Japan is not the first place you think of when you bring up the sport of surfing. But in the little town of Hyuga, a southern port city in the Kyushu region, that’s exactly what you’ll find. Pristine beaches, popular surfing spots, no frills. It’s also where you would have found Jake Albertson teaching English in 2006.

After graduating with a degree in Sociology from Brown University, Jake took some time before attending law school seeking simplicity in his life. While his surroundings in Hyuga were picture-perfect, Jake’s inability to communicate effectively in Japanese made his day-to-day experience exceedingly complex. Life in Japan forced Jake to change the way he thought about language and communication. He learned how to hone the all-important skill of keeping it simple. 

During his year in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program, Jake taught English to 9th & 10th graders, coached students preparing for English-speaking competitions, and eventually became conversant in Japanese – nothing fancy, just enough to get by. Jake also made a name for himself as the worst karate student his dojo had ever seen, a nightmare at the karaoke bar (tone-deaf and loud), and the only adult in town who biked with a helmet on.

Jake has never forgotten the important lessons that Hyuga taught him about effective communication, and he continues to practice the art of simple today. Fortunately for all of us, his karaoke days are (mostly) behind him.

Legal Expertise

Jake Albertson has extensive experience in all stages of litigation and arbitration, including trials in state and federal courts, hearings before the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB), and arbitration proceedings before JAMS and AAA.  He represents companies and individuals in a broad range of industries, including music, television, and hospitality.  Jake’s practice focuses on complex issues relating to intellectual property, commercial contracts, and employment.

Representative Matters

• Obtained a complete victory on behalf of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay in a contentious, years-long litigation over the closure of Ramsay’s Los Angeles restaurant.  At the end of a two-week trial in New York, the Court not only dismissed all claims against Ramsay (including the plaintiff’s demand for $10 million in damages), but also ruled in favor of Ramsay on his counterclaims, awarding over $1 million in damages and over $4 million in attorneys’ fees.  The Court rejected the plaintiff’s allegations of misconduct by Ramsay, and found that the plaintiff, not Ramsay, was dishonest, disreputable, and entirely at fault.  (Seibel v. Ramsay, N.Y. Sup. Ct.)
• Obtained judgment as a matter of law dismissing copyright infringement claim, on behalf of record companies, publishers, and songwriters of a hit pop song.  Decision was affirmed on appeal.  (Gray v. Perry, C.D. Cal., 9th Cir.)
• As co-lead counsel, obtained a $4 million award for a green energy investor following a seven-day arbitration in New York.
• On behalf of an independent music publisher, obtained an order of sanctions against opposing counsel, which required opposing counsel to pay the client’s attorneys’ fees.
• Represent producers and distributors of copyrighted television programming in CRB proceedings regarding the allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties.
• Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a large winery in a significant shareholder litigation.
• Successfully represented a major music publishers in a lengthy dispute concerning a catalog of classic pop and jazz songs.
• Ongoing representation of music publishing and record companies in various complex disputes.
• Obtained dismissal with prejudice of tort claims against a golf club manufacturer and related companies in San Diego Superior Court.
• Advise clients in the music, television, publishing, advertising, food services, fine art, and manufacturing industries on various issues, including intellectual property ownership, contract rights, and labor and employment.
• Represented a television service provider in multiple suits concerning intellectual property, contract disputes, and telemarketing law.  Cases included a consumer class action and a suit by the U.S. Department of Justice and four state attorneys general.
• Represented a cosmetics packaging manufacturer in a patent licensing dispute.  Drafted motion to dismiss that led to favorable settlement.
• Represented various financial services companies in state and federal court securities litigations across the country.
• Represented a Big Four accounting firm in investigations by the SEC and CFPB.
• Provide pro bono litigation and counseling services regarding various issues, including intellectual property, housing, immigration, and family law.

Honors & Awards

• "Pro Bono Publico Award," Legal Aid Society (2012-2013)

Other Career Experience

• Associate, Litigation, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (2011-2016)
• Fellowship in Civil Rights Law, Kairys, Rudovsky, Messing & Feinberg LLP (2010-2011)

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Events & Speaking Engagements