Steven Stein

Media and Intellectual Property Experience

• Obtained summary judgment in federal court for clients Barstool Sports, Dave Portnoy and other Barstool personalities in defamation lawsuit concerning public comments and social media posts, and unanimous affirmance from court of appeal. See Rapaport v. Barstool Sports, Inc., 2024 WL 88636 (2d Cir. Jan. 9, 2024). 
• Obtained dismissal of civil wiretapping lawsuit brought by Massachusetts mayor for clients Barstool Sports and Barstool personality Kirk Minihane concerning the recording of an interview with the mayor, and unanimous affirmance from Massachusetts’ top court. See Curtatone v. Barstool Sports, Inc., 487 Mass. 655 (2021).
• Filed anti-SLAPP motion obtaining dismissal of defamation lawsuit filed against client Barstool Sports concerning blog post.
• Prevailed on an anti-SLAPP motion to obtain dismissal of defamation lawsuit filed against TV network client over on-air statements made by reality show star.
• Filed opposition to anti-SLAPP motion in federal court that resulted in the motion being withdrawn and the matter resolving favorably for music manager client in artist management dispute.
• Defended and obtained favorable resolutions for clients in dozens of copyright and trademark infringement claims.
• Enforcing intellectual property rights for major brands.
• Defending media company against defamation claims.
• Defending media company against music infringement claims.
• Defending brand management company against music infringement claims.

Entertainment Disputes

• After years of litigation, obtained favorable resolution for clients, a film production company and film producers, concerning the financing of a feature film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Fassbender.
• Obtained favorable resolution for production company client in federal lawsuit concerning broadcasting of event.
• Arbitrated rights dispute over feature film for production company.
• Represented live action production boutique in trade secret and non-compete lawsuit.
• Obtained favorable resolution for music management company in royalty dispute.
• Advises rights holders about copyright termination.  
• Represents A-list talent and directors in various disputes.

Business and Real Estate Disputes

• Tried before jury dispute concerning the entitlement and ownership of a five-star hotel on behalf of developer client.
• Obtained favorable resolution in arbitration for client who owns and operates private schools against general contractor and architect.
• Obtained favorable resolution for client who purchased business against seller in non-compete dispute.
• Successfully pursued civil extortion claims on behalf of clients.
• Authored briefs obtaining Ninth Circuit reversal of false advertising judgment against manufacturer.
• Part of team that obtained Ninth Circuit reversal of eight-figure verdict against public school district.
• Part of team that obtained Ninth Circuit affirmance of anti-SLAPP ruling for public school district.
• Part of trial team that obtained ruling allowing client to sell the Los Angeles Clippers.
• Part of trial team that obtained favorable verdict for construction manager accused of wrongdoing.
• Represents clients in dispute over misconduct relating to nonprofit.
• Represents professional athlete in trespass and nuisance lawsuit.
• Represents owners of breweries in lawsuit concerning their operation and sale.
• Represents AI fashion company in investor lawsuit.
• Defends consumer goods clients against Consumer Legal Remedies Act claims.

Cannabis Litigation and Advice

• Filed anti-SLAPP motion on behalf of a marketing firm and its principals that resulted in favorable resolution of cannabis-related lawsuit. 
• Defended cannabis company and its owner in investor lawsuit.
• Advised major brand on groundbreaking licensing deal in cannabis space.
• Advised media company on cannabis-related licensing issues.
• Advised video game and e-sports company on CBD-related issues.
• Represents investor in dispute with partners in cannabis company.

Family Business Disputes

• Represented wife on business issues in dissolution proceeding spanning seven years concerning high-net-worth estate. 
• Represented high-net-worth hedge fund founder on business issues in divorce proceeding against his wife.
• Represented investment banker on business issues in divorce proceeding against his wife.
• Represents clients in family business dispute involving valuable real estate and other assets.