– Jakks Pacific Inc.
is being sued by Toronto, Canada-based toymaker Spin Master Ltd. for copyright infringement. Spin Master filed a complaint in New York District Court alleging that Malibu-based Jakks infringed on its “Hydro-Foam” wireless boat toy and a marketing video introducing the product. Spin Master, which has its U.S. headquarters in Williamsville, N.Y., seeks a permanent injunction prohibiting further infringement as well as compensatory and punitive damages. The company also wants Jakks to be ordered to recall all advertisements and shipments of its related products.
–
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa named his
Homeland Security Advisors
, a group of diverse leaders that cut a wide swathe across L.A.’s political and business communities that will work to improve the city’s counter-terrorism intelligence coordination and disaster-preparedness training and response capabilities. L.A. City Councilmember Jack Weiss will co-chair the advisory team with Deputy Mayor for Homeland Security and Public Safety Maurice Suh.
Key appointments include the LAPD’s Chief William Bratton; Sheriff Lee Baca; Lydia Kennard, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports; Albert Carnesale, chancellor of UCLA; Geraldine Knatz, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles; Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik, Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Paula Madison, president and general manager of KNBC; and Michael Pfeiffer, executive director of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles.
The team may be slightly expanded to include additional members in the near future, the mayor’s office said in a statement.
– Salem Communications Corp.
acquired CrossDaily.com, an online provider of Christian content, graphics and online community resources, for $2.3 million. The Camarillo-based Christian radio broadcaster said the acquisition is part of an effort to expand its online platform. CrossDaily has 600,000 unique users who regularly access the site’s graphics library, Christian games and Bible trivia, e-cards and inspirations, Web directory and Bible search.
– Walt Disney Co.
signed Olympics figure skater Michelle Kwan as its celebrity spokesperson for businesses across the entire range of the Burbank-based media giant. Financial details of the arrangement were not disclosed. As part of the multiyear agreement, Kwan will participate in advertising and public service announcements involving all of Disney’s businesses, and make guest appearances on original programming and personal appearances at live Disney events. Earlier this week Kwan withdrew herself from the 2006 Winter Olympic Games due to injury.
