Legal Expertise

Civil litigation and appeals, representing clients in intellectual property, entertainment, contract, insurance, real estate (particularly mechanic's lien law), enforcement of judgment and collection disputes.

Representative Matters

• Obtained summary judgment for Sony Music Entertainment against singer’s claims for misappropriation of name and voice based on licensed sampling of copyright protected sound recording. Laws v. Sony Music Entertainment, Inc., 448 F.3d 1134 (9th Cir. 2006), cert denied, 167 L. Ed. 2d 159 (2007).
• Obtained judgment after trial in excess of $3 million for international insurer relating to fraudulent insurance claims. Java Oil Limited v. Sullivan, 168 Cal. App. 4th 1178 (2008).
• Obtained affirmance of trial court ruling sustaining demurrer without leave to amend regarding claim by spouse of employee that she was injured as a result of 'secondary exposure' to chemicals used at employee's place of employment. Oddone v. Superior Court (Technicolor, Inc.), 179 Cal. App. 4th 813 (2009).
• Obtained summary judgment (affirmed on appeal) for Technicolor, Inc. against claims by former employee and former employee's spouse for injuries allegedly arising out of direct and secondary exposure to chemicals used in the workplace.  Bazzini v Technicolor, Inc. 2010 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 390 (Jan. 21, 2010). 
• Defended Warner Music Group and Elektra Entertainment Group in dispute relating to purportedly unauthorized licensing of recordings for sampling and related royalty disputes.
• Defended major motion picture exhibitor in dispute with distributor over division of box office receipts from top-grossing motion picture.
• Defended major international hotel chain against claims arising out of diving accident at hotel in Costa Rica.
• Defended Grammy Award-winning singer against suit by former manager claiming right to payment of post-termination commissions.
• Member of litigation team representing major insurers in multidistrict litigation in federal court regarding fraudulent commercial equipment leasing operation.
• Advised national cable television network in settlement negotiations regarding dispute over production rights in made-for-television movie.
• Defended national catalog retailer against claims for false advertising and unfair competition.
• Prevailed in anti-SLAPP motion on behalf of Take2 Interactive and Rockstar Games against claims of fraud and misappropriation of likeness regarding the lead character in their hugely popular video game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas."