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Corporate

Sklar Kirsh’s Corporate lawyers have the large firm expertise, practicality and dedication to successfully handle the most sophisticated corporate transactions.

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Entertainment & Media Litigation

Our attorneys routinely handle all manner of entertainment and media disputes. We recognize that having a deep understanding of the applicable law is only part of what a successful entertainment litigator must bring to the table.  Understanding the industry itself, and its unique sensitivities, allows us to provide counsel to our clients that is both effective and practical.

We have extensive experience successfully representing producer-side clients, including television and motion picture studios, in accounting, contract and profit participation disputes, as well as against claims involving copyright, trademark, right of publicity and privacy, and trade secrets. Our work for entertainment industry clients also includes representing post-production and digital services providers in business and intellectual property disputes, and handling IFTA arbitrations involving foreign distributors.  We likewise have extensive experience working with high-profile individuals on public and private disputes concerning their business interests, conflicts with agents and managers, and avoiding negative tabloid exposure.

Representative Matters

Represented high-profile executive of an entertainment company in a dispute over separation and continuing rights in intellectual property.

Represented individual entertainers, athletes, models, and other celebrities in matters involving tabloid stories, personal service contracts, endorsements, and manager/agent claims.

Represented a production company in an AFMA arbitration against a foreign distribution company over minimum guarantee payments. Negotiated a favorable resolution.

Represented a television studio against participation claims brought by heirs of the creators of a popular soap opera. Negotiated a favorable resolution.

Represented New Line Cinema against accounting and breach of contract claims by writer-director-producer Peter Jackson. Plaintiff also asserted so-called “vertical integration” claims related to distribution licenses involving affiliated companies.

Represent a trust controlling literary rights to science fiction works in copyright and participation accounting disputes against a production company.

Represented a production company in an action brought by a professional athlete concerning a reality television show. The asserted claims included right of privacy, right of publicity, trademark infringement and dilution, and false advertising.  Secured a prompt resolution.

Represented a production company in a privacy dispute concerning content of a reality television program. Prevailed on an anti-SLAPP motion and obtained attorneys’ fees award.

Represented production companies and studios in a host of disputes involving copyright and state law implied contract claims for alleged theft of ideas. Prevailed in summary judgment and negotiated early resolutions.

Represented a motion picture studio in a copyright and trademark dispute over animated character rights.  Prevailed on a dispositive motion and obtained a $2 million attorney fee award.

Represented television studio and series creator in copyright action.  Obtained complete dismissal of action through motion, and secured six-figure award of attorneys’ fees against plaintiff.

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“For several years, I have worked with Sklar Kirsh for my M&A and other corporate law needs.  They are practical and creative lawyers and have guided me through several major transactions with a steady hand and clear focus on my goals.”

— Mark Mickelson, Managing Partner of Next Point Capital, Chairman of Art Brand Studios & Chairman of Next Point Bearing Group
This testimonial does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.