Regularly advising clients in the media and entertainment industry, Pryor Cashman LLP excels in advising on all areas of copyright law including litigation, regulatory work, transactional work, and copyright due diligence and counseling. Adept in all aspects of copyright law in litigation and regulatory matters is New York-based head Frank Scibilia, who is lauded for representing major and independent music publishers, record labels and trade organizations. Ilene Farkas, who was promoted to practice leader in January 2024, leverages her experience in representing content owners and creators in all areas of IP matters. Donald Zakarin, recognized as a top litigator in the music business, is a key port of call for major record companies. Benjamin Semel is well vested in supporting the music publishing and songwriting industries over royalties. In Miami, James Sammataro represents high-profile artists in music-related disputes. Unless stated, all lawyers mentioned work in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Key clients
- Ed Sheeran
- Record Labels: Sony Music, Universal Music Group, Warne Music Group, Kobalt Music, ABKCO Music and Records,
- Music Publishers: Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Peermusic
- National Music Publishers Association
- The MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective)
- Recording Industry Association of America
- Epidemic Sound S.A.
- Kontor Music GmbH
- Megan Pete p/k/a/ Thee Stallion
- Karol G & Tiësto
- Feid
- Roc Nation
- Warner Music Group
- Concord
- BMG
- Bruno Mars
- Netflix
- Create Music Group
- Benny Blanco
Work highlights
Representing Sony Music, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Kobalt, Hipgnosis, peermusic, Pitbull, Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and other music publishers, record labels, and prominent artists in a copyright infringement action currently pending in the Central District of California, commenced by the Jamaican production duo Steely & Clevie, who claim to have created and own certain rhythmic elements common to the “reggaeton” musical sub-genre.
Representing the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), the entity created by copyright owners and designated by the U.S. Copyright Office as the statutory licensing collective pursuant to the 2018 Music Modernization Act (MMA), with the endorsement and support of the majority of the music industry.
Represented international singer-songwriter superstar Ed Sheeran, Warner Music Group, Sony Music Publishing, and others in a pivotal music copyright jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Frank Scibilia
Practice head
Frank Scibilia; Ilene Farkas
Other key lawyers
Donald Zakarin; Benjamin Semel; James Sammataro