We have a wealth of experience litigating and trying cases to verdict involving every aspect of the entertainment industry. The firm has represented significant talent, networks, studios production companies, and talent agencies in a wide variety of contract and intellectual property disputes. For nearly two decades, we have served as general counsel to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. We are also general counsel to the Producers Guild of America and represent the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Our lawyers have a full understanding of the motion picture and television business and the legal problems it engenders from the initial concept stage through production and distribution. The firm has represented entertainment industry clients in virtually every kind of intellectual property dispute involving copyrights, trademarks, rights of publicity, and idea theft/unfair competition.
We have an in-depth understanding of the unique character of the entertainment community — its relatively small size and the personal interrelationships that are its hallmark. Consequently, while every client can expect vigorous and aggressive representation, due consideration is given to exploring alternatives to litigation. At the same time, we have tried a number of tough entertainment cases to a successful conclusion.
George Hedges, who the Hollywood Reporter recently named one of the most powerful lawyers in the industry, has spent almost thirty years representing major clients in virtually every aspect of motion pictures and television. John Quinn is General Counsel of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and has represented motion picture studios in jury cases that have been tried successfully to verdict. For nearly 20 years, Bruce Van Dalsem has litigated and tried entertainment cases including work in film, television, music and finance, obtaining a top-5 verdict in California based on the misappropriation of a film library, as well as numerous injunctions. Jeff Conciatori has been involved in a number of high profile battles over Internet music rights and distribution, in addition to disputes relating to reality television formats.
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