Latham & Watkins LLP‘s Los Angeles entertainment, sports and media group’s litigation and trial team excels in handling Hollywood litigation for media and entertainment companies, notable individuals, technology start-ups and investment banks. The firm handles a range of media and entertainment cases including defamation, SLAPP and contractual disputes. Entertainment specialist and practice head Marvin S. Putnam represents entertainment companies and investors, producers and talent before trial and appellate courts. Jessica Stebbins Bina is instructed by film, TV, music, radio and internet clients in notable media and entertainment-related IP and contractual disputes. Sports and media clients seek out Robert Ellison for representation in sensitive government and internal investigation and entertainment litigation and arbitration. In San Francisco, Joe Wetzel is the go-to for music litigation, often advising internet companies, social media platforms, streaming companies and other music industry entities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Latham & Watkins’ music licensing and litigation practice stands out as a premier team for navigating high-stakes, complex disputes in the entertainment and media space. The team is distinguished by its unparalleled expertise in music licensing, its deep understanding of the industry’s regulatory framework, and its ability to handle cases with significant financial and reputational implications for its clients.'
‘The individuals at Latham & Watkins stand out as true leaders in the field of music licensing litigation and deal work. It has a mastery of the regulatory and licensing landscape and is able to develop creative and business-oriented solutions while having an innate understanding of our business. Andy Gass, Joe Wetzel, Sy Damle and Ali Stillman are a dream team from a litigation standpoint - and Gabe Fleet is one of the best dealmakers in the industry. Best in class all around.’
Key clients
- Netflix
- Endeavor Group Holdings
- MGM
- Hollywood Foreign Press Association (“HFPA”)
- Casting Networks, LLC
- Internet Archive
- Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited, Monumental Sports, FURIA eSports
- Twitter (now X)
- Thomas Brady, Gisele Bundchen, Lawrence Gene David, and Shaquille O’Neal.
- Camping World, Inc
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.
Robert Ellison
Practice head
Marvin S. Putnam
Other key lawyers
Robert Ellison; Jessica Stebbins Bina; Laura Washington; Joe Wetzel; Dixon Carvalho Anderson; Andy Gass; Sy Damle; Ali Stillman; Gabe Fleet