THE SERMAPOD

In this episode of the SERMAPod, attorney Brian Rosenblatt is joined by Cornell Law professor James Grimmelmann to break down the New York Times lawsuit against Perplexity AI.

They explore how generative AI tools use content, the legal differences between scraping and indexing, and what this case could mean for copyright law moving forward. The conversation also dives into AI “hallucinations,” fair use, and whether current legal frameworks can keep up with rapidly evolving technology.

If you’re interested in AI, intellectual property, or the future of digital content, this is a must-listen discussion.

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/
Professor Grimmelmann: https://james.grimmelmann.net/

And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services!: https://magnals.com/

In this episode of the SERMAPod, Rich Lenkov speaks with outdoor recreation attorney Jim Moss about a tragic climbing incident on Austria’s Grossglockner that led to criminal charges against a climber whose partner died of exposure. They discuss the legal implications of high-risk outdoor activities, the differences between U.S. and European negligence standards, and how duty, assumption of risk, and rescue obligations may apply when things go wrong in extreme environments.

Jim Moss: https://recreation-law.com/james-h-jim-moss-jd-bio/
Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

Special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Justin Smulison, the host of the RIMScast, the official podcast for RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.), to discuss all things podcasting, including the origins of the RIMScast, the importance of consistency, and tips for aspiring podcasters. 

RIMScast: https://www.rims.org/resources/rimscast
Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

And a special thank you to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services! https://magnals.com/

Former college and NFL linebacker Shak Rashad joins The SERMAPod to analyze a landmark NIL lawsuit arising from a quarterback’s transfer. The conversation explores NIL contracts, transfer portal mechanics, exclusive licensing rights, and the evolving legal risks for universities and athletes alike.

Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/

And a big thank you to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services:  https://magnals.com/

Professor Kevin Greene joins Rich Lenkov to discuss a federal fair use case involving the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the alleged unauthorized use of Van Halen photographs. The conversation covers transformative use, market impact, and the real-world risks creators face when relying on fair use in litigation. 

Kevin Greene: https://www.swlaw.edu/faculty/full-time/kevin-j-greene

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Jodi Balsam, Professor of Clinical Law at Brooklyn Law School, analyzing the legal fallout from the arrest of Mark Sanchez, former NFL quarterback and Fox Sports broadcaster.

The episode covers the felony battery charge, media influence on high-profile prosecutions, and the civil claims against Fox Sports for negligent hiring and supervision, with a focus on employer liability, conduct clauses, and sports risk management.

Jodi Balsam: https://www.brooklaw.edu/contact-us/balsam-jodi-s/

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/ 

In this episode of The SERMAPod, Brian Rosenblatt is joined by Alex Papa of Weber Gallagher and Catherine DiStefano, General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, for an in-depth discussion on the unique risks faced by nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organizations, and why protecting mission, brand, and governance matters as much as protecting balance sheets.

The conversation explores how charitable organizations manage liability, brand protection, intellectual property, event risk, governance compliance, insurance coverage, and financial stewardship, all while staying true to their core mission. Catherine shares insight into the V Foundation’s commitment to directing 100% of donations to cancer research, the legal and operational challenges behind large-scale fundraising events like the Jimmy V Classic, and the importance of strong partnerships in mitigating risk.

The episode also reflects on the enduring legacy of Coach Jim Valvano’s iconic “Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!” speech, the real-world impact of cancer research, and how risk professionals in sports and entertainment are uniquely positioned to give back and drive meaningful change.

As part of SERMA’s strategic partnership with the V Foundation, listeners are invited to support cancer research directly through this initiative.

Donate: https://www.v.org/serma

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

Special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

THANK YOU to everyone for the support during the first 100 episodes of The SERMAPod! Enjoy a collection of top moments from our esteemed guests.

Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

A Little League player hits a home run, flips his bat — and gets ejected and suspended. His family fights back, and the case lands in court.

Host Rich Lenkov speaks with attorney Brian Berkley of Fox Rothschild about his role in the high-profile New Jersey Bat Flip case, where a judge ruled in favor of the young athlete. They explore the key questions:

• Was the ejection consistent with Little League’s own rules?
• What does “implied contract” mean for youth sports organizations?
• How can leagues avoid similar situations in the future?

A fascinating intersection of law, sports, and fairness, this episode highlights how even youth athletics can raise major legal implications.

Listen now to The SERMAPod, presented by the Sports and Entertainment Risk Management Alliance (SERMA) — where sports, law, and risk management meet.

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/
Brian Berkley: https://www.foxrothschild.com/brian-a-berkley

And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov talks with Nick Hanes, Mallory Taylor, and Reggie Miller of the North American Contingency Association (NACA) about the new SERMA–NACA strategic partnership. The group explores how contingency insurance safeguards sports and entertainment events from disruptions like weather, illness, and other unforeseen risks—and why collaboration across underwriting, brokerage, and risk management is more important than ever.

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/