LITIGATION MATTERS
Represented World Champion boxer Oscar de la Hoya and his related companies for more than a decade in connection with a variety of legal matters, including a dispute with his promoter in which summary judgment was obtained voiding a long term contract; a dispute with a former business manager in which a very favorable settlement was obtained; various disputes over the promotional rights to other fighters; accounting claims related to the promotion of boxing events and in defense of an idea submission claim in connection with the reality television program Next Great Champ.
Counsel for professional photographers in a federal action for copyright infringement, breach of contract and related claims seeking a multi-million dollar damage award for misuse of photographs by a national health care provider.
Represented a motion picture producer/distributor in an action brought against one of the major studios for copyright infringement in connection with the creation and DVD distribution of new versions of the client’s well-known motion pictures.
Principal litigation counsel to publicly traded real estate investment trust both post petition and post confirmation of Chapter 11 reorganization; effected hostile takeover of affiliated public investment trust and successfully prosecuted numerous objections to creditor claims.
Counsel on behalf of an international distributor of motion pictures in numerous disputes with the entertainment industry guilds, in bankruptcy of sub-distributor and in prosecuting a claim against a motion picture producer for breach of contract and fraud.
Defended former COO of motion picture production and distribution company in defense of claims for fraud, conversion, alter ego and breach of contract. Case dismissed in response to Motion for Summary Judgment.
Represented a prominent actor in an action for breach of an oral employment agreement that included a pay-or-play provision.
Defended a book publisher against claims of copyright and trademark infringement concerning die-cast molds used in books for young children.
Represented an employer in pursuit of former employees for theft of trade secrets and unfair competition. Preliminary injunction was obtained, facilitating a favorable settlement.
TRIALS AND ARBITRATIONS
Obtained verdict of over $9.3 million, including punitive damages, in three-week jury trial on claims for breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty against co-adventurer in real estate investment joint venture.
Lead counsel for personal care product manufacturer and distributor in breach of contract and business tort jury trial; obtained $3 million judgment, including judgment on tort cross-claims against client.
Led legal team in jury trial for franchisor in financial services business; obtained money judgment for franchisor and confirmation of propriety of cancellation of franchise.
Sole counsel in trial for condominium owner in action against homeowners’ association involving 18 witnesses, including 6 experts. Judgment for homeowner including award of attorneys fees and costs which exceeded compensatory damage award.
Lead counsel in damages phase of federal court trial on behalf of mobile home park owner against City of Malibu.
Defended Thomas Kinkade, one of the world’s most successful artists, and his company in three week arbitration proceeding in which a very favorable result was obtained against multi-million dollar breach of contract and business tort claims of an alleged former business partner.
Successfully defended foreign distributor of television series in arbitration against claims of fraud and breach of contract, including obtaining substantial award of attorneys’ fees and costs that was affirmed by the Superior Court.