Media & Entertainment

Sullivan & Worcester advises media and entertainment companies (including: ad agencies, publishers, new media companies, film producers, and media licensing companies) on legal issues relating to media content creation, licensing, website development and maintenance. The Firm provides advice on privacy issues and other terms of use for companies with an Internet presence. Our lawyers advise on First Amendment issues, including parody and satire as well as rights of publicity and privacy in connection with works created, published, and licensed by media clients.

Representative Client Work

Represented the rock band Pearl Jam with respect to contract dispute
Represented the Spice Girls in connection with trademark and merchandising litigation
Conducted nationwide trademark enforcement program for Comedy Central's television hit show South Park
Conducted nationwide enforcement and litigation program for professional golfing legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods, and their respecting licensing agents
Represented marketing company for TAE BO exercise videos and merchandise in connection with all aspects of its business, including preparation and negotiation of video reproduction agreements, and licensing and distribution agreements, and advised client on issues related to telemarketing law and FTC regulations, as well as disputes with home shopping networks, contractual disputes between the company and the founder of TAE BO, and international trademark enforcement
Represented various authors in negotiation with publishers for book publishing contracts
Provided advice to New York magazine publishing company on editorial issues including privacy and publicity rights, defamation, fair use and other potential litigation matters — advised clients on content and manner of advertising in print and on product packaging in order to assess risks and avoid litigation
Designed spin off and merger structure for multi-billion-dollar cable television acquisition
Obtained jury verdict on behalf of 142 radio stations in breach of contract claim against manufacturer of health and fitness equipment
Represented cable television company in a $750 million merger

Practice Profile (PDF)