Nicolas A. Jampol
Partner
Member, Executive Committee
Nicolas Jampol litigates and counsels on behalf of entertainment and technology clients that create, use, or distribute all forms of content, from film and television to mobile apps and digital content.
In his litigation practice, Nicolas defends his clients' business interests and creative integrity. He routinely litigates complex copyright, trademark, right of publicity, unfair competition, and breach-of-contract disputes. Representative litigation clients include Amazon, Apple, Legendary, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Yelp.
In his counseling practice, Nicolas advises clients on how to minimize risk without sacrificing their creative vision. Representative counseling clients include A24, Amazon, Apple, Disney, FX, Legendary, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Nicolas is a member of the firm's executive committee.
Practice Highlights
Complex copyright issues
Litigates a wide range of complex copyright issues, including substantial similarity, fair use, and allegations of idea theft. He also counsels his entertainment and technology clients regarding all aspects of copyright law, under U.S. law and internationally.
Protecting creative integrity
Provides advice on a wide variety of film and television projects, with a particular focus on projects based on or inspired by real people, including "Say Nothing," "The Smashing Machine," "American Sports Story," "Five Days at Memorial," "Welcome to Chippendales," "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans," and "Bad Education."
Safeguarding the public domain
Unlike in every other country, under U.S. law literary characters may be partially in the public domain and partially protected by copyright. Nicolas defends against purported rights holders who use litigation to extort their way to license fees for materials that are in the public domain.
Litigation
Counseling
Admitted to Practice
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California
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U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
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U.S. District Court, Central District of California
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U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
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U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
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U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
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U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
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U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
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U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
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U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
Education
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J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 2006, cum laude
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B.A., Business Economics, Minor in Accounting, University of California, Los Angeles, 2002, cum laude
Memberships & Affiliations
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- Executive Committee, Davis Wright Tremaine
- Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section; Litigation Section – Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Intellectual Property Law Section; Litigation Section – American Bar Association
Professional Recognition
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- Ranked by Chambers USA in Media & Entertainment: Litigation (California), 2022-2024; in Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets (California), 2022-2024
- Named as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers in Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television, 2025-present
- Named as one of "500 Leading Global Entertainment, Sports & Media Lawyers" by Lawdragon, 2025
- Named as one of the "Power Lawyers 2025: Hollywood's Top 100 Attorneys" by The Hollywood Reporter, 2025
- Selected to the "Legal Impact Report: Top Entertainment Attorneys," Variety, 2024-2025
- Recognized as one of "Hollywood's New Leaders," Variety, 2018
- Selected to "Southern California Rising Stars," Thomson Reuters, 2014-2016
- Recipient of the "Freedom of Information Award," ACLU of Southern California, 2014
Background
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- Lecturer In Law, Legal Writing & Advocacy, USC Gould School of Law, 2013-2014
- Winston & Strawn LLP, Los Angeles, 2006-2012