Athletes trust that their gear—like helmets, padding and harnesses—will protect them. What happens, however, when that equipment fails? In California, specific laws define who is responsible when an athlete gets hurt. Knowing these rules can help you understand your rights.

Why equipment fails and who is responsible

Safety equipment can fail for many reasons. It might have a factory defect, be too old, or be the wrong size. In California, if a product is defective, the manufacturer may be strictly liable. This means they could be responsible for injuries even if they didn't mean to cause harm. However, sports are different from everyday activities. Under California's primary assumption of risk rule, athletes generally accept the natural dangers of a sport. An event organizer or coach is usually only responsible if they increase the risk beyond what is normal. One example is providing equipment they know has failed.

What to do if you have an injury

If equipment fails during a game or race, knowing what to do next can protect both your health and your legal rights. Follow these steps:
  • Get medical help: Your health is the top priority.
  • Save the evidence: Take photos of the broken gear. Do not throw it away, as it is the most important piece of proof.
  • Watch the clock: In California, you usually have two years to file a lawsuit for an injury. But be careful—if the injury happened at a public school or a city park, you might only have six months to file a formal claim.
Every situation is different, and the details of your case matter. Keeping records and acting quickly gives you the best chance of protecting your rights.

Understanding waivers and your rights

Many athletes sign a waiver before competing. In California, these papers usually stop you from suing for ordinary negligence. However, a waiver generally cannot take away your right to sue for gross negligence (extreme disregard for safety) or for a strictly defective product that a manufacturer made.

How a lawyer can help

Legal rules in California can be tricky. A personal injury attorney can look at your case and explain the difference between a normal sports risk and a legal error. ]]> On Behalf of Coast Law Group LLP <![CDATA[San Diego’s fight against plastic pellet pollution]]> https://www.coastlawgroup.com/?p=48218 2026-02-13T21:14:47Z 2026-02-13T21:14:47Z Tiny plastic pellets might not seem important at first glance, but they can cause real harm when they end up in coastal lagoons and the Pacific Ocean. When trains spill these “nurdles” along the rail corridor in North County, they wash into the water and stay there for years. So when a legal case pushes a major rail company to change how it moves these pellets, it can start to shift that story from long term harm toward real, on the ground protection for your local coast.

What the BNSF nurdle case is about

San Diego Coastkeeper and the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF) raised serious concerns about plastic nurdles spilling from Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) freight trains into local waterways. These pellets show up near the tracks, in lagoons and along the shoreline, where they can harm fish, sea turtles and birds that mistake them for food.​ The legal effort focuses on a simple idea that many people in the community tend to support. Companies that move plastic pellets through coastal communities should take reasonable steps to keep those pellets out of the water. As CERF Legal Director Livia Borak Beaudin put it, “Given the frequency and size of nurdle spills, something has to be done to secure the cars. It is a huge problem with a simple fix”.​ You can read more about the resolution of the claims in the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation’s official press release on its website.

Why this result matters for coastal communities

This outcome may help reduce the steady stream of nurdles into North County’s lagoons and beaches, which many residents use for swimming, surfing and fishing. Fewer nurdles in the water can mean cleaner shorelines, healthier wildlife and less plastic breaking down into microplastics in the food chain. For families and local businesses that depend on tourism and recreation, stronger controls on plastic pellets can support long term water quality and a more resilient coastal economy. It also shows that local groups and residents can push for practical changes when they see ongoing pollution in their own neighborhoods.​ Here are a few ways that may help the broader community:
  • It encourages rail and plastic companies to improve how they load, cover and monitor pellet shipments.
  • It raises public awareness about nurdles, which many people may see on the sand without knowing what they are.
  • It supports future efforts to hold polluters accountable when plastic or other debris reaches local waters.​
Together, these changes can lay the groundwork for cleaner beaches and healthier lagoons, which sets up why the nurdle case outcome may feel so important in your day to day life along the coast.

How you might see the impact on the ground

Over time, you may notice fewer nurdles during beach walks or lagoon cleanups along the BNSF rail corridor in North County. Volunteer groups and environmental organizations often keep track of these pellets, so a decrease in sightings can signal that preventive measures work.​ Community members might also see stronger partnerships between advocacy groups, transit agencies and transportation companies as they continue to monitor rail corridors and nearby waterways. These partnerships can lead to new local solutions, such as improved cleanup practices and better spill reporting when problems occur​.

Spotlight on Attorney Livia Borak Beaudin

Attorney Livia Borak Beaudin plays a central role in these efforts as an environmental lawyer at Coast Law Group and Legal Director for CERF. Her work often focuses on water quality, coastal protection and climate issues that affect San Diego County communities. In the nurdle case, her clear message that “it is a huge problem with a simple fix” captures how focused advocacy can turn a widespread pollution issue into a practical plan for change. Through Coast Law Group, she continues to support residents, nonprofits and community groups that want cleaner water and healthier coastal habitats across California. If you want to learn more about Attorney Beaudin’s background and ongoing work, you can visit her Coast Law Group attorney profile on the firm’s website.]]>