Media & Entertainment: Litigation
USA Guide 2024 : California
Band 3
About
Provided by Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP
Manatt’s entertainment litigators work with leading artists, producers, record labels, networks, financiers, streaming platforms, media companies, studios, executives, music publishers, talent and brands to navigate industry issues—protecting their interests and defending their rights.
With the funding of entertainment ventures increasingly coming from outside the industry, both the financial instruments and the private equity, venture capital and angel investors that control them have added layers of contractual and technological complexity to every type of deal. Disputes over the disposition of proceeds or tax credits may take place across multiple geographies, legal systems and business cultures. And lines between sectors—advertising, entertainment, gaming and social media—have become blurred, giving rise to new types of high-stakes IP disputes.
Manatt is well-positioned to help clients navigate these new challenges. Its client list boasts music, digital, television and film industry players, and talent ranging from classics to major contemporary artists. The Firm’s partners and associates are known for providing timely, practical and on-point legal advice on the industry’s toughest challenges. In addition, Manatt is one of only a handful of entertainment litigation firms with deep experience advocating in courtrooms at the state and federal levels across the country.
Chambers Review
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP has a respected media and entertainment group which provides expert representation to talent and companies in the music, television and film industries. This law firm demonstrates strength in intellectual property and breach of contract disputes involving the financing, production and distribution of content.
Work Highlights
- Manatt Phelps represented the Estate of Pop Smoke against pre-litigation copyright infringement and accounting claims.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They have a very good reputation in their field of expertise. They're top-notch."
"We know that we have a great team that cares about us and takes the time to explain things clearly in a way that we can understand so we can make educated decisions."
"They are excellent, smart, prepared and thoughtful lawyers."
"They are professional, thorough, meet all of our needs and provide us with valuable feedback."
"They have a very good reputation in their field of expertise. They're top-notch."
"We know that we have a great team that cares about us and takes the time to explain things clearly in a way that we can understand so we can make educated decisions."
"They are excellent, smart, prepared and thoughtful lawyers."
"They are professional, thorough, meet all of our needs and provide us with valuable feedback."
Notable Practitioners
Robert Jacobs leads the firm's entertainment litigation practice. He is particularly active in the music industry, frequently representing recording artists, record labels and publishing companies in intellectual property disputes.
"He has vast knowledge of the area, can understand the business perspective of a matter and understands that the legal decision will impact the business. He gives clear advice."
"He is second to none. I will always ask Robert to handle matters first."
"I hold Robert in the highest esteem."
Nathaniel Bach has a growing practice representing clients in the media and entertainment sector in complex disputes. He has experience handling copyright, right of publicity and First Amendment litigation.
"He's a strong analyst, a great speaker and he writes well. I have confidence in him and I'd recommend him to others."
"Nathaniel is excellent across the board."
"He is terrific."
Sarah Moses advises clients on breach of contract, royalty disputes and federal class action lawsuits amongst others.
"She is smart, understands the issue, is bright and understands the matter at hand."
"Sarah is a very skilled litigator who provides thoughtful and wise counsel."
Ranked Lawyers at
Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP
California