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Gary R. Greenstein
Partner
Technology Transactions
Washington, D.C.

D202-973-8849

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  • Trusted Technology Transactions Practitioner

    Gary focuses on IP, licensing, and commercial transactions, with specialized expertise in the digital exploitation of IP.

  • Represents Digital Media and Entertainment Clients

    He regularly represents companies in transactions with record labels, music publishers, and program suppliers.

  • A Recognized Practitioner

    Gary has been named among Billboard magazine's "Top Music Lawyers” for eight consecutive years (2017-2024).

Gary Greenstein is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where his practice focuses on intellectual property, licensing, and commercial transactions, with specialized expertise in the digital exploitation of intellectual property. He regularly represents companies in transactions with record labels, music publishers, and program suppliers. He advises companies on complex intellectual property matters, initial public offerings, M&A transactions, audits, litigation, arbitration, legislative matters, and before federal agencies. He also frequently assists companies in the development of new business models and disruptive technologies and services. In addition, Gary advises investors on due diligence in the digital media area and companies in all stages of their development cycle.

Prior to joining the firm, Gary served as the first general counsel at SoundExchange, Inc., the sole entity designated by the Copyright Royalty Board to collect and distribute statutory performance royalties for sound recordings. Gary previously was the vice president of business and legal affairs at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In this role, he negotiated and drafted licensing agreements for webcasters and satellite radio services, managed complex arbitrations before Copyright Arbitration Royalty Panels, and prepared proposed legislation, regulations, and congressional testimony.

Before joining the RIAA, Gary was an associate in the Washington, D.C., office of Arnold & Porter, where he represented Major League Baseball on numerous matters before the U.S. Copyright Office, with a particular focus on satellite and cable television statutory licensing matters. He also served as outside counsel to the RIAA and Universal Music Group, specializing in statutory and non-statutory licensing matters for the use of sound recordings through new digital media.

Prior to his legal career, Gary was the director of planned giving at The Wilderness Society and a fiduciary real estate asset manager at The Boston Company.

Experience

Gary Greenstein is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where his practice focuses on intellectual property, licensing, and commercial transactions, with specialized expertise in the digital exploitation of intellectual property. He regularly represents companies in transactions with record labels, music publishers, and program suppliers. He advises companies on complex intellectual property matters, initial public offerings, M&A transactions, audits, litigation, arbitration, legislative matters, and before federal agencies. He also frequently assists companies in the development of new business models and disruptive technologies and services. In addition, Gary advises investors on due diligence in the digital media area and companies in all stages of their development cycle.

Prior to joining the firm, Gary served as the first general counsel at SoundExchange, Inc., the sole entity designated by the Copyright Royalty Board to collect and distribute statutory performance royalties for sound recordings. Gary previously was the vice president of business and legal affairs at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In this role, he negotiated and drafted licensing agreements for webcasters and satellite radio services, managed complex arbitrations before Copyright Arbitration Royalty Panels, and prepared proposed legislation, regulations, and congressional testimony.

Before joining the RIAA, Gary was an associate in the Washington, D.C., office of Arnold & Porter, where he represented Major League Baseball on numerous matters before the U.S. Copyright Office, with a particular focus on satellite and cable television statutory licensing matters. He also served as outside counsel to the RIAA and Universal Music Group, specializing in statutory and non-statutory licensing matters for the use of sound recordings through new digital media.

Prior to his legal career, Gary was the director of planned giving at The Wilderness Society and a fiduciary real estate asset manager at The Boston Company.

Focus Areas
Recent Insights
News Articles
Billboard Recognizes Gary Greenstein Among 2024 Top Music Lawyers
On April 1, 2024, for the eighth consecutive year, Wilson Sonsini partner Gary Greenstein was named to Billboard's 2024 "Top Music Lawyers" list. The list is comprised of attorneys guiding superstars and industry-driving companies. This year, these attorneys have much advice to offer on the rise of generative artificial intelligence.
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Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Michael Li on Harris Ownership Group’s $6.05B Acquisition of the Washington Commanders
On July 21, 2023, a partnership led by Josh Harris announced the closing of its $6.05 billion acquisition of the Washington Commanders pursuant to the sale and purchase agreement entered into on May 12, 2023. The Harris group’s ownership was approved by the NFL at a league meeting on July 20, 2023. 
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Recent Events
Speaking Engagements
Best Bets in IP, Sports, and Entertainment Law
“Bright Lights, Big Opportunities: Best Bets in IP, Sports, and Entertainment Law,” the name says it all! Join us November 14 – 16 in vibrant Las Vegas, Nevada, for an extraordinary conference that brings together the leading lights of intellectual property, sports, and entertainment law arenas for three days of cutting-edge CLE programming, networking opportunities, and fun. We want you to be a part of it
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Speaking Engagements
Artificial Music? A Discussion on AI and Music
You are cordially invited to attend Generative Series' AI and Music program on Sunday, Nov 10th, hosted by The LINE Hotel DC. Tickets are free to the public with registration.
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