Kelli L. Sager

Representing the Los Angeles Times and the Tribune Company in a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by a freelance photographer who claimed that the defendants were liable for more than five hundred violations of his copyrights for the use of photographs that the Times defendants claimed were covered by a license agreement. Succeeded in a motion to compel arbitration in 2011. In 2012, succeeded in obtaining a judgment from the arbitrator in favor of the Times and the Tribune dismissing the lawsuit, and granting the defendants' request for attorneys' fees and costs in excess of $260,000. (2011-present)

Successfully represented Los Angeles Times in this Public Records Act lawsuit concerning whether the names of peace officers who shoot and kill people while on duty should be made public. Obtained first published decision from a Court of Appeal that information must be disclosed. California Supreme Court granted review; matter is pending. (2012-present)

Represented the Los Angeles Times in a series of related cases, all of which arose from The Times' reporting about two brothers, both former Beverly Hills surgeons, who began a lucrative weight-loss business. Omidi v. Hiltzik and Omidi v. Pfeifer alleged defamation based on reporting by The Times, and Silverman v. Hiltzik alleged illegal recording of phone conversations by a Times columnist. All three cases were thrown out on early motions under California's SLAPP law, and fees were awarded to The Times in each case. A fourth case alleging violations of federal trademark laws was also thrown out by a federal judge on an early motion. (Cal. Super. Ct. 2011; C.D. Cal. 2011)

Represented the Los Angeles Times in access matter that resulted in landmark decision finding federal constitutional right of access to civil trials. (Cal. 1999)

Represented a class of songwriters and music publishers in Grokster copyright infringement action against peer-to-peer file-sharing services. Plaintiffs obtained unanimous decision from U.S. Supreme Court ruling that defendants could be held liable for inducing copyright infringement. (C.D. Cal., 9th Cir., U.S.)

Represented Universal Pictures in obtaining dismissal of libel class action based on the film "American Gangster," which was affirmed by 2d Circuit Court of Appeals. (S.D.N.Y. 2009, 2d Cir. 2010)

Defended British newspaper The Mail On Sunday in copyright, trademark and right of publicity action by Beach Boys band member over UK distribution of promotional CD. Obtained dismissal based on lack of personal jurisdiction; appeal was dismissed voluntarily. 611 F.3d 601 (9th Cir. 2010), aff’d 489 F. Supp. 2d 1100 (C.D. Cal. 2007)

Represented NBC Universal against a last-minute TRO application filed by screenwriters who attempted to enjoin nationwide release of the Jennifer Aniston film, "Love Happens." The plaintiffs' claim that the film's script was substantially similar to a script they claimed to have previously pitched to NBC/Universal was rejected by the federal district judge, who found that the two scripts were not at all similar. Immediately following the decision, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit. (C. D. Cal. 2009)

Represented The Gurin Company in a lawsuit brought by a comedian known as 'ANT,' who claimed that his trademark and identity were misappropriated by Gurin's television program, "Wanna Bet," which starred the British comedy duo "Ant and Dec." All claims against Gurin were dismissed by the federal district judge and attorneys' fees were awarded. ANT dismissed his appeal in exchange for a waiver of fees. (C.D. Cal. 2010-2011)

Represented media amici in 9th Circuit's en banc review of the scope of immunity afforded by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to mixed-content websites. No. 04-56916 (en banc) 521 F.3d 1157 (9th Cir. 2008)

Represented Universal Pictures in successfully opposing effort by criminal defendant to enjoin nationwide release of the film "Alpha Dog." (2007) Read more

Represented the Los Angeles Times in a case involving the newspaper's attempts to obtain state records on police hiring under the California Public Records Act. In August 2007, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Times, in a precedent-setting decision that expansively interpreted the public's rights under the CPRA. 42 Cal. 4th 278 (Cal. 2007)

Obtained order granting newspaper's special motion to strike defamation claims arising from article evaluating possibly exaggerated claims of heroism by World War II figure. Affirmed by 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. (C.D. Cal., 9th Cir. 2002)

Represented the Los Angeles Times in challenging state statute restricting access to court records in divorce cases. The California Court of Appeals ruled that divorce records are subject to the constitutional right of access, and the California Supreme Court denied review in May 2006, making the Court of Appeals' decision binding law in California. 139 Cal. App. 4th 712 (Cal. App. 2006)

Successfully defended E! Entertainment Television in three-week jury trial of idea submission claims relating to a television series. Obtained directed verdict that was affirmed on appeal. (Cal. Super. Ct. 2001)

Represented Cingular Wireless LLC as an intervening defendant in a trademark and trade dress dispute brought by RIM against Samsung in connection with the BlackJack smartphone. Following Cingular's intervention, RIM voluntarily dismissed its original complaint concerning the BlackJack. (C.D. Cal. 2007)