A New Year, A New Chapter: Brewer Firm Concludes Landmark Representation of the National Rifle Association
December 24, 2024 – This holiday season, as we reflect on past accomplishments and look forward to the many opportunities we will pursue in 2025, we wish to congratulate the National Rifle Association on its successful and determined efforts to protect its independence against existential threats, immense odds, and unprecedented government lawfare.
When the Firm began its work for the NRA in 2018, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization faced a barrage of regulatory investigations, sweeping congressional inquiries, and a debanking campaign. Politicians gloated about plans to force the NRA out of existence, target its donors, and silence its defense of freedom.
With resolve befitting its mission, the NRA stood and fought.
Six years later, the NRA still stands – and so do the freedoms for which it has long fought. The Firm is proud it represented the NRA in its blockbuster 9-0 Supreme Court victory, its defeat of the NYAG’s “corporate death penalty” and compliance-monitor claims, its separation from corrupt vendors, and dozens of other matters.
The greatest reward of this work arrives now: with major litigation threats defeated, the Firm’s work is nearly done. We wish the Association a joyous holiday, a bright new year, and another century of successful constitutional advocacy.
Having won these wars, the NRA can now go forth and “win the peace.” We look forward to watching, and wish the Association well.
Despite Injunction, Biote Continues to Misappropriate Name, Image or Likeness of Actress Cindy Latch
December 10, 2024, Dallas, Texas – A Dallas County court entered an injunction today prohibiting Biote Medical, LLC and its affiliated practitioners from using the name, image, or likeness (“NIL”) of actress Cindy Latch without her consent. Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors sought the injunction after filing a lawsuit on behalf of Latch regarding Biote’s repeated unauthorized use of Latch’s NIL.
Entered by the 101st Judicial District, Dallas County, Texas, Judge Staci Williams finds that Latch made a threshold showing that she “suffers immediate and irreparable injury” due to Biote’s misappropriation of her NIL.
During a hearing on December 9, Latch introduced evidence that dozens of practitioners continue to misappropriate her NIL on their websites even after her contract with Biote ended in February 2021. These sites are engaged in the continued “impermissible use” of her image and likeness. The order states, “…the Court finds the existence of a wrongful act on behalf of Biote, and the presence of imminent harm flowing from Biote’s invasion of Plaintiff’s privacy by misappropriation of Plaintiff’s image.”
The court previously entered a Temporary Restraining Order on November 25. However, since that date, Biote has failed to protect Latch’s personal brand or compensate her for Biote’s continued unauthorized use of her NIL. With Latch as a centerpiece of Biote’s national marketing effort, the company recently reported annual revenue of approximately $200 million.
“The evidence continues to mount in support of Ms. Latch’s claims: Biote and its affiliates continue to misappropriate Latch’s name, image or likeness in violation of her rights,” says William A. Brewer III, counsel to Ms. Latch. “This case is a beacon for those victimized by the cavalier misappropriation of their personal brand.”
The Lawsuit
Filed on November 15, 2024, in Dallas County, the lawsuit alleges breach of contract, invasion of privacy by misappropriation, negligence, and violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, among other violations of various state acts protecting Latch’s right to control her NIL. Latch seeks injunctive relief as well as damages exceeding $10 million.
Latch, a highly regarded actress and infomercial host, has appeared in commercials for many major brands, including Chase Bank, AT&T, and American Airlines. According to the lawsuit, “Plaintiff, like all other actresses, does not allow her image and likeness to be used for free.” Latch asserts that, “[w]ithout strict enforcement of her contractual agreements and privacy rights, [Latch] knows that her brand loses its value.”
The lawsuit alleges that Latch filmed her Biote commercials in 2013. At that time, she entered into an Image Usage Contract with Biote detailing the cost of using her NIL. The contract automatically renewed annually and Latch was paid from 2013 through 2021.
According to Latch, in 2021 Biote refused to honor the contract terms, while continuing to use her image and likeness in its national corporate marketing. In March 2021, Latch sent Biote CEO Terry Weber an invoice, as well as links to Biote-affiliated websites, confirming Biote’s continued use of her image. Two months later, Biote Chief Digital Officer Kevin Key told Latch that Biote was no longer using her likeness and that any continued use by others was not the company’s responsibility.
In September 2024, Latch again contacted Weber and asked Biote to cease use of her image. However, in blatant disregard of Latch’s repeated requests, she continues to play a starring role in Biote corporate marketing to this day. During the December 9 hearing, Latch introduced exhibits that illustrate the national reach of these violations.
The lawsuit states that, “While in breach, Biote evaded Ms. Latch’s requests to remove her image from Biote affiliated websites. Further, Biote refused Ms. Latch payment for the use of her image in accordance with the renewal terms of the contract.”
Brewer confirmed that at least 75 practitioners continue to use Latch’s NIL in promotional materials. This continues despite the TRO issued in November.
“We suspect there could be thousands of Biote partners continuing to use her image and likeness,” says William Brewer. “Our client’s brand is her currency, and she will pursue all remedies to which she is entitled.”
In addition to Mr. Brewer, Latch is represented by Brewer associates Joshua Harris and Nicholas Cacciarelli.
On the Clock: Biote Subject of Temporary Restraining Order, Continues to Misappropriate Name, Image or Likeness of Actress
November 29, 2024 – Following a lawsuit by Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors client and actress Cindy Latch, a Dallas County court entered a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that prohibits Biote Medical, LLC and its affiliated practitioners from using Latch’s name, image, or likeness (“NIL”) to promote the company without Latch’s consent.
Entered by the 101st Judicial District, Dallas County, Texas, the order, dated November 25, 2024, finds that Latch made a threshold showing that she “suffers immediate and irreparable injury” due to Biote’s misappropriation of her NIL. The order enjoins Biote and its affiliates from using Latch’s NIL, and cites several Biote-affiliated practitioners engaged in the continued “impermissible use” of her image and likeness.
“The clock is ticking on Biote and its ongoing violation of a court order,” says William A. Brewer III, counsel to Ms. Latch. “Our client is monitoring this continuing misappropriation of her rights – and will seek disgorgement of all Biote's ill-gotten gains.”
Filed on November 15, 2024, in Dallas County, the lawsuit alleges breach of contract, invasion of privacy by misappropriation, negligence, and violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, among other violations of various state acts protecting Latch’s right to control her NIL. Plaintiff seeks injunctive relief to restrain Biote, its affiliates, and practitioners from using her likeness to further the company’s business. The lawsuit also seeks damages in excess of $10 million.
Latch, a highly regarded actress, has worked as an infomercial host, appearing in commercials for many major brands, including Chase Bank, AT&T, and American Airlines. According to the complaint, Latch notified Biote that it was improperly using her likeness even though its right to do so had expired.
The lawsuit says, “Plaintiff, like all other actresses, does not allow her image and likeness to be used for free.” Latch seeks to ensure that Biote abides by its agreements and concludes that, “Without strict enforcement of her contractual agreements and privacy rights, Plaintiff knows that her brand loses its value.”
The lawsuit alleges that Latch filmed the Biote appearance in 2013. She entered into an Image Usage Contract with Biote, laying out terms that include the cost of use. The contract was automatically renewed, and Latch was paid from 2013 through 2021. According to the complaint, this is when the trouble began.
Latch alleges that in 2021, Biote began refusing to honor the contract terms, and yet continued to use her image and likeness in its corporate marketing. In March 2021, Latch sent Biote CEO Terry Weber an invoice and links to Biote-affiliated websites – to confirm the continued use her image.
According to the lawsuit, two months later, in May 2021, Biote Chief Digital Officer Kevin Key told Latch, untruthfully, that Biote was no longer using her likeness and that any continued use was not the company’s responsibility.
Key wrote to Latch that, “You’ve been erased from existence inside the Biote walls, your image or any likeness thereof has been permanently deleted.”
In September 2024, Latch again contacted Weber and asked Biote to cease use of her image. As of today, several certified Biote providers and practitioners are still using Latch’s NIL to promote the sale of Biote’s products. Plaintiff plays a visible and starring role in Biote corporate marketing: the lawsuit includes links to footage of the commercial branding in question.
The lawsuit states that, “While in breach, Biote evaded Ms. Latch’s requests to remove her image from Biote affiliated website. Further, Biote refused Ms. Latch payment for the use of her image in accordance with the renewal terms of the contract.”
Law360 Reports on Lawsuit Brought by Actress Against Biote
November 25, 2024 – Law360 reports that Brewer client and commercial actress Cindy Latch accused the Biote hormone treatment company and its affiliates of improperly using her image and likeness in promotional materials promoting its therapy.
The article, “Hormone Therapy Co. Jilted Actress Over Image Use, Suit Says,” reports that Latch had an image use contract that automatically renewed from 2013 through 2021, but that Biote stopped paying her in 2021 as affiliates continue to her use her image to sell products. The complaint stated that, “Defendant blatantly misappropriated plaintiff's image and likeness—using her personal brand to sell products, cultivate customer relationships, and promote its corporate brand,"
William A. Brewer III, counsel for Latch, said in a statement her "currency is her personal brand."
"As is customary, she entered into an agreement to allow Biote to use her image and likeness," Brewer said. "Unfortunately, Biote continues to use plaintiff's personal brand while simultaneously denying her just compensation."
In addition to Brewer, Latch is represented by Brewer associates Joshua Harris and Nicholas Cacciarelli.
Read more here.
Biote Faces Claims for Misappropriating Name, Image or Likeness of Actress
Dallas, TX…November 21, 2024 – A lawsuit filed by Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors client and actress Cindy Latch in Dallas County court alleges that Biote Medical, LLC and its affiliated practitioners used Latch’s name, image, or likeness (“NIL”) to promote the company without Latch’s consent.
The case, which provides insights into often misunderstood NIL arrangements, is the latest in a string of high-profile lawsuits involving Biote and its executives. The complaint alleges that Biote continues to leverage Latch’s NIL to promote the company’s hormone therapy products without compensating her and in violation of her legal rights.
Filed on November 15, 2024, in Dallas County, the lawsuit alleges breach of contract, invasion of privacy by misappropriation, negligence, and violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, among other violations of various state acts protecting Latch’s right to control her NIL. Plaintiff seeks injunctive relief to restrain Biote, its affiliates, and practitioners from using her likeness to further the company’s business. The lawsuit also seeks damages in excess of $10 million.
Latch, a highly regarded actress, has worked as an infomercial host, appearing in commercials for many major brands, including Chase Bank, AT&T, and American Airlines. According to the complaint, Latch notified Biote that it was improperly using her likeness even though its right to do so had expired.
“Our client’s currency is her personal brand,” says William A. Brewer III, partner at Brewer and counsel to Ms. Latch. “As is customary, she entered into an agreement to allow Biote to use her image and likeness. Unfortunately, Biote continues to use Plaintiff's personal brand while simultaneously denying her just compensation.”
The lawsuit says, “Plaintiff, like all other actresses, does not allow her image and likeness to be used for free.” Latch seeks to ensure that Biote abides by its agreements and concludes that, “Without strict enforcement of her contractual agreements and privacy rights, Plaintiff knows that her brand loses its value.”
The lawsuit alleges that Latch filmed the Biote appearance in 2013. She entered into an Image Usage Contract with Biote, laying out terms that include the cost of use. The contract was automatically renewed, and Latch was paid from 2013 through 2021. According to the complaint, this is when the trouble began.
Latch alleges that in 2021, Biote began refusing to honor the contract terms, and yet continued to use her image and likeness in its corporate marketing. In March 2021, Latch sent Biote CEO Terry Weber an invoice and links to Biote-affiliated websites – to confirm the continued to use her image.
According to the lawsuit, two months later, in May 2021, Biote Chief Digital Officer Kevin Key told Latch, untruthfully, that Biote was no longer using her likeness and that any continued use was not the company’s responsibility.
Key wrote to Latch that, “You’ve been erased from existence inside the Biote walls, your image or any likeness thereof has been permanently deleted.”
In September 2024, Latch again contacted Weber and asked Biote to cease use of her image. As of today, several certified Biote providers and practitioners are still using Latch’s NIL to promote the sale of Biote’s products. Plaintiff plays a visible and starring role in Biote corporate marketing: the lawsuit includes links to footage of the commercial branding in question.
The lawsuit states that, “While in breach, Biote evaded Ms. Latch’s requests to remove her image from Biote affiliated website. Further, Biote refused Ms. Latch payment for the use of her image in accordance with the renewal terms of the contract.”
Miami Herald Reports on Lawsuit by BAC Client Lourdes Castillo Against Dori Foster-Morales
November 1, 2024 – The Miami Herald reports today on a lawsuit by Brewer client Lourdes Castillo against former Florida Bar President Dori Foster-Morales and her law firm. As reported, Castillo alleges that the firm’s legal malpractice, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty in connection with her divorce proceedings cost her more than $1 million.
“The complaint says it all: when our client’s divorce proceedings became complex and contentious, she retained defendants to protect her interests,” said Brewer partner William A. Brewer III. “Unfortunately, defendants were regularly unprepared for key court and arbitration events, caused Ms. Castillo to unwittingly waive substantial rights, and abandoned her during the most important time of her life.”
Brewer told the Herald, “defendants do not appear to dispute any of the claims and allegations against them – choosing instead to peddle a false narrative about fee arrangements involving a former client. Ms. Castillo is shocked by the conduct and the notion that a law firm would so blatantly disregard its professional obligations.”
Law360 Reports on Lawsuit Against Former Florida Bar President
October 21, 2024 — Law360 reports on a lawsuit by Brewer client Lourdes M. Castillo against Dori Foster-Morales and her law firm in an article titled, "Ex-Florida Bar Prez Accused of Malpractice in Divorce Case." As reported, Castillo is a former Foster-Morales' client who alleges Foster-Morales "breached her duty by dragging out the proceeding and causing damages stemming from a disagreement over a marital residence."
Filed in Miami-Dade County Civil Court, the four-count complaint accuses Ms. Foster-Morales, a former Florida Bar president of breach of contract, breach of duty, malpractice, and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
Brewer Managing Partner William A. Brewer III told Law360 that the defendants failed to protect his client's rights.
"The complaint says it all: when our client's divorce proceedings became increasingly complex and contentious, she retained defendants to protect her interests," Brewer said. "Unfortunately, they were regularly unprepared for key court and arbitration events, caused Ms. Castillo to unwittingly waive substantial rights, and abandoned her during the most important time of her life."
To read the full report (subscription required), click here.
Daily Business Review Reports on Lawsuit Against Ex-Florida Bar President
October 18, 2024 — The Daily Business Review reports on a lawsuit filed by Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors client Lourdes Maria Castillo against the law firm Foster-Morales and its founder, former Florida Bar President Dori Foster-Morales. According to the report, Castillo claims that, "despite Foster-Morales assuring Castillo of her skills, the defendant failed to exercise a reasonable standard of care and competence and breached fiduciary duties while representing her."
"The complaint says it all: when our client's divorce proceedings became increasingly complex and contentious, she retained the defendants to protect her interests," says William A. Brewer III, partner at Brewer and counsel to Castillo. "Unfortunately, they were regularly unprepared for key court and arbitration events, caused Castillo to unwillingly waive substantial rights, and abandoned her during the most critical time of her life."
Among other things, the report states that Castillo claims Foster-Morales "pressured her to accept a buyout of the marital residence from her ex-husband for half the property's value, threatening to withdraw as counsel if Castillo refused to accept an immediate settlement."
The report notes that Castillo rejected the offer. Castillo retained new counsel and secured a global settlement of all claims for nearly $1 million more than the defendants had urged her to accept.
Castilllo is seeking damages in excess of $1.1 million. Read more here.