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    David L. Patrón

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    Mary Ellen Roy

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    Ashley J. Heilprin

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    Media and Entertainment

    The media and entertainment industries share unique legal needs due to their high public visibility, constitutional rights, intellectual property concerns and complex contractual relationships. We are experienced in providing our clients with strategic guidance and comprehensive legal protection in these dynamic fields.

    The media and entertainment sectors are high-profile and rapidly evolving. Businesses and individuals in these domains require legal representation that not only stays abreast of current trends but also understands the challenging landscape. At Phelps, our team of lawyers, comprised of former journalists and producers, brings the experience, insight and skills needed to assist our clients navigate the sophisticated matters they face. We advise and counsel on everything from capitalizing on market shifts to litigating intellectual property matters, protecting First Amendment rights and securing media access. Our deep understanding of media and entertainment makes us well-positioned to support our clients' success.

    Our clients compete in all parts of the media and entertainment sectors, including:

    • Professional athletes, college student-athletes and their representatives
    • Motion picture studios, steaming services and film production companies
    • Artists, writers, entertainers, creators, publishers and record labels
    • Online media platforms, social media businesses and internet service providers
    • Television and radio stations
    • Broadcast and cable television networks
    • Newspaper, magazine and book publishers
    • Advertising and marketing agencies
    • Insurers providing media and advertising liability defense

    Our lawyers have in-depth experience in First Amendment issues, copyright and trademark law, and entertainment litigation.

    Services

    We have helped media and entertainment clients by:

    • Defending against defamation, invasion of privacy and related tort claims
    • Litigating copyright infringement and ownership suits
    • Handling right of publicity, misappropriation of likeness and false endorsement claims
    • Protecting trademark rights, obtaining federal and state registrations and navigating cancellation proceedings
    • Securing media access to public records, sealed courtrooms and closed meetings
    • Conducting pre-publication and pre-broadcast content and clearance reviews
    • Drafting employment and non-disclosure agreements and talent releases
    • Negotiating leases, handling property acquisitions and advising on location agreements
    • Providing sexual harassment and other employment training

    Experience

    Copyright Claim Defense

    Secured and defended early dismissal of copyright infringement claims against best-selling musicians brought by an artist claiming his work influenced one of the group’s songs.
    Talk show set photograph

    First Amendment Protections

    Upheld protections for well-known sports television personality, affirming dismissal on appeal in high-profile defamation suit involving sports talk show host’s comments regarding retired NFL Hall of Fame quarterback.

    Insights

    • September 16, 2025

      MLRC Media Law Conference Trial Techniques Panel…

    • May 28, 2025

      DOJ Loosens Guidelines that Protect Journalists from Subpoenas and Search Warrants…

    More +
    • May 15, 2025

      Phelps Media Law Team Breaks Down Defamation Claims on National Podcast…

    • April 28, 2025

      First Steps of Free Speech Litigation: Crucial First Amendment Questions Prompted by TikTok v. Garland…

    • April 14, 2025

      Behind the Paywall: When Catchy Headlines Risk Defamation Claims…

    • March 28, 2025

      Phelps Louisiana Team Honored in Super Lawyers’ 2025 Lists …

    • March 19, 2025

      Employment Law Lessons from Recent Celebrity Cases…

    • March 4, 2025

      Can the Government Charge Citizens for Speaking with Elected Officials? A Challenge to Texas’ Lobbying Law Might Answer that Question…

    • January 30, 2025

      Fears that Trump’s Judicial Appointments Will Overturn New York Times v. Sullivan Unlikely to Be Realized…

    • January 17, 2025

      Media Law: A Roundup of Major Decisions in 2024 …

    • January 2, 2025

      U.S. Supreme Court to Clarify When Government Can Limit Access to Protected Speech…

    • November 6, 2024

      DOJ Media Guidelines Protect Journalists from Subpoenas and Search Warrants…

    • October 3, 2024

      Phelps Gets Win for Free Speech Rights in High-Profile Defamation Suit…

    • September 23, 2024

      New Copyright Office Rules Protect News Websites Against Content Theft…

    • August 26, 2024

      Fifth Circuit Upholds Dismissal of Copyright Suit Against Renowned Music Artists…

    • August 15, 2024

      185 Phelps Lawyers Chosen for Best Lawyers in America, 20 Named "Lawyer of the Year," 26 Added to “Ones to Watch” List…

    • July 16, 2024

      Stay Tuned . . . FTC Ban on Noncompetes Could Alter Media Landscape…

    • June 26, 2024

      The ELVIS Act Protects Artists’ Voices but Creates Risks for Media Companies…

    • May 13, 2024

      Supreme Court Leaves Questions About Time Limits on Copyright Claims …

    • February 1, 2024

      ABA 29th Annual Conference of the Forum on Communications Law…

    • December 19, 2023

      Super Lawyers Recognizes 44 Louisiana Phelps Lawyers in 2024 Honors …

    • October 23, 2023

      Lawline Presents Music Copyright Infringement Claims…

    • May 24, 2023

      How UCC Article 12 May Make NFTs More Valuable…

    • May 22, 2023

      What Companies Need to Know About NFT and IP Rights Regulations…

    • April 17, 2023

      How the Supreme Court’s Recent Procedural Decision May Impact False Advertising and Privacy Policy Enforcement…

    • December 19, 2022

      42 Phelps Lawyers Honored by 2023 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars …

    • August 18, 2022

      Best Lawyers in America Selects 158 Phelps Lawyers, Names 10 "Lawyer of the Year," Adds 40 to "Ones to Watch" List…

    • July 12, 2022

      Do I Owe Money to Ohio State Every Time I Use the Word “THE”?…

    • April 21, 2022

      This Form Can Protect Libraries and Library Employees from Copyright Claims…

    • July 23, 2021

      10 Things You Need to Know About Biden’s EO on Promoting Competition…

    • July 16, 2021

      Does the Arthrex Ruling Answer This Question About the CASE Act’s Constitutionality?…

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