Second Circuit: Spinelli v. National Football League

As implied license is an affirmative defense, all elements must be plain in order to dismiss an infringement claim at the pleadings stage.

Error to dismiss for not stating a claim where there is evidence that the grant of license by the creator did not contemplate the sublicence; this sounds in copyright infringement, not in contract.

Secondary infringement allegation states a claim against third party organization given showing of close connection between the two organizations.

Good faith/fair dealing states claim -- strong-arm negotiation unconscionability doesn't.

(Miscellany)

Antitrust argument would sound more clearly if photographers challenged their market -- trademark licensing, etc.  Rather than simply alleging the existence of a behemoth.

http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/decisions/isysquery/a4eaf0b6-79ed-4fa7-b47b-3f412f9925f4/1/doc/17-673_opn.pdf#xml=http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/decisions/isysquery/a4eaf0b6-79ed-4fa7-b47b-3f412f9925f4/1/hilite/