With a particular focus on music litigation, the team at Pryor Cashman LLP is a key contact for publishers, songwriters, artists, and record labels. The team is led by the capable quintet of Ilene Farkas, James Sammataro, Frank Scibilia, Benjamin Semel, and Donald Zakarin. Florida-based Sammataro represents a variety of high-profile individuals in copyright infringement disputes, often taking the cases to trial. He is also equipped to advise on touring exhibitions and publicity claims. The rest of the team is based in New York. Farkas specializes in IP matters, taking on copyright and trademark cases across the full range of media industries. Scibilia is co-chair of the firm’s copyright practice and brings expertise in litigation and regulatory matters. Semel bases his practice on litigation involving streaming and royalties. Zakarin litigates on behalf of large record companies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is very knowledgeable on the law, and on legal strategy.'
- 'I cannot recommend this team more highly.’
‘The team speak collaboratively with clients, and has a lot of patience with various questions, context and ideas that clients raise on how best to work through specific issues/questions.’
‘James Sammataro makes this firm special. He has legal prowess and great solutions that are efficient, but even more impressive are his people skills and communication skills. I would always want James in my corner.'
‘James Sammataro is a consummate professional who has honed his people and lawyer skills to perfection.'
'The team is very knowledgeable on the law, and on legal strategy, and has the highest ethical thinking and foundations that any client would hope for. They have been early adopters of using technology to streamline and analyze data, including AI technologies. I cannot recommend this team more highly.'
'Always able to jump in and put out fires. Clearly understands the business and are good at coming up with solutions to problems.'
'James Sammataro is an incredibly skilled litigator. He is thoughtful and appreciates business realities. He has a deep understanding of the media and entertainment industry. He solves problems efficiently.'
'Pryor Cashman have been a trusted partner of our business and industry for decades. Deep knowledge of how our business works and how to provide high-quality legal services designed to meet our business needs.'
'Donald Zakarin is a dean of the music litigation bar. His depth of knowledge allows him to provide quick advice in the space, and he is very hands-on.'
Key clients
- Andra Day
- Chris Brown
- Live Nation Entertainment, Inc
- Merch Traffic
- Chris Brown Entertainment
- Songs of Universal
- Sony Music Publishing, LLC
- Ed Sheeran
- Sony/ATV Music Publishing
- Atlantic Records
- Epidemic Sound S.A.
- Feid & Universal Music Group
- FremantleMedia North America, Inc.
- Karol G & Tiësto
- Mr. 305, Inc. and Orchard Enterprises NY, Inc.
- Recording Industry Association of America
- The National Music Publishers’ Association
- The American Association of Independent Music
- Concord Music Group
- Ricky Martin
Work highlights
Representing a variety of music industry players, including Sony, Universal, Warner, in a copyright infringement case in California.
Represented Ed Sheeran and others in a high-profile copyright case, where the estate of Ed Townsend claimed "Thinking Out Loud" copied "Let’s Get It On."
Represents Epidemic Sound in a copyright infringement case against Meta Platforms, alleging over 900 of its songs are used without license on Facebook and Instagram.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ilene Farkas; James Sammataro; Frank Scibilia; Benjamin Semel; Donald Zakarin