Decision is a Win for Trademark Licensees

Last week, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”) reversed a 2015 decision by the Delaware Bankruptcy Court (the “Bankruptcy Court”) disallowing the portion of an unsecured claim filed by appellant Wilmington Trust Company (“WTC”) for postpetition attorneys’ fees and costs incurred under an indenture in connection with the In re Tribune Media Co. chapter 11 cases.

Indenture trustees and agents participate in the administration of chapter 11 cases in a number of ways, including by protecting holders’ rights, ensuring compliance with the applicable indenture and other agreements, and fulfilling their duties and responsibilities under applicable law.

In a recent opinion, United States Bankruptcy Judge Martin Glenn of the Southern District of New York held that Bankruptcy Courts may enter final default judgments against non-US defendants who fail to respond to a properly served summons and complaint.

In so holding, the Court sanctioned the lender’s motive of purchasing claims to block the plan for the purpose of protecting its own existing claim. The Court held that the relevant bad faith inquiry under 11 USC § 1126(e) requires a motive which is ulterior to the purpose of protecting a creditor’s economic interest in a bankruptcy proceeding.

Background

The lender held a senior lien fully secured by the debtor’s real property. The debtor’s proposed “cramdown” plan sought to extend and modify the terms of the mortgage without the lender’s consent.

Honorable Martin Glenn, United States Bankruptcy Judge in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (“Bankruptcy Court”) granted Avanti Communications Group PLC’s (“Avanti”) request to recognize the UK court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement and enforce the guarantee releases provided by Avanti’s affiliates on certain debt.[1]

What happens to the a licensee’s right to use a trademark if the licensor files for bankruptcy?

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Introduction

Understanding the Issues, Causes, Tools for Distressed Retail Situations & What Lies Ahead for 2018

In deciding whether to afford administrative priority to claims arising from goods shipped shortly before a debtor’s bankruptcy filing, the Third Circuit, in In re World Imports Ltd., 862 F.3d 338 (3d Cir. July 10, 2017), interpreted the term “received” under section 503(b)(9) to mean “physical possession.” In effect, the Third Circuit’s decision provides additional protection to trade vendors that conduct business with distressed debtors.

On September 22, 2017, the First Circuit issued a decision[1] holding that the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “UCC”) appointed in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s Title III debt adjustment case[2] (the “Title III Case”) has an unrestricted right to i