Round one to Madonna. No, not in the 'get off my land' right to roam debate here in the UK, but in the ongoing legal dispute between Warner Music and Madonna's label Maverick. As previously reported, Warners and Maverick are suing each other over various allegations of mis-management - although essentially the lawsuit is over if and how the co-owned imprint can part company with its major label parent following the takeover of Warners by Edgar Bronfmann Jnr.
The first argument between the two sides was over which court should hear the dispute. Maverick wanted the case to be heard in California, Warners in Delaware. Delaware Court of Chancery Vice Chancellor Leo E Strine Jr sided with Maverick on Friday, agreeing the case should be heard in LA rather than in his court. However he stressed that if Maverick could not get a court date in the near future in the Californian courts he may reconsider.
While Maverick's legal people claimed the decision was in their favour, Warner Music tried to play down the importance of where any legal fight takes place, telling reporters: "Regardless of where the trial ultimately is held, we are confident the court will agree that Maverick's claims against the company are baseless and that WMG has met all of its financial and legal obligations to the joint venture."