Entertainment and Media

• Represented Gerard Butler and GBASE Entertainment in a suit seeking profits from the hit film “Olympus Has Fallen.” The case was settled.
• Obtained complete defense in three related proceedings arising under California’s Talent Agencies Act seeking commissions from the writer-director of Star Wars Episode VIII.
• Part of the trial team that represented Shelly Sterling in the probate court action granting her control of the Sterling Family Trust, resulting in the $2 billion sale of the Los Angeles Clippers.
• Representation of The Ray Charles Foundation in The Ray Charles Foundation v. Robinson, a case of first impression before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit regarding standing under the Copyright Act to challenge a notice of termination.
• Obtained Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction on behalf of company founder in dispute over control of an emerging online services company.
• Representation of various advertisers, producers, and artists in negotiations with entertainment industry unions and pension and health plans.
• Defense of NBCUniversal in a major copyright infringement matter concerning claims that Section 6, a pre-production screenplay, violated copyrights in the James Bond character and series of films.
• Representation of Axl Rose in appeal of action for fraud and breach of contract against Activision arising from the use of “Welcome to the Jungle” in Guitar Hero III.
• Defense of the members of the rock band Poison in a case alleging copyright co-ownership and infringement.
• Representation of Cher in an action against a major record company.

Real Estate and Finance

• Defense of a real estate executive and his investment vehicle in a trial alleging a multi-million dollar fraud in connection with the construction of two large apartment projects. After three phases of trial, the defendant prevailed on his cross-complaint and obtained a $1,880,000 judgment in his favor.
• Obtained a jury verdict in the full amount requested, along with an award of all attorney’s fees requested, on behalf of a real estate investment fund.
• Representation of commercial landlords in a trial against their former tenants for breach of contract.  On the first day of trial, Defendants agreed to a stipulated judgment for the full amount at issue.