Backpage.com LLC v. Cooper et al.
Represent Backpage.com in its constitutional challenge to T.C.A. § 39-13-314, which makes it a felony to "sell[] or offer[] to sell" certain advertisements. Court granted motion for preliminary injunction. (Ongoing)
Center for Investigative Reporting v. Dep’t of Public Health
Representing investigative reporting organization in Public Records Act lawsuit seeking access to citations issued by DPH chronicling serious violations of law at the State’s largest facilities for the developmentally disabled. (Ongoing)
Challenges to subpoenas for confidential records for McGraw-Hill (Platts)
Lead counsel representing McGraw-Hill in a variety of challenges to subpoenas for confidential records obtained by journalists at its Platts and Standard & Poors subsidiaries. Represented the company in federal courts in New York, the District of Columbia, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Colorado, and California. Most of the litigation involved assertion of the qualified privilege under the First Amendment and where applicable under state statutes and common law as well. (Ongoing)
Chamber of Commerce of the United States v. Servin, et al.
Defending the free speech rights of the Yes Men against trademark claims filed after the Yes Men performed a political parody of the Chamber's controversial position on global climate change. USDC D.C. 09cv 2014 (Ongoing)
Datz v. Milton et al.
Representing photojournalist Philip Datz in a civil-rights lawsuit against Suffolk County Police Sergeant Michael Milton and the County of Suffolk for violation of Mr. Datz’s First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Mr. Datz, a professional photojournalist, was arrested by Sergeant Milton for filming a scene of police activity from a public street, in the presence of other bystanders. The confrontation was captured on video by Mr. Datz and was widely circulated following the incident. Mr. Datz has brought federal civil rights and state-law claims against Sergeant Milton, as well as a Monell claim against the County of Suffolk and its police department. (E.D.N.Y. Ongoing)
Dilek v. New York Daily News, L.P. et al.
Obtained dismissal of libel action for daily newspaper arising from reporting on plaintiff’s numerous legal proceedings. No. 113828/2011 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2012). Appeal pending, No. 651899/2011 (N.Y. App. Div. 1st Dept. 2012; Ongoing)
Discount Tobacco City & Lottery, Inc. v. U.S.
Submitted amicus briefs in Supreme Court, Sixth Circuit and district court in support of First Amendment rights of marketers and advertisers against advertising, marketing, and packaging provisions of Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. (Ongoing)
Doe v. Jeffrey Epstein
Represent the New York Daily News and journalist George Rush in protecting confidential interview materials from disclosure. (Ongoing)
Farah v. Esquire Magazine
Defending libel claim for a satirical blog post about the book "Where’s the Birth Certificate?"; obtained first federal dismissal under new D.C. Anti-SLAPP Act and 12(b)(6) for "satirical commentary." 863 F. Supp. 2d 29 (D.D.C. 2012). Appeal pending, No. 12-7055 (D.C. Cir. 2012; Ongoing)
Florida Medical Association, Inc. v. Department of Health, Education and Welfare
Represents the publisher of The Wall Street Journal in an effort to overturn a decades-old injunction. The injunction, obtained by the American Medical Association and others in 1979, blocks public access to Medicare reimbursement records containing evidence of Medicare fraud. No. 78-178-Civ-J-S (M.D. Fla. Ongoing)
Garcia v. Montgomery County et al.
Representing photojournalist and video producer Mannie Garcia in a federal civil rights action against Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Chief of Police, and individual police officers for falsely arresting Mr. Garcia and using excessive force while he filmed another arrest on a public street. (D. Md. Ongoing)
Generex v. TheStreet.com
Defending biotech columnist Adam Feuerstein and TheStreet.com against libel and business disparagement claims arising out of columns concerning Generex's diabetes product. (Ongoing)
Granada Entertainment USA
Provide regular pre-broadcast review of multiple reality television programs. (Ongoing)
Intellectual property/First Amendment Counsel to Entertainment Software Association
IP and First Amendment counsel to the Entertainment Software Association, the trade association that represents major video-game publishers in the United States. Worked with the ESA on proposed right-of-publicity bills in Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York, encouraging lawmakers to afford video games the same protections as other expressive works. Testified before legislative committees, met with lawmakers, submitted written comments to proposed legislation, and helped formulate ESA's strategy. ESA’s efforts have been opposed by professional athletes’ union and by SAG. (Ongoing)
Jordan v. Jewel, et al.
Representing Time Inc. in connection with ongoing right of publicity claims brought by Michael Jordan in connection with a special "Sports Illustrated" issue commemorating Jordan’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Summary judgment pending. (N.D. Ill. Ongoing)
Kim v. Korea Daily
Successfully defended Korea Daily in a libel action challenging news reports about the 2010 election of the Korean-American Community of San Francisco. (Ongoing)
Manuscript vetting; Production & pre-publication counseling
Regularly vets manuscripts, news articles, and documentary films and provides production advice for movies and television programs including the Emmy Award winning "Mad Men." (Ongoing)
Marken v. Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Represented a UCLA Professor in a California Public Records Act lawsuit to obtain access to public records of a high school teacher disciplined by the SMMUSD. 202 Cal. App. 4th 1250 (2012)
Maya Stendhal Gallery, et al. v. NYP Holdings, Inc., et al.
Obtained dismissal of libel action brought by gallery owner. No. 651899/2011 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2012). Appeal pending, No. 651899/2011 (N.Y. App. Div. 1st Dept. 2013; Ongoing)
Mullen v. Meredith Corp.
Defending tort and contract claims against reporter and news organization related to news broadcast. (Ongoing)
Music licensing and Internet gambling advice
Advises clients on legal issues relating to music licensing, Internet gambling, and potential liability for defamation, obscenity, and indecency. (Ongoing)
Pre-broadcast review for 50/50 Productions
Provide pre-broadcast review of content for Workaholics television show. (Ongoing)
Pre-broadcast review for Madison Square Garden, Inc.
Provide regular pre-broadcast review of content for Fuse.TV news programming. (Ongoing)
Prepublication and prebroadcast counseling
Provides advice for television programs, newspaper and magazine articles, books, and websites, including for The Atlantic Monthly, ProPublica, Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, CCTV, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, New York Post, Straus Newspapers, Center for American Progress, Think Progress, Campus Progress, Us Weekly, Life & Style, and In Touch. (Ongoing)
Pre-publication review for Alpha Media Group Inc.
Provide regular pre-publication review of content for Maxim magazine. (Ongoing)
Right of publicity claims for Getty Images
Manage litigation (or threatened litigation) in California, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Virginia concerning allegations of breach of the right of publicity. Obtained dismissal of the most active case (involving a publicity claim by a young woman whose image appeared on the packaging for disposable cameras) on summary judgment. 461 F. Supp. 2d 1112 (N.D. Cal. 2006); (N.D. Cal. Ongoing)
School of Americas Watch v. U.S. Dep't of Defense
Prosecuting Freedom of Information Act lawsuit to compel Department of Defense to disclose the names and military units of foreign students and instructors attending one of the largest military training schools in the U.S. at U.S. taxpayer expense. (N.D. Cal., Ongoing)
Sonoma County Employees' Retirement Association v. Superior Court
Representing The Press Democrat in Public Records Act lawsuit seeking information about pensions paid to retired public employees. The case is pending in the First Appellate District Court of Appeal. (Ongoing)
Summit Media v. City of Los Angeles
Representing Clear Channel Outdoor in litigation pending in the Central District of California concerning Los Angeles outdoor advertising ordinances. (Ongoing)
The Los Angeles Times v. The Regents of the University of California
Successfully prosecuted a California Public Records Act lawsuit on behalf of The Times and Sacramento Bee to compel public disclosure of the names of all UC Davis police officers involved in the pepper spraying of students protesting tuition increases at UC Davis in November, 2011. (Ongoing)
Tousignant v. Gawker Media
Defending Gawker against defamation, false-light, invasion-of-privacy, and right of publicity claims arising from reporting about former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s admission that he fathered a child by a former staff member. Gawker has filed an anti-SLAPP motion asking the court to dismiss all four claims. (C.D. Cal. Ongoing)
Trademark portfolio management
Manages trademark portfolios of media clients and others, handling trademark search, clearance, and prosecution. (Ongoing)
UNUS v. Katz, et al.
Defended an author in related constitutional tort claims arising out of an FBI search of her home. Case has been dismissed; attorney's fees have been awarded to defendant. Appeal pending. (Ongoing)
Wetzel v. San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, et al.
Representing San Bernardino Sun and its reporter in libel case brought by candidate for public office who was ruled ineligible to hold office based on prior convictions. (Ongoing)
Zhang v. China Free Press
Currently defending U.S.-based non-profit organization which provides free web hosting services to websites operated by Chinese dissidents, in libel lawsuit brought by movie actress concerning articles about her on one of the hosted sites. (C.D. Cal. Ongoing)
ACLU-NC v. City of Redding
Obtained temporary and permanent injunction against enforcement of City of Redding, Calif.'s "Outdoor Public Forum Policy" as violating the public’s First Amendment rights. Third District Court of Appeal largely affirmed in published opinion. 211 Cal. App. 4th 1322 (2013)
Associated Press v. Meltwater U.S. Holdings, Inc., et al.
Representing The Associated Press in a copyright infringement action against Meltwater News, a leading international subscription-based electronic media monitoring service that provides daily excerpts from news articles to its subscribers. Rejecting Meltwater's fair use defense, premised on its argument that it acted as a search engine, the federal district court for the Southern District of New York granted AP’s motion for summary judgment on its copyright claim. Damages discovery is ongoing and a trial is scheduled for September. (S.D.N.Y. 2013)
Backpage.com LLC v. McKenna et al.
Represented Backpage.com in its constitutional challenge to Washington SB 6251, which made it a felony to knowingly publish, disseminate, display, or to "directly or indirectly" cause offending content to be published. Secured temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction enjoining enforcement of law based on court's finding that SB 6251 was likely preempted by section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments and Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution. State thereafter stipulated to permanent injunction and paid $200,000 in attorneys’ fees. (2013)
Linda Cawley v. Vancouver Columbian
Defended newspaper in defamation action brought by teacher, based on published articles about investigation into alleged classroom assault, with trial court granting summary judgment. (Clark Cnty. (Wash.) Super. Ct. 2013)
Rakofsky v. The Washington Post Co., et al.
Successfully obtained dismissal of defamation action against Jeanne O'Halleran, a commenter on a 'hyperlocal' community website in Georgia. The defamation lawsuit arose out of a criminal trial in Washington, D.C., which culminated in the withdrawal of defense counsel Joseph Rakofsky and a mistrial. Rakofsky subsequently sued about 80 defendants, all of whom commented or published commentary on his representation of his client in the criminal trial, for libel and other claims. The Court granted O’Halleran’s motion to dismiss based on the fair report privilege, lack of jurisdiction and other grounds. (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2013)
United States Mission Corporation v. KIRO-TV, Inc.
Secured dismissal of libel by implication claim brought against local television station stemming from investigative report about halfway house’s requirement that its residents–some of them criminals–perform door-to-door solicitations on its behalf. Court of Appeals affirmed trial court decision. 2013 Wash. App. LEXIS 44 (Wash. App. 2013)
Ahmed v. Lions Gate Entertainment
Successfully defended Lionsgate against right of publicity claims arising from use of convicted terrorist’s likeness in motion picture "The Next Three Days." The defendant contended that the film’s producer should have obtained permission to use his likeness on a watch list used as a prop. The court granted Lionsgate’s anti-SLAPP motion, entitling Lionsgate to a fee award, and dismissed the lawsuit. (Cal. Super. Ct. 2012)
BANG v. Tri-City Voice
Successfully represented local newspaper in four successive actions contesting standing of freely distributed newspaper as one of general circulation qualified to publish legal notices. (2012)
Barnes v. Zaccari
Lead counsel in case holding that qualified immunity does not protect university president who summarily expelled students for exercising First Amendment rights in violation of procedural due process requirements. (11th Cir. 2012)
Buzz Aldrin v. The Topps Company
Successfully defended The Topps Company against right-of-publicity claims filed by astronaut Buzz Aldrin arising from Topps' use of Aldrin's name and likeness in the Topps American Heritage: American Heroes trading-card set and on the cover, and packaging of that work. The court recognized (for the first time within the 9th Circuit) that trading cards are constitutionally protected expressive works, granted Topps' anti-SLAPP motion, and
dismissed the claims. Aldrin agreed to dismiss his appeal in exchange for Topps’ waiver of its right to recover fees. (C.D. Cal., 9th Cir. 2012)
Cassini v. Advance Publications et al.
Motion to dismiss libel and related claims granted in action brought by widow of Oleg Cassini arising out of a "Vanity Fair" article about the Cassini family. (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2013)
CBS Corp. v. FCC
Represents CBS Corporation in a successful challenge to FCC indecency finding and $550,000 forfeiture penalty levied against CBS for the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. On June 29, 2012, the Supreme Court denied certiorari. (3d Cir., U.S. 2012)
Conquest Media LLC v. Medley Capital LLC, et al.*
Defended investment management company in breach of contract action following plaintiff’s unsuccessful attempt to acquire the music-related assets from the Death Row Records and Suge Knight bankruptcy estates. (Cal. Super. Ct. 2012)
Davis, et al. v. Cox, et al.
In a derivative action, defended the First Amendment rights of the Olympia Food Cooperative’s Board to enact a boycott of Israeli products in support of a movement seeking economic and social justice for Palestinians. On Feb. 27, 2012, the Superior Court granted defendants’ motion to strike. (Thurston Cnty. (Wash.) Super. Ct. 2012)
FCC v. Fox Television Stations and ABC, Inc.
Represented CBS Corporation in a consolidated appeal challenging the FCC's application of broadcast indecency rules to "fleeting expletives" in live awards shows and brief nudity in the program "NYPD Blue." On June 21, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court held that FCC decisions targeting “fleeting” broadcasts of allegedly indecent material were unconstitutional under the Due Process Clause. (U.S .2012)
Funspire Interactive v. mywaves, Inc.
Successfully defended mobile content provider in breach of contract action involving advertising on mobile devices. (2012)
In re Clergy Cases
Represented the Los Angeles Times and Associated Press in their intervention into a long-running dispute regarding the release of documents reflecting the alleged abuse of children, and conduct by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in connection with that alleged abuse. Obtained the release of unredacted documents, which included the names of all members of the Church Hierarchy charged with supervising accused priests. (Cal. Super. Ct. 2012)
Liere v. Paini
Defended Suffolk County homeowners in libel action arising from a letter the homeowners had written to public officials criticizing the business of an adjoining farm and lax governmental oversight. Further appellate review pending. (App. Div. 2d Dept. 2012)
Long Beach Police Officers' Association v. City of Long Beach
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)
Patock v. Fox et al
Obtained dismissal of defamation claims against NBC, CNN, Gannett (Arizona Republic), and Journal Communications (KGUN) relating to news reports of plaintiff's arrest and alleged threats to shoot the president. (E.D. Va. 2012)
Peppe v. Random House
Defended Random House in right of publicity suit arising from publication of former CIA agent's photographs in national bestseller, "First In: An Insider's Account of How the CIA Spearheaded the War on Terror in Afghanistan." CL 10003938 (Alexandria (Va.) Cir. Ct. 2012)
Perry v. Schwarzenegger
Represented national media coalition to seek the public release of the videotape of the trial in this federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage. (2012)
Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System v. Superior Court
Represented a coalition of California media organizations in filing an amicus curiae brief concerning public access to pension records under the Public Records Act. California Court of Appeal, Third District, granted access to pension records in published decision. (2012)
Sheridan v. Peter Vecsey et al.
Defended sportswriter and daily newspaper against a libel suit brought by another sportswriter arising from a sports column about whether Carmelo Anthony would be traded to the New York Knicks. No. 150196/2011 (N.Y. Cnty. (N.Y.) Sup. Ct. 2012)
Tiwari v. NBCUniversal Media, Inc.
Represented NBCUniversal to obtain dismissal of libel and IIED claims and to resolve a federal civil rights lawsuit arising from an episode of "Dateline NBC: To Catch A Predator." (2012)
United States v. Alvarez
Submitted amicus brief on behalf of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and twenty-three media organizations urging Supreme Court to hold that the Stolen Valor Act violates the First Amendment and that the government should not be empowered to be the arbiter of truth.
Read the amicus brief. The Supreme Court cited the amicus brief and held that the Stolen Valor Act was unconstitutional. (U.S. 2012)
Young v. CBS Broadcasting
Represented CBS in a libel lawsuit (involving more than a dozen allegedly libelous sentences) based on an investigative news broadcast that reported on problems arising in legal proceedings to conserve the elderly and infirm in California. The California Court of Appeal held that plaintiff (a private conservator) was a public figure for purposes of the alleged libel and failed to establish actual malice, and ordered her claims stricken. 212 Cal. App. 4th 551 (2012)
ACLU v. Office of Director of National Intelligence, et. al.
Secured for national civil liberties organization a federal court order in 2011 requiring more detailed explanation from agencies that withheld records under the Freedom of Information Act relating to intelligence community's use of sweeping electronic surveillance powers under the 2008 FISA Amendments Act. (S.D.N.Y. 2011)
Apilado v. NAGAAA
Successfully established First Amendment affirmative defense for the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance against claim that Washington state's public accommodations laws were violated by enforcing a rule limiting the number of heterosexuals who can play on a team. 792 F. Supp.2d 1151 (W.D. Wash. 2011)
Breach of contract dispute for book author
In arbitration, successfully obtained dismissal of breach of contract claim arising from statement made in the defendant’s book. Arbitrator found that anti-SLAPP statute applied and dismissed the complaint because it failed to state a claim upon which relief could be granted. (2011)
Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association
Submitted amicus brief for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) urging the U.S. Supreme Court to find that California law restricting sale or rental of "violent" video games to minors violates the First Amendment. Citing the CBLDF amicus brief, the Supreme Court held 7-2 that the law is unconstitutional.
Read the amicus brief. (U.S. 2011)
Castello v. City of Seattle
Obtained dismissal of defamation and related claims and award of attorneys' fees and costs under Washington's recently enacted anti-SLAPP statute, where claims arose from statements a public employee allegedly made to her superiors, a co-worker, and a local television station. 2011 WL 219671, 39 Media L. Rep. 1601 (W.D.Wash. 2011)
Epstein v. Edwards
Successfully moved to quash non-party state subpoena to newspaper for interview of defendant in civil suit for sexual abuse. (2011)
In re Application of Associated Newspapers Ltd. to Issue Subpoena for the Taking of a Deposition and the Production of Documents for Use in a Foreign Proceeding
Secured court order granting foreign newspaper’s application pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1782 to obtain evidence for use in a foreign libel proceeding. No. 11-mc-00353 (S.D.N.Y. 2011)
In re Erwin Arnada
Represented 17 publications and media freedom groups in submitting amicus curiae brief to Supreme Court of Indonesia urging reversal of criminal indecency conviction of Erwin Arnada, the former editor-in-chief of Playboy Indonesia magazine. (2011)
People v. Naso
On behalf of multiple news organizations, obtained order unsealing probable cause statements filed in support of warrantless arrest of suspected serial killer. (2011)
People v. Ramos
Successfully quashed pre-trial and trial subpoenas seeking to compel testimony from San Francisco Chronicle protected by the reporter’s shield law in a triple murder trial. (2011)
Psihoyos v. Luminant Media, Inc. & Bloomberg LP
Represented media companies in defense of copyright infringement lawsuit resulting in favorable settlement. (2011)
Reudy v. CBS Corporation, et al.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed dismissal in favor of CBS Corporation of a complaint containing antitrust and business tort allegations involving outdoor advertising. (9th Cir. 2009) Fees awarded. (2011)
Snyder v. Phelps
Submitted amicus brief on behalf of twenty-two media organizations urging the U.S. Supreme Court to decide that intrusion and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims cannot be based solely on the publication of offensive opinions about matters of public concern. The Court agreed, ruling 8-1 that the speech at issue is protected by the First Amendment.
Read the amicus brief. 562 U.S. 9 (2011)
Sorrell v. IMS Health Inc.
Submitted amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of First Amendment rights of marketers and advertisers against Vermont statute requiring "opt-in" for any use of prescriber-identifiable data regarding prescription drug information. The Court held 6-3 that the state cannot restrict commercial speech for being too persuasive.
Read the amicus brief. (U.S. 2011)
Suulutaaq et. al. v. Center for Investigative Reporting et al.
Successfully defended award-winning investigative reporting center, its veteran reporter, and the San Francisco Chronicle in libel action brought by an Alaska Native Corporation challenging news article that raised questions about its receipt of millions in federal stimulus money for a construction project in Napa Valley. The bulk of Suulutaaq's implication claims were dismissed by the Court as a matter of law, after which Suulutaaq voluntarily dismissed the action with prejudice. 782 F. Supp. 2d 795, 2010 (D. Alaska 2011)
The Press Democrat v. Sonoma County Employees’ Retirement Association
Prosecuted California Public Records lawsuit to secure public access to the names and pensions paid to Sonoma County government retirees kept secret for decades by Sonoma County. 198 Cal. App. 4th 986 (2011)
TV station and news website representation for Meredith Corp. (KPTV)
Representation of television station and news website including pre-broadcast review and defense of defamation and privacy claims. (2011)
United States v. Barry Lamar Bonds
On behalf of multiple news organizations, obtained order unsealing completed juror questionnaires and providing access to juror names in former pro athlete's perjury trial. In a matter of first impression in the 9th Circuit, the United States District Court, Northern District of California recognized that the rights of access to juror questionnaires and juror names were grounded in the First Amendment. (2011)
Wetzel v. San Bernardino Sun
Obtained order dismissing libel complaint brought by former candidate for city council against daily paper concerning article discussing her qualifications for office. (2011)
Amazon.com v. Kenneth Lay, Secretary, North Carolina's Department of Revenue
Obtained declaratory judgment that North Carolina's request for information about customers' choices of expressive material violates the First Amendment and the Video Privacy Protection Act. 758 F. Supp. 2d 1154 (W. D. Wash. 2010)
Aronson v. Dog Eat Dog Films, Inc.
Successfully represented a film production company in motion to dismiss invasion of privacy and misappropriation claims relating to the documentary film 'Sicko.' This is the first substantive decision to apply Washington's new anti-SLAPP statute, which provides important procedural safeguards for media entities and others against unwarranted and meritless suits that stem from the exercise of defendants' First Amendment rights. 3738 F.Supp.2d 1104 ( W.D. Wash. 2010)
Bain v. Carroll
Successful representation of Scottish reporter in libel suit in the Supreme Court, New York County based on publication in Scotland. (2010)
Barnes v. OCC and Discovery Communications
Defended Discovery, Orange County Choppers and licensees in copyright suit relating to licensing of motorcycle artwork on motorcycles from the TLC program "American Choppers." (S.D.N.Y. 2010)
Brodsky v. Match.com
Defended Match.com in putative nationwide class action alleging RICO, consumer fraud, fraud, and contract violations stemming from alleged failure to disclose limitations on communications between subscribers and members. The court granted Match.com's motion to dismiss, which caused plaintiffs to voluntarily dismiss the remaining claims. 2010 WL 3895513 (N.D. Tex. 2010)
Brooks v. San Francisco Chronicle
As local counsel, using the anti-SLAPP statute, obtained the dismissal of a libel lawsuit filed by an elected Oakland City Councilwoman. The action challenged one sentence in a column that recounted law enforcement investigations of the plaintiff. The trial and court of appeal unanimously upheld the challenged statement as absolutely privileged as a 'fair and true' report of an official proceeding. (2010)
Cardillo v. BBC Worldwide Americas, et al.
Defended the BBC and BBC Worldwide America in a copyright infringement and theft of ideas action brought by an individual alleging that the TV series "The Great American Road Trip" infringed his format for a reality television program allegedly submitted to the Travel Channel and retransmitted to the BBC. Motion to dismiss granted. 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 103153 (E.D.N.Y. 2010)
Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. v. The City of New York
Major First Amendment challenge to New York City's prohibition against outdoor advertising along its arterial highways in commercial and manufacturing districts. (2d Cir. 2010)
Curious Theatre Co. v. Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
Represented Theatre Communications Group, which includes 476 theaters, as amicus in support of First Amendment challenge to Colorado law outlawing theatrical smoking. (09-1118)
Read the amicus brief. 220 P.3d 544 (Colo. 2009) Cert. pet. (U.S. 2010)
Diaz v. NBC Universal, Inc.
Defended Universal Pictures in obtaining dismissal of libel class action based on the film 'American Gangster,' obtained dismissal of all claims, which was affirmed by the 2d Circuit Court of Appeals. (S.D.N.Y. 2009, 2d Cir 2010)
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Fox v. Nature America
Defended Nature Biotechnology magazine in libel suit brought by author based on opinion piece that provided a critical review of plaintiff's book. Case was settled. (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2010)
In re Grand Jury
Quashed grand jury subpoena to newspaper for IP addresses of anonymous bloggers. (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2010)
In re Kyle S
Obtained order unsealing on behalf of media search warrants and supporting affidavits and in lifting gag order in high-profile teen torture case. (2010)
In re Rule 45 subpoena issued to Cablevision Systems Corp.
Successfully moved to quash subpoena seeking private information of individual posting anonymously on Internet message boards regarding public company, on First Amendment grounds. (2010)
In re Search Warrant to Gizmodo.com
Aided
Gizmodo.com (one of the Gawker Media websites) in dealing with reporter's shield issues immediately following the execution of a search warrant by the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office on the home of a Gizmodo writer covering a story about a prototype Apple iPhone left in a Redwood City, Calif., bar. (2010)
Jimenez v. City of Chicago
Successfully quashed subpoena, on First Amendment grounds, directed to former student journalist for newsgathering material. 733 F. Supp. 2d 1268 (W.D. Wash. 2010)
Love v. Associated Newspapers, Ltd., et al.
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)
Mete v. Showtime Networks
Successfully defended Showtime Networks against idea-submission lawsuit filed by woman who pitched idea for online reality program. Court sustained Showtime's demurrer to complaint without leave to amend, and entered judgment in favor of Showtime. Plaintiff dismissed her appeal voluntarily. (Cal. Super. Ct., Cal Ct. App. 2010)
National Business Aviation Ass’n v. FAA
Defeated a reverse FOIA claim seeking to prevent the FAA from releasing information about private plane owners who have blocked public release of flight plans. 686 F. Supp. 2d 80 (D.D.C. 2010)
NBAA v. FAA
Represented intervening defendant Pro Publica, Inc. in reverse-FOIA action relating to release, at ProPublica’s request, of FAA's Block List. (D.D.C. 2010)
Newspaper representation
Defended newspaper client against claims for defamation, false light, breach of contract, fraud, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Obtained settlement of less than one percent of the prayer for relief. (2010)
Parmelee v. O'Neel
Represented amici in Washington Supreme Court in case involving First Amendment and attorneys' fees. 168 Wash.2d 515 (2010)
People v. Melissa Huckaby
Obtained order on behalf of media unsealing grand jury transcripts over objection of surviving family members of minor child allegedly killed by former Sunday school teacher. (2010)
People v. Salcido
Obtained order on behalf of ABC’s "20/20" unsealing death scene photographs in completed high-profile murder case over objection of DA seeking to protect surviving family members’ privacy interests. (2010)
People v. Yusef Bey, Antoine Mackey
Obtained orders on behalf of the Chauncey Bailey Project lifting court imposed gag order and unsealing grand jury transcripts and search warrants. (2010)
Rivera v. First Data Bank
As local counsel, using the anti-SLAPP statute, obtained the dismissal of wrongful death claims brought against First Databank, a medical publisher, on the grounds that First Databank's drug monograph was protected by the First Amendment. 187 Cal. App. 4th 709 (2010)
Rooke v. MTV Networks
Successfully defended MTV Networks in an invasion of privacy, trespass, and negligence lawsuit arising from the production and broadcast of the popular reality television series "The Hills." MTV moved to strike the plaintiff-homeowner's claims under California's anti-SLAPP statute. After the court dismissed the privacy and trespass claims the homeowner voluntarily dismissed all of his claims against MTV to avoid liability for MTV's attorneys' fees. (Cal. Super. Ct. 2010)
Rosenblatt v. Jewish Federation of Rockland County, et al.
Defended journalist, newspaper, and federation which published newspaper in libel action brought by man depicted anonymously in article on domestic abuse in an Orthodox Jewish community, who claimed that he was identifiable based on certain details in article. Obtained dismissal based on plaintiff's failure to carry out discovery obligations. (2010)
Salehoo Group Ltd. v. ABC Co.
Successfully moved to quash subpoena directed at anonymous owner and operator of website critical of plaintiff. The court found the plaintiff had not overcome the defendant's First Amendment right to speak anonymously because it had not stated a prima facie claim for defamation or Lanham Act violations. 722 F. Supp. 2d 1210 (W.D. Wash. 2010)
Salinger v. Colting
Represented J.D. Salinger in a copyright infringement action against the author, publisher and distributor of a self-proclaimed sequel to "The Catcher in the Rye." Motion for preliminary injunction was granted and appealed to the 2nd Circuit where the matter was vacated and remanded. Permanent injunction entered; case settled. 641 F. Supp. 2d 250 (S.D.N.Y., 2d Cir. 2010)
Smith v. The Regents of Univ. of California
Represented The Regents, through summary judgment, in a class action that included CMIA and constitutional invasion of privacy claims arising from UCSF’s automated sharing of patient information with a third-party vendor. The constitutional privacy claim was dismissed on summary judgment and the CMIA claim was favorably resolved in a settlement approved by the trial court. 2010 WL 5148256 (2010)
Stewart v. Rolling Stone Magazine
Represented Rolling Stone Magazine to successfully dismiss right of publicity claims brought by a putative class of musicians that arose out of a gatefold editorial feature published adjacent to a cigarette advertisement. In this issue of first impression, the Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed plaintiffs' claims finding that the gatefold was protected under the First Amendment. 181 Cal. App. 4th 664 (2010)
Young v. Suffolk County, et al.
Defended print, online, and broadcast media against federal civil rights claims and state law claims for defamation and emotional distress arising out of media coverage of uninhabitable living conditions of plaintiff and her children. (E.D.N.Y. 2010)
Young v. Suffolk County, et. al.
Obtained dismissal of constitutional tort claim alleging a ride-along with law enforcement into plaintiff's home. 705 F. Supp. 2d 183 (E.D.N.Y. 2010)
Adams County Historical Society v. Kinyoun
Prepared briefing to help secure unanimous decision from the Nebraska Supreme Court making historic burial records from the state's largest mental health cemetery publicly available. Over objections by the Nebraska Attorney General and reversing more than a century of secrecy, the Nebraska Supreme Court, interpreting state and federal privacy law, held that the names of some 1,400 former patients buried between 1890 and 1959 at the Hastings Regional Center are public under the state's Public Records Act. (2009)
Berger v. City of Seattle
Counsel for appellant in successful First Amendment challenge to restrictions on use of the public forum in the Seattle Center, a multipurpose cultural and entertainment venue. (9th Cir. 2009) (en banc)
Christoff v. Nestle USA, Inc.
Represented media coalition (Los Angeles Times Communications LLC, The Hearst Corporation, Viacom, Inc., The Associated Press, The California Newspaper Publishers Association, The California First Amendment Coalition, The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies) in amicus brief submitted to California Supreme Court. Court unanimously held that the single publication rule applies to misappropriation claims in California. 47 Cal. 4th 468 (2009)
Crowder & Freitas v. NBC Universal Inc, et al.
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)
Friendly Family Productions v. Little House on the Prairie, Inc.
Represented Friendly Family Productions, the owner of the trademark and merchandising rights in the famed book and television series each titled "Little House On The Prairie," against a corporation operating a small museum and gift shop on what is alleged to be the historic site of a venue described in the book and television series, which had launched a website from which it was selling branded merchandise. The case was settled on the eve of trial. (C.D. Cal. 2009)
Gangland/A&E Lawsuit
Obtained voluntary dismissal of invasion of privacy and libel lawsuit arising from the use of still photographs in an episode of The History Channel's "Gangland" television program. (2009)
Gorzelany v. Simon & Schuster, Inc., et al.
Obtained pre-discovery dismissal of libel, privacy and related claims arising out of book "Hot Chicks with Douchebags." (N.J. Super. Ct. 2009)
Ibarra v. Houston Chronicle
Obtained summary dismissal of libel litigation challenging the comments of sports blogger writing about MMA controversy. (2009)
J.K. Idema v. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, et al.
Defended the Australian Broadcasting Corporation against claims of defamation and copyright infringement allegedly arising from a television program about plaintiff's credentials as a media expert on counter-terrorism in Afghanistan and related Web postings. Motion to dismiss granted; appeal to 2nd Circuit dismissed. 91 U.S.P.Q.2d 1281 (S.D.N.Y. 2009)
Liao v. CNN
Twice, obtained dismissal of federal civil rights lawsuit challenging editorial content on
CNN.com. (2009)
Mark v. Nextweb
Obtained voluntary dismissal of class action lawsuit asserting unfair competition claims against mobile advertising companies. (2009)
Newspaper representation
Defended newspaper client against claims for defamation and intentional interference with economic relations and obtained dismissal via an anti-SLAPP motion, including an award of attorney fees. (2009)
Stern v. Rita Cosby, Hachette Book Group USA
Represented Rita Cosby in libel action brought by Howard K. Stern, former partner of Anna Nicole Smith, arising out of Cosby's book "Blonde Ambition." (S.D.N.Y. 2009)
Surf City Enterprises v. The Daily Orange, et al.
First Amendment defense for a student publication against allegations of defamation. Case settled. (Sup. Ct. Onondaga Cty. 2009)
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United States v. Stevens
Co-counsel for respondent in case challenging the constitutionality of a federal law prohibiting depictions of "animal cruelty." The Court ruled 8-1 that the law violates the First Amendment. (U.S. 2009)
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Bank Julius Baer v. Wikileaks.org
Represented national media coalition to successfully oppose and vacate a prior restraint order issued by a federal court in San Francisco against Wikileaks.org after confidential Swiss banking records were posted to this whistleblower website. 535 F. Supp. 2d 980 (N.D. Cal. 2008)
Barnes v. Creative Marketing Resources; Magro v. Getty Images
Defended Getty Images and indemnities of Getty Images in lawsuits involving invasion of privacy, misappropriation of likeness and unjust enrichment. One case dismissed with prejudice at pleading stage. Other case resolved before discovery at extremely favorable terms. (L.A. Cnty. (Cal.) Super. Ct. 2008)
CACI International v. Randi Rhodes and Piquant, LLC (Air America Radio)
Secured summary judgment dismissing libel suit which alleged that, on her radio program, Rhodes falsely stated that CACI interrogators were responsible for rape, murder and torture at Abu Ghraib prison. Affirming summary judgment, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals held that statements were either not made with actual malice, based on findings of military investigations and news accounts, or were nonactionable hyperbole. 536 F.3d 280 (E.D. Va. 2008)
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ConnectU, Inc. v. Facebook, Inc.
Facebook sought to impel the magazine 02138 to remove sealed documents about its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, from the magazine’s website. Successful defense by attorneys from Davis Wright Tremaine led a federal judge to reject the company’s request for a court order to take down the material. No. 07-10593, 2008 WL 2330992 (D. Mass. 2008)
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Doe v. TS
Successfully defended newspaper against subpoena under Oregon's media shield law. (2008)
Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley, et al. v. Roommates.com, LLC
Submitted amicus brief on behalf of 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)
In re Petition of Bay Area News Group
Successfully petitioned to adjudicate Argus newspaper as one of general circulation qualified to carry legal ads in city, county and state in which paper is published. (2008)
Interphase Garment v. Fox Television Stations
Obtained dismissal of claims for defamation, interference with contract, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy arising from local Fox affiliate's coverage of plaintiff's failure to deliver school uniforms on time. Established Maryland precedent regarding statute of limitations as applied to mass media. 566 F. Supp. 2d 460 (D. Md. 2008)
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights v. U.S. Treasury
Successfully prosecuted Freedom of Information Act lawsuit to compel the public disclosure of documents reflecting individuals mistakenly identified on the federal government's public terrorist watch list. 534 F. Supp. 2d 1126 (N.D. Cal. 2008)
Long v. Internal Revenue Service
Successfully moved to require the IRS to continue producing records under the Freedom of Information Act and recovered award of attorneys' fees on two occasions. 2008 WL 4083172 (W.D. Wash. 2008)
Lopes v. Bay Area News Group, Argus
Obtained order striking libel complaint under anti-SLAPP and awarding attorneys' fees in libel case stemming from paper's reporting of candidate's background and qualifications for office. (2008)
Mattel v. MCA
Successfully defended "BusinessWeek" reporter who was subpoenaed to testify by Mattel in multibillion-dollar civil lawsuit arising from ownership of Bratz dolls. Relying on First Amendment reporter's privilege, the court denied Mattel’s motions to compel and motions for reconsideration before the discovery master, and Mattel's motions asking the district court judge to reverse the master's orders. (C.D. Cal. 2008)
McRae v. Oakland Tribune
Obtained order striking invasion of privacy complaint and awarded attorney's fees in case involving a paper's reporting of judicial proceedings involving plaintiff, under California's Anti-SLAPP statute. (Cal. App. 2008)
Miller v. Holtzbrinck Publishers
Successfully defended publisher and co-author of novel against claims of fraudulent inducement, conversion and tortious interference by plaintiff who alleged that novel plagiarized plaintiff's manuscript. Case was dismissed. 2010 WL 1932322 (S.D.N.Y. 2008)
NAD Case: Chase Bank USA, N.A. v. DFS Services LLC
Successfully represented challenger, Chase Bank USA, with respect to comparative advertising claims for the Discover card cash-back program. (N.A.D. 2008)
Parmelee v. O'Neel
Represented ACLU as amicus curiae in successful argument that state criminal libel statute is unconstitutional. 186 P.3d 1094, 145 Wash. App. 223 (2008)
People v. Lopez et al.
Represented daily newspaper in motion to unseal 1,700 plus page grand jury transcript following indictment of five defendants for murder in case involving gang charges and over objection of defendant. (Cal. Super. Ct. 2008)
Sugarman v. Apostolina, Simon & Schuster
Obtained summary judgment dismissing libel in fiction and right of publicity claims arising out of book "Hazing Meri Sugarman." 101750/06 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2008)
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Tucson v. Clear Channel Outdoor
First Amendment challenge under 'Central Hudson' to the validity of municipal regulations in the light of the municipalities' decision to offer advertising in a variety of government-owned and controlled property. This case was settled. (Pima Cnty. (Ariz.) Sup. Ct. 2008)
Ward v. National Geographic
Represented newspaper and magazine publishers as amici curiae in defense of rights to publish digital archives of periodicals. 284 Fed. Appx. 822 (2d Cir. 2008)
Association of American University Presses, et al. v. Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury
Represented a coalition of publishers' and authors' organizations challenging the application of U.S. trade embargoes to the publication of books and articles by authors in Cuba, Iran and Sudan. Regulations thoroughly revised as a result. (S.D.N.Y. 2007)
Barrino v. Simon & Schuster
Represented Simon & Schuster in libel action brought by Joseph Barrino, father of Fantasia Barrino, arising out of Ms. Barrino's book 'Life is Not a Fairy Tale.' (S.D.N.Y. 2007)
Berman v. CIA
Represented Vietnam war historian in Freedom of Information Act litigation, defeating CIA's claim that presidential intelligence daily briefs are categorically exempt from FOIA's disclosure mandates. 501 F.3d 1136 (9th Cir. 2007)
Bonds v. Sports Illustrated
Defended Sports Illustrated magazine in injunctive relief lawsuit filed by Barry Bonds to challenge publication of confidential federal grand jury testimony appearing in article about steroid use in Major League Baseball. Action voluntarily dismissed by Bonds after request for injunction was denied. (2007)
Browne v. Avvo, Inc.
Defended attorney evaluation website. Court granted motion to dismiss on First Amendment opinion grounds, also holding that distribution of information is not 'commerce' under state consumer protection laws. 525 F. Supp. 2d 1249 (W.D. Wash. 2007)
California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training v. the Superior Court of Sacramento County
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)
Clapp v. Olympic View Publishing Co.
Represented defendant in favorable application of public reports privilege by Division II in defamation lawsuit, affirming dismissal of case on the pleadings. 137 Wn. App. 470, 154 P.3d 230 (Wash. App. 2007)
Clark v. Cable News Network and Larry King
Defended CNN and Larry King against defamation lawsuit filed by actress Lynn Redgrave's ex-husband, based on statements about their divorce proceedings made on "Larry King Live." The 9th Circuit affirmed the district court's order dismissing the lawsuit. (C.D. Cal., 9th Cir. 2007)
Direct TV v. EchoStar Communications Grp.
Represented Echostar Satellite Corporation Grp. in declaratory judgment actions raising issue of whether use of competitor's trademark as a search term is a trademark use and/or trademark infringement. Defeated motion to dismiss; thereafter settled. (S.D.N.Y., C.D. Cal. 2007)
France v. Viacom, Inc.
Obtained dismissal/settlement in 'theft of idea' case against television network. (N.Y. Supreme Court and N.Y. Civil Court 2007-2010)
Grecco v. Gawker Media
Defended online media company in copyright infringement action arising out of the use of the plaintiff's photograph on Defamer.com, one of Gawker's blogs. (S.D.N.Y. 2007)
Hollywood v. Universal Pictures
Represented Universal Pictures in successfully opposing effort by criminal defendant to enjoin nationwide release of the film "Alpha Dog." (2007)
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In re: Natural Gas Commodities Litigation
Represented McGraw-Hill in its assertion of the reporter's privilege in response to litigation subpoenas issued by plaintiffs and defendants. (S.D.N.Y. 2007)
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, Local 21, AFL-CIO v. Alameda County Superior Court
Filed amici brief on behalf of the Coalition of University Employees in support of the public’s right of access to the salaries paid to California’s public employees in this landmark decision by the California Supreme Court. 42 Cal. 4th 319 (2007)
King County (Wash.) Superior Court sealed files for The Seattle Times Company
Successfully moved to open dozens of sealed court files on behalf of The Seattle Times in connection with its Pulitzer Prize-finalist investigative series, 'Your Courts, Their Secrets.' (King Cnty. (Wash.) Super. Ct. 2007)
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Mikhail Anikin v. Random House and Dan Brown
Defended copyright infringement case against Dan Brown and Random House in which a curator at the Hermitage and the author of a Russian work on Da Vinci claimed Brown copied his phrase 'Da Vinci Code' and his analysis of the Mona Lisa. 3:07-cv-00697 (D. Tenn. and Russian court 2007)
Paterson v. Little, Brown & Co.
Secured summary judgment dismissing defamation and false light claims brought by 'father of DOS' computer operating system against book publisher, author and researcher on grounds that statements in suit were protected opinion or were not published with actual malice. 502 F. Supp. 2d 1124 (W.D. Wash. 2007)
Powers v. City of Seattle
Successfully represented The Seattle Times Company in an opposing motion to join media entities as indispensable parties in a defamation lawsuit filed by terminated city employee against City of Seattle. Judge ruled that our client would not be added as a defendant. 242 F.R.D. 566 (W.D. Wash. 2007)
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Spears v. Us Weekly
Successfully defended "Us Weekly" against libel claim by Britney Spears. The court granted the magazine's anti-SLAPP motion, dismissed the lawsuit, and awarded the magazine its attorneys' fees. (Cal. Sup. Ct. 2007)
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Steinbuch v. Cutler
Obtained dismissal of privacy and related claims against Ana Marie Cox, former author of the blog 'Wonkette,' based on excerpting, linking to and commenting on another blogger's first-hand accounts of her relationship with plaintiff. 1:05CV00970 (D.D.C. 2007)
Taus v. Loftus
Obtained dismissal of claims (in the Court of Appeal and California Supreme Court) in complex defamation and invasion of privacy lawsuit against prominent psychologists and national magazine arising from the scientific debate over 'repressed memories' of alleged sexual abuse. 40 Cal. 4th 683 (2007)
The Humane Society of the United States v. Amazon.com, et al.
Defended Amazon.com in a lawsuit brought by the Humane Society of the United States regarding sale of subscriptions to gamecock magazines. 2007 WL 1297170 (D.D.C. 2007)
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) v. Bradley
Represented McGraw-Hill in its assertion of the reporter's privilege in response to litigation subpoenas issued by CFTC and by defendants. USCFTC v. McGraw-Hill (D.D.C. 2006)
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) v. McGraw-Hill
Represented McGraw-Hill in its assertion of the reporter's privilege in response to investigatory subpoena by CFTC. (2007)
Ward v. Gene Simmons and VH1
Represented VH1 and Gene Simmons in a libel action concerning a documentary regarding KISS. (2007)
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Wong v. Simon & Schuster
Defeated injunction against book publisher Simon & Schuster in copyright infringement action. No. 07-cv-132 (E.D. Va. 2007)
Zelnik v. Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) et al.
Successful appeal sustaining a summary judgment dismissing a First Amendment retaliation claim that plaintiff was not afforded professor emeritus status in retaliation for speech related to a matter of public concern after the District Court determined that plaintiff failed to demonstrate any material adverse change in the terms and conditions of his employment as a consequence of his speech. 464 F. 3d 271 (2d Cir. 2007)
Chilton v. Center for Biological Diversity*
As independent appellate counsel, successfully defended favorable judgment on appeal for client regarding Noerr-Pennington and First Amendment challenges to defamation and related claims. 2 CA-CV-2005-0115 (Ariz. App. Div. 2 2006)
Drake v. Leno
Obtained summary dismissal of libel action against television network arising from comedy routine on 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.' (2006)
Flowers v. Carville, et al.
Represented commentator and former Clinton staffer George Stephanopoulos in combating defamation claim brought by Gennifer Flowers. Successfully convinced 9th Circuit that Stephanopoulos' comments in his book and during interviews were opinion or made without malice, based on accurate accounts of the 1992 presidential campaign. 161 F. App’x 697 (9th Cir. 2006)
I.C. Marketing, et al. v. The Taunton Press
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of Taunton in litigation regarding magazine subscriptions and distribution. (2006)
Jones v. NBC; Suser v. NBC*
Successfully defended intentional interference and idea theft claims related to several NBC television shows. Actions resolved without any payment. (W.D.N.Y. 2006)
Kaiser Permanente v. Cooper
Obtained temporary and permanent injunction against former IT employee (self-dubbed the "Diva of Disgruntled") from disseminating online, protected health information for over 100 Kaiser members. (2006)
Knight v. Getty Images
Defended Getty Images in infringement litigation arising from its allegedly unauthorized use and licensing of a photograph of Britney Spears' ex-husband. (S.D.N.Y. 2006)
Renco Group, Inc. v. Workers World Party, Inc.
Successful defense of Workers World newspaper in defamation action brought by holding company owner of steel plants arising from two articles referring to plaintiff robbing its subsidiary's pension fund. 102875/06 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2006)
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Spafford v. EchoStar Communications Corp.
Represented defendant in a First Amendment challenge to regulations barring telephone solicitation, but the court declined our client's motion to dismiss. 448 F. Supp. 2d 1220 (W.D. Wash. 2006)
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) v. Whitney
Represented McGraw-Hill in its assertion of the reporter's privilege in response to litigation subpoena issued by CFTC and defendants. (2006)
ANG Newspapers v. Union City
Upheld right of access to outside consultant's job satisfaction survey of fire department, including interview summaries. (2005)
Carter-Clark v. Random House, Joseph Klein
Obtained dismissal of libel in fiction action arising out of Joseph Klein’s novel "Primary Colors"; affirmed on appeal. (1st Dept. N.Y. 2005)
Carver v. Bonds
Successfully defended former San Francisco 49er Roger Craig in libel lawsuit arising from statements published in newspaper's investigative article. (2005)
Glaser/Hunter Productions v. Discovery Communications, Inc.
Represented Discovery in idea-submission case brought by former actor Tab Hunter and his partner concerning programs 'TV Road Trip' and 'Movie Lover's Road Trip.' (2005)
In re Elijah S (San Mateo County Times)
Established authority of juvenile court to grant access to juvenile case files to media despite absence of juvenile dependency petition. 125 Cal. App. 4th 1532 (Cal. App. 2005)
NAD Case: Challenge brought by Verizon Communications, Inc. against Adelphia Communications Company
Successfully represented Adelphia Communications Company in defense of various comparative advertising claims as a result of promotional pricing and speed claims for its Internet access service. Main claims found substantiated. (N.A.D. 2005)
Suser v. National Broadcasting Co., et al.
Defended NBC in idea theft lawsuit related to two television shows. Successfully brought a motion to dismiss action, leading to the resolution of action without the payment of money. (C.D. Cal. 2005)
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) v. McGraw-Hill
Represented McGraw-Hill in its assertion of the reporter's privilege in response to subpoena from regulatory agency. (2005)
Bakersfield City School Dist. v. Superior Court
Successfully prosecuted California Public Records Act in trial court and court of appeal to establish legal precedent ensuring the public's right to review complaints of misconduct by public employees. 118 Cal. App. 4th 1041 (2004)
Bonome v. Kaysen
Obtained dismissal of invasion of privacy and misappropriation claims asserted against the publisher (Random House) and author (Susanna Kaysen) of the memoir, 'The Camera My Mother Gave Me.' (2004)
E. Benton v. Liberation Publications
Obtained dismissal on appeal of libel and right of publicity claims arising out of use of plaintiff's photograph on cover of novel allegedly falsely implying he was homosexual. (2004)
Harris v. City of Seattle
On behalf of local broadcaster, granted summary judgment dismissing false light, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and outrage claims by former public official. 315 F. Supp. 2d 1105 (W.D. Wash. 2004)
Mainstream Marketing Services, Inc. v. FTC
Counsel in litigation challenging the constitutionality of the national "do-not-call" telemarketing regulation. (10th Cir. 2004)
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People v. Kozlowski
Attorneys with Davis Wright Tremaine represented a media coalition led by The New York Times in securing access to court communications with the holdout juror in this high-profile corruption trial of a Tyco executive. (N.Y. Cnty. Sup. Ct. 2004)
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Verizon Directories Corp. v. Yellow Book USA, Inc.
Represented Yellow Book USA in a false advertising and product disparagement action brought by Verizon Directories Corp. concerning Yellow Book's advertisements and sales practices. Secured dismissal of product disparagement claim and successfully settled false advertising claim. 338 F. Supp. 2d 422 (approving settlement) and 309 F. Supp. 2d 401 (granting in part motion to dismiss) (E.D.N.Y. 2004)
Wham-O, Inc. v. Paramount Pictures
Successfully defended Paramount Pictures in trademark, dilution and unfair competition lawsuit based on alleged misuse of Slip 'N Slide yard toy in motion picture and associated advertising and interactive website game, establishing precedent for the unauthorized use of trademarked products in entertainment. 101 F. App'x 248 (9th Cir. 2004)
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Wiley v. Black Entertainment Television
Obtained voluntary dismissal after motion filed to dismiss emotional distress claims against BET for use of still photograph of Magic Johnson during annual cable television network's annual music awards program. (2004)
Woon Ng, Chinese Freemasons Grand Lodge of USA et al. v. Sing Tao Daily
Successful defense of newspaper Sing Tao Daily in defamation action arising out of an organizational dispute between two lodges of the Chinese Freemasons. (2004)
Los Angeles Times v. Board of Supervisors
Obtained important published decision from the Court of Appeal, reversing a trial-court order denying attorneys' fees to a successful plaintiff in a Brown Act open-meetings case. 112 Cal. App. 4th 1313 (Cal. Super. Ct., Cal. Ct. App. 2003)
Miramax Films Corporation v. Abraham
Represented Miramax in contract dispute with international film producer over remake rights and options in certain films. (S.D.N.Y. 2003)
People v. Alexander
Upheld order in favor of daily newspaper unsealing jailhouse telephone call between defendant and his mother in triple murder case. Paper awarded Northern California Society of Professional Journalists' James Madison FOIA award. (2003)
People v. Siapno
Successfully moved to quash trial subpoena of Associated Press reporter whose testimony regarding a published interview of a prosecution witness was sought by defendant in a high-profile criminal trial of three former Oakland Police officers dubbed 'the Riders.' (L.A. Cnty. (Cal.) Super. Ct. 2003)
Sacramento Valley Mirror v. County of Glenn
Obtained access under Public Records Act to court financial records maintained by county. Paper awarded CNPA's BNA FOIA award. (2003)
Sea Horse Ranch v. CBS Broadcasting
Obtained voluntarily dismissal after motion filed to dismiss negligence and privacy claims based on hidden camera investigation of alleged animal abuses. (2003)
Viacom Outdoor, Inc. v. Clallam County (Wash.)
Represented client in successful challenge to county sign ordinance. WL 21781131 (W.D. Wash. 2003)
Brunette v. Humane Society of Ventura County, et al.
Successfully defended invasion of privacy claim based on newspaper 'ride-along' during search warrant execution. Federal district court dismissed the claims against the Ojai Valley News, and the 9th Circuit affirmed. (2002)
Cobb v. Time, Inc.
Successfully represented amici in federal appeal of a multimillion-dollar verdict in actual malice defamation case. The opinion reversed the verdict and ordered judgment for the defendant. 278 F.3d 629 (6th Cir. 2002)
Daly v. Viacom
Obtained dismissal of libel and invasion of privacy claims based on VH1's 'Bands on the Run' reality-television program. 238 F. Supp. 2d 1118 (N.D. Cal. 2002)
In re Evans
Secured the protection of the reporter's privilege for an investigative journalist who became part of the story, running for the board of a company he was covering and testifying at regulatory hearings. (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2002)
Jane Doe v. Merck & Co.
Successfully vacated a $2 million punitive judgment against pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck & Co. and its advertising agency, in a libel and right of publicity action based on use of a model's photograph in promotional brochure for an anti-AIDS drug. (N.Y. Super. Ct. 2002)
Motion Picture Association of America v. FCC
Represented the Motion Picture Association of America, the National Association of Broadcasters, and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association in successful challenge to FCC rules imposing mandates for video description of television programming. (D.C. Cir. 2002)
Seelig v. Infinity Broadcasting
Obtained dismissal of libel claim brought by contestant on 'Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?' reality-television program against live morning radio program, establishing appellate precedent for the broad application of California's anti-SLAPP statute. 97 Cal. App. 4th 798 (2002)
Byrne v. BBC*
Defended the BBC against copyright infringement, defamation, and Lanham Act moral rights claims arising from BBC documentary regarding gun running in Florida for the IRA. Song used by New York Irish radio station as theme song plays in documentary without synch license. Defamation claim dismissed; thereafter settled. (2d Cir. 2001)
Kossatz v. Village Voice Media, Inc.
Defended Village Voice newspaper in right of publicity suit brought by former Sports Illustrated model for use of her photograph in escort service advertisement. (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2001)
Lacoff v. Buena Vista Publishing
Secured First Amendment protection for statements on the covers of the 'Beardstown Ladies' books in a class action alleging consumer fraud for erroneously reporting the ladies' stock-market returns. (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2001)
Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences v. City of New York
Represented leading art museums and other cultural institutions across the country as
amici curiae in the First Amendment litigation over the City of New York’s unsuccessful efforts to punish the Brooklyn Museum of Art for a controversial exhibition. (2d Cir. 2000)
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EMI Music v. Spalding, Inc., et al.*
Represented Hill Holliday, Connors Cosmopulos and Spalding in an action for unfair competition instituted by EMI Music Publishing in connection with a television commercial for Spalding golf clubs that used music that allegedly sounded like a musical composition for which EMI owned the copyright. The 2nd Circuit reversed the grant of summary judgment to defendants, but held that in a case of first impression, a song could not function as a trademark. (2d Cir. 2000)
Prima v. Darden Restaurants, Inc.*
Represented Grey Advertising and Darden Restaurants in defense of an action for violation of the right of publicity of the deceased performer Louis Prima and false advertising by reason of use of an alleged Prima sound-alike in a commercial for the Olive Garden Restaurants. (D.N.J. 2000)
Spelling v. Gear
Defended a magazine against a major television producer's claims for libel and violation of the Lanham Act. (C.D. Cal. 2000)
Blockbuster Entertainment v. The City of Tempe, AZ*
Successful constitutional challenge to zoning ordinances on grounds that they were pre-empted by a section of the Lanham Act prohibiting state statutes or regulations that cause the alteration of trademarks used in interstate commerce. Affirmed on appeal. WL 172777 (9th Cir. 1999)
Mainstream Loudoun v. Board of Trustees of the Loudoun County Public Library
Counsel for plaintiff in first case to hold that mandatory content filtering of public library Internet terminals violates the First Amendment. (E.D. Va. 1998)
New York Magazine, a division of PRIMEDIA Inc. v. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority*
Represented New York Magazine in an action against the Metropolitan Transit Authority for civil rights violations because of the MTA's decision to remove a series of advertisements from the outside of New York City buses on the complaint of then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani that they violated his right of publicity. Judgment for plaintiff, affirmed on appeal. (2d Cir. 1998)
State of Oklahoma v. Blockbuster Videos, Inc.
Represented Blockbuster Videos in securing dismissal of civil proceeding brought by Oklahoma County District Attorney for declaratory judgment that the Academy Award-winning movie 'The Tin Drum' constituted child pornography. (W.D. Okla. 1998)
Chaiken v. Village Voice
Affirmed dismissal of private figure implication libel action finding that claims can only proceed if plaintiff establishes that defendants were aware of and endorsed the challenged implication. This was the first federal case to address the gross irresponsibility standard in a case involving an allegation of defamation by implication. (2d Cir. 1997)
Ko v. Zilog
Successful representation of the Boise Weekly in a civil action to quash subpoena to reporter seeking the identity of a confidential source. (D. Idaho 1997)
Parfums De Coeur, Ltd. v. Fragrance Impressions*
Represented Parfums de Coeur in an action for false advertising based on competitor's comparative advertisements for alternative designer fragrances and defended antitrust counter-claim. (S.D.N.Y. 1997)
Lipton v. The Nature Company*
False advertising and copyright infringement based on taking Lipton's compilation of animal terms of venery for use on merchandise. Summary judgment for plaintiff; affirmed in relevant part on appeal. (2d Cir. 1995)
Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.
In a case that set standards for copyright fair use in cases of parody, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the commercial nature of a parody does not render it presumptively beyond the bounds of fair use. Filed amicus curiae brief on behalf of HBO and other media companies. 510 U.S. 569, 114 S. Ct. 1164 (U.S. 1994)
Holliday v. Cable News Network (CNN)
Defended CNN against copyright infringement and breach of contract lawsuit brought by the videographer of the infamous home video depicting Rodney King's beating by Los Angeles police; obtained summary judgment dismissing claim. (1994)
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Nadel v. Regents of the University of California*
Successfully defended libel action based on press release about plaintiffs’ actions in People’s Park in Berkeley. Court of Appeal recognized that government employees enjoy First Amendment protected free speech rights. 28 Cal. App. 4th 1251 (1994)
Sparks v. San Francisco Bay Guardian*
Successfully defended Bay Guardian in libel and invasion of action arising from April Fool’s Day parody edition of the newspaper. 17 Cal. App. 4th 655 (1993)
Williams v. Superior Court*
Represented Freedom Communications in Public Records Act lawsuit seeking access to disciplinary records of law enforcement officers involved in the botched execution of a search warrant. 5 Cal. 4th 337 (1993)
Finger v. Omni Publications International Ltd.
Successfully defended magazine for stock use of photo of family to illustrate story on in vitro fertilization. New York's highest court affirmed dismissal of commercial misappropriation claim, establishing editorial deference to choice of how to illustrate newsworthy material. 77 N.Y.2d 138, 564 N.Y.S.2d 1014 (1990)
In re Cable News Network, Inc.
Represented CNN in prior restraint action brought by Manuel Noriega to prevent broadcast of tapes of phone conversations between Noriega and his defense counsel. Case involved conflict between First Amendment prohibition against prior restraints on media and Sixth Amendment right to fair trial. 917 F.2d 1543; cert. denied, 498 U.S. 976 (11th Cir. 1990)
Lesher Communications v. Superior Court*
Obtained precedent-setting appellate ruling ensuring the public’s right of access to jury questionnaires used in criminal cases in California’s courts. 224 Cal. App. 3d 774 (1990)
Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc. v. Connaughton
In a defamation case brought by a judicial candidate against a newspaper, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that actual malice was the threshold standard for a finding of libel. Filed amicus curiae brief on behalf of the Associated Press and other media organizations. 491 U.S. 657, 109 S. Ct. 2678 (U.S. 1989)
Salinger v. Random House*
Copyright infringement action instituted by J.D. Salinger against Random House and Ian Hamilton in connection with the publication of a biography of Salinger which quoted extensively from unpublished letters he had written during World War II. (2d Cir. 1989)
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The Seattle Times Company v. Ishikawa
Represented The Seattle Times in a landmark case setting the rights of media access to court. The Supreme Court of Washington held that trial court judge erred in closing pretrial hearing and set standards describing when court may restrict access to criminal hearings or records. 97 Wn.2d 30, 640 P.2d 716 (Wash. 1982)
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Mark v. The Seattle Times Company*
Represented The Seattle Times Company in case involving coverage of Medicaid fraud charges. In a landmark case setting high standards for defamation claims and defining the scope of the reporting privilege, the Court affirmed a summary judgment in favor of the Times. 96 Wn.2d 473, 635 P.2d 1081 (Wash. 1981)
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Ashcroft v. ACLU
Submitted an amicus brief in case challenging the constitutionality of the Child Online Protection Act. The Supreme Court held that the Act violates the First Amendment. (U.S.)
Daily Journal Corporation v. Superior Court
Represented numerous media clients seeking access to grand jury transcripts of witness testimony during investigation into Orange County Bankruptcy, where District Attorney settled with criminal target before grand jury completed deliberations. (Cal.)
Entertainment transactions
Works with cable companies, webcasters, broadcasters, and other users of music on licensing issues and negotiations. Advises media companies on talent agreements and appearances, and assists facilities on transactions related to event production and corporate sponsorships.
FTC v. RJ Reynolds Tobacco*
Defended tobacco advertiser in FTC’s unfairness action arising from Joe Camel advertising campaign. Case dismissed.
Hart Scott Rodino premerger clearances
Obtained numerous Hart Scott Rodino premerger clearances from the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission for acquisitions or mergers involving cable television companies, Internet access businesses, movie rental companies, and others.
Leiber, et al. v. Grokster, Ltd.
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.)
Leigh v. Salazar*
Submitted amicus brief in support of a photographer challenging restrictions on access to public lands for newsgathering purposes. (2011)
Letter proposal to the U.S. Supreme Court on record access*
Letter and draft rule submitted by the Reporters Committee to the U.S. Supreme Court recommending the adoption of a court rule to address the sealing of court records and documents. (2011)
Liu Tai Ying v. Ying Chan
Successfully represented Chinese-American journalist in securing dismissal of criminal libel charges in landmark decision that recognized important protections for the press under Taiwan's constitution.
Love v. Kwitny
Defended publisher St. Martin's Press and author in defamation and copyright infringement suit arising from extensive use of plaintiff's unpublished manuscript in book on U.S. foreign policy. Secured summary judgment dismissing defamation claims. After trial on copyright claim, damages of less than $2,000 awarded and injunctive relief denied.
Nevada Commission on Ethics v. Carrigan*
Submitted amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to not restrict public oversight of government affairs by affording First Amendment speech protection to acts of governance. (2010)
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. U.S.
Submitted amicus briefs in D.C. Circuit and district court in support of First Amendment rights of marketers and advertisers against tobacco advertising and packaging graphic warnings labels under Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. (D.C. Cir. 2012)
Reno v. ACLU
Submitted an amicus brief for Playboy Enterprises, Inc. in case challenging the constitutionality of the Communications Decency Act. The Supreme Court held that the Act violates the First Amendment, and that the Internet receives full constitutional protection.
Read the amicus brief. (U.S.)
Shin Corp. v. Supinya Klangnarong
Led amici effort by international media lawyers that helped secure dismissal of criminal libel charges lodged against media advocate and Thai newspaper that had criticized company controlled by family of Thailand's prime minister.
United States v. Playboy Entertainment Group, Inc.
Lead counsel for Playboy Entertainment Group in a successful challenge to a provision of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that restricted Playboy Television. This case established that cable television networks are fully protected by the First Amendment. (U.S.)
Xiu Xiu v. Rolling Stone
Represented magazine in right of publicity claim.
* Denotes experience completed at a prior firm