We have a wealth of experience litigating and trying cases to verdict involving every aspect of the entertainment and media industries. The firm has represented networks, studios, production companies, financiers, distributors, publishers, talent and talent agencies in a wide variety of contract, commercial and intellectual property disputes. In addition, 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 deep understanding of the motion picture, television, music and publishing businesses and the legal problems that can arise from the initial concept stage through financing, development, production, publication, licensing and distribution, through traditional as well as online channels. The firm has represented entertainment and media industry participants in virtually every kind of intellectual property dispute involving copyrights, trademarks, rights of publicity, idea theft, defamation, access, free speech and unfair competition.
We have an in-depth understanding of the unique character of the entertainment and media industries — the relatively small size of each community and the personal interrelationships that are their 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 cases to successful conclusions in courts and arbitrations.
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. Kathleen Sullivan, the former Dean of Stanford Law School, noted First Amendment scholar and nationally renowned appellate advocate, heads up the Firm’s appellate practice group. Jeff Conciatori has been active for many years in high profile battles at the forefront of music rights and distribution, reality television formats, motion picture copyrights, contingent (“net profit”) participations, celebrity rights of publicity, the fair use doctrine and defamation. Bob Raskopf, a leader in the sports, entertainment and media bars, is perhaps best known for his work on behalf of professional sports leagues, individual teams, newspapers, book publishers and many other entertainment and media industry clients. Claude Stern has successfully represented a broad array of leading software developers, videogame manufacturers, online publishers and other media clients on issues striking at the very heart of their businesses. Bruce Van Dalsem has prosecuted, defended, tried and resolved disputes for studios, producers and performing artists alike in the film, television, music and finance industries, securing a top-5 verdict in California based on the misappropriation of a film library, as well as countless injunctions. Gary Gans, the most recent addition to Quinn Emanuel’s entertainment and media group, is an internationally recognized specialist in motion picture financing and distribution disputes.
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