Practices

Entertainment & Media

Creative protection for your creativity.

New media outlets and distribution models are creating fresh opportunities for original content to flourish on screens of all sizes. Unfortunately, the laws of copyright and contract have not kept pace. As a result, courts are forced to grapple with outmoded contract language as they struggle to pour the equivalent of new wine into old bottles.

We help creators, producers and distributors protect their works and realize their visions. As collaborative creators, who have more than 70 years of combined legal experience, we have a unique and uncommon understanding of the entertainment industry and the needs of our clients.

We represent television production companies, radio stations, newspapers, music producers, independent film projects, digital entertainment companies, musicians, artists, talent, photographers, music labels, authors, and independent producers in connection with their business formation, deal structure, network and distribution contracts, talent agreements, production legal, social media influencer agreements, publishing contracts, rights acquisition and clearance, Fair Use, licensing, and copyright and trademark protection.

We strive to help our clients put structures in place to clarify the parties’ obligations and thereby avoid litigation. But sometimes disputes arise that can’t be resolved out of court. When that happens, we are ready. Our team of attorneys include experienced litigators and trial attorneys. We have represented comic book authors and publishers, tattoo artists, toy companies, musicians, photographers, and artists in infringement, right of publicity, joint authorship, and breach of contract cases, through all aspects of motion practice, trial, arbitration and appeal.

Services We Provide

  • Appearance and Location Releases

  • Clearance Review

  • Collaboration Agreements

  • Commercial Production Agreements

  • Content creation, financing, production, distribution, and exhibition

  • Copyright and trademark infringement

  • Copyright and Trademark Registration

  • Copyright termination issues

  • Defamation and right of publicity, including name-and-likeness rights

  • Development and Production Funding

  • Domain names & social media

  • Domestic and International Distribution Agreements

  • Entities and ownership

  • Fair Use Analysis & Opinions

  • First Amendment

  • Intellectual property protection, including digital avatar licensing

  • Licensing Agreements

  • Licensing and Distribution

  • Life Rights Agreements

  • Master Services Agreements (MSAs)

  • Merchandising

  • Minority, Women, and Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises

  • Misappropriation of the right of publicity in the United States

  • Music Licensing

  • Name, Image & Likeness Agreements

  • Negotiating endorsement, sponsorship & license agreements

  • Network Agreements

  • Non-Profit Organizations

  • Participations and royalties

  • Post-Production

  • Private Equity and Venture Capital Investments

  • Production Services Agreements

  • Publishing Agreements

  • Social Media Influencer Agreements

  • Trade secrets

  • Trademark Licensing

  • Trademark Litigation

  • Trademark Registration

  • Trademark, trade dress, and antipiracy

  • Unfair competition and false advertising

  • Video & Photography Licensing

  • Entertainment & Media Team

    Michael A. Kahn

    Senior Counsel

    P: 314.505.5406
    E: kahn@capessokol.com

    P: 314.505.5452
    E: salsich@capessokol.com

    P: 314.754.4872
    E: lambert@capessokol.com

    P:  314.754.4840
    E: durban@capessokol.com

    Let's Work Together

    If you have questions, we’re ready to help you find the answers.

    Upcoming Events

    Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.