The trial and global disputes team at King & Spalding LLP continues to be a leading advisor on a wide range of IP matters, particularly those involving idea theft, First Amendment and defamation issues, employment and licensing disputes, and class actions. The firm serves as leading counsel to media, entertainment, and technology companies, including both traditional and new media. Kenneth Steinthal, a specialist in IP, tech, and traditional media, is at the forefront of defending clients using innovative approaches to distribution platforms, who leads the team from San Francisco. His leadership in arbitration proceedings initiated by two major US performance rights organizations has reinforced the firm’s strong reputation within the music industry. Arwen Johnson, based in Los Angeles, represents high-profile Hollywood clients. Her major arbitration victory for Netflix this year has further cemented her standing within the industry. David Mattern, who leads the firm’s Washington DC office in copyright law, is known for his extensive experience in managing court matters, making him a trusted advisor for major service providers and platforms navigating complex content issues.
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- Profile
Key clients
- A&E Television Networks
- AMC Networks
- Audacy (formerly known as Entercom and including CBS Radio)
- BBC
- Bloomberg TV and Radio
- ByteDance/TikTok
- Comcast/NBCUniversal
- Corporation for Public Broadcasting, including NPR and PBS
- Cumulus Media
- DISH
Work highlights
- Leading the defense of Comedy Central and Paramount Global in two putative class actions brought in November 2022 and March 2023 relating to royalties allegedly due to comedians for the performances of their recordings on digital streaming services.
- Represented the Radio Music License Committee in proceedings commenced in June 2022 against ASCAP and BMI, challenging royalty rates subject to regulatory provisions under the ASCAP and BMI antitrust consent decrees, as well as and in arbitration proceedings which resulted earlier this year in obtaining a favourable result for the RMLC in a rate-setting arbitration against SESAC.
- Defending Paramount Global in connection with two separate lawsuits brought by BMI for breach of music licensing agreements against Showtime and CBS/Paramount+, leading to a favourable settlement in December 2024.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Arwen Johnson
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
David Mattern
Practice head
Kenneth Steinthal
Other key lawyers
Arwen Johnson; David Mattern