The wide-ranging intellectual property practice at Latham & Watkins has a notable emphasis on disputes at the intersection between copyright and technology. The team has in-depth knowledge of artificial intelligence, advising on a number of cases involving copyright and generative AI. Washington DC-based Sy Damle has a niche focus on copyright issues for technology clients such as a software and AI companies, whilst litigator Andrew Gass is active in technology and media matters from the Bay Area office. Also in the Bay Area, Joe Wetzel combines expertise in AI and the music industry with a background in complex copyright infringement cases, and DC-based Elana Nightingale Dawson. Dawson has represented clients at all levels of the federal judiciary. In New York, Allison Levine Stillman frequently assists in copyright litigation, such as representing digital music services before the federal courts. From the Bay Area office, Britt Lovejoy is a key contact for streaming services, technology and social media companies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are deep in expertise and resourcing on matters relating to IP, technology, regulations affecting big tech and AI. ’
‘Sy Damle has significant copyright expertise and deep knowledge relating to AI and big tech. He's creative and provides reliable counsel that we can trust.’
‘Deep expertise, practical thinkers, working knowledge of the industry and ability to understand organizational dynamics.’
‘The practical advice that fits the moment and positions the advice for the future is what really defines the excellent advice of the firm.’
‘World class resources who are litigating and negotiating deals on the cutting edge so they're up to speed by virtue of being in the trenches.’
‘Elana Nightingale Dawson is a fantastic resource - steeped in what is currently happening in the practice area but also practical in terms of her guidance. She also consistently makes the time for clients despite a hectic workload.’
Key clients
- Anaconda, Inc.
- Atlassian
- Digital Licensee Coordinator
- Digital Media Association
- Extreme Networks
- HeyGen
- Internet Archive
- Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (Live Nation)
- National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
- Netflix
- North American Concert Promoters Association (NACPA)
- OpenAI, L.P.
Work highlights
Defending OpenAI in a dozen actions brought by rightsholders who are pursuing claims for, among other things, copyright and trademark infringement by creating and deploying industry-leading generative AI models that power services like ChatGPT.
Represents Roblox in a copyright, trade dress, and trademark infringement suit filed in the Northern District of California in August 2022 against Hong Kong-based tech toymaker WowWee.
Represents Spotify in an industry-defining lawsuit brought by the Mechanical Licensing Collective related to Spotify’s addition of audiobooks to its platform and subsequent reporting of Spotify’s Premium product as a “bundle.”
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Sy Damle; Andrew Gass; Allison Stillman; Joe Wetzel
Other key lawyers
Elana Nightingale Dawson; Britt Lovejoy