Digital Media and Entertainment
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Involved in the Beginning; Still Involved Today
From the early days of Napster and Apple's iTunes to Spotify and Pandora today, Wilson Sonsini's attorneys have represented innovative digital media and entertainment companies as they revolutionize content delivery and consumer engagement.
With digital music and games leading the way, aided by advances in mobile technology, the media and entertainment industry has grown faster than almost every other technology sector in recent years.
The quality of digital music, games, and video continues to improve to meet consumer and business demand. At the same time, the number of companies in the media market continues to grow, with participants ranging from successful solo authors and artists to global media powerhouses. There are also a multitude of digital media channels and platforms, including always-on social media applications, easily accessible mobile devices, and traditional media outlets, such as cable television and satellite radio.
As the premier law firm provider to technology companies, Wilson Sonsini has a legacy of representing pioneers in the media and entertainment industry. From start-ups developing the latest mobile apps to leaders in the online games sector, our attorneys have helped clients develop, monetize, and protect all types of digital media and commercial content and technologies.
The firm's representation of media and entertainment clients over the years has given our attorneys a wealth of experience with breakaway innovations and disruptive technologies that have driven the sector, including:
- Digital music, games, and video for mobile devices
- Streaming and on-demand music services
- Games and other entertainment media for wearable devices, including watches, bracelets, and eyewear
- Mobile and digital media device components, including LED displays and storage and wireless technologies
- Digital entertainment subscription and payment systems
- Wireless technology standards, such as Bluetooth
- Holographic image projections for mobile devices
Overview
With digital music and games leading the way, aided by advances in mobile technology, the media and entertainment industry has grown faster than almost every other technology sector in recent years.
The quality of digital music, games, and video continues to improve to meet consumer and business demand. At the same time, the number of companies in the media market continues to grow, with participants ranging from successful solo authors and artists to global media powerhouses. There are also a multitude of digital media channels and platforms, including always-on social media applications, easily accessible mobile devices, and traditional media outlets, such as cable television and satellite radio.
As the premier law firm provider to technology companies, Wilson Sonsini has a legacy of representing pioneers in the media and entertainment industry. From start-ups developing the latest mobile apps to leaders in the online games sector, our attorneys have helped clients develop, monetize, and protect all types of digital media and commercial content and technologies.
The firm's representation of media and entertainment clients over the years has given our attorneys a wealth of experience with breakaway innovations and disruptive technologies that have driven the sector, including:
- Digital music, games, and video for mobile devices
- Streaming and on-demand music services
- Games and other entertainment media for wearable devices, including watches, bracelets, and eyewear
- Mobile and digital media device components, including LED displays and storage and wireless technologies
- Digital entertainment subscription and payment systems
- Wireless technology standards, such as Bluetooth
- Holographic image projections for mobile devices
News Articles
Victor Jih Named “Entertainment Lawyer of the Year” Finalist for 2024 CA Legal Awards
On August 16, 2024, The Recorder announced the winners and finalists for its California Legal Awards, celebrating the achievements of attorneys and companies leading technology, innovation, and the profession as a whole.
Alerts
Improper Venu Sports: Southern District of New York Blocks Launch of Sports-Streaming Joint Venture Between Disney, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery
The Southern District of New York took the extraordinary step of granting competitor Fubo’s effort to preliminarily enjoin the launch of “Venu Sports,” a sports-streaming joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery.1 The defendants would license their collective sports content unbundled from non-sports programming exclusively to the joint venture while continuing to require competing distribution platforms like Fubo to purchase sports programming as part of a bundle with non-sports programming. Indeed, the court explained that “shortly before the JV was announced, the JV Defendants explicitly agreed to ‘stay clear’ of supporting another platform like the JV for at least the next three years.” In determining that the joint venture would likely substantially lessen competition, the court stated that the defendants’ history of bundling provided “crucial context” for its determination that the joint venture’s market power and structure created incentives for the defendants to monopolize a segment of the live pay TV market. The defendants plan to appeal the ruling.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Represents Frequence in its Acquisition by Madhive
On June 11, 2024, Madhive, a NYC-based technology company for local Connected Television advertising (“CTV”), acquired Frequence, Inc., a Mountain View, CA-based provider of omnichannel ad sales enablement and workflow software for local media companies and agencies. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Frequence on the transaction.
Alerts
“Stop Killing Games” Campaign Seeks to Prevent Video Game Publishers from Taking Games Offline
Ross Scott, operator of the YouTube channel Accursed Farms, has launched an online campaign (the Campaign) advocating against the video game industry practice of game publishers ending technical support for video games, which renders the games unplayable. According to Mr. Scott, the Campaign is in response to video game publisher Ubisoft’s decision to decommission The Crew, an online-only video game initially released in 2014.
Alerts
How Extreme Should the FBI and DHS Be in Removing Extremism from Gaming?
The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently published a report that highlights the federal government’s increased interest in monitoring domestic violent extremist content on gaming and social media platforms. The purpose of the report is to provide information to other agencies and to encourage the development of actionable strategies to combat domestic violent extremist content. Forthcoming guidance, scheduled for release in June 2024, could result in companies navigating an increasingly complex moderation system with increased communication efforts with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Alerts
State Social Media Law Patchwork Emerging: Florida Passes Law to Restrict Minors’ Use of Online Services
On March 25, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s HB 3. The law requires that social media platforms prohibit users under 14 years old from creating accounts and requires these platforms to obtain parental consent for account registrants who are 14 or 15 years old. The law also imposes age verification requirements for online services that knowingly distribute a significant amount of “harmful” content.
Insights
News Articles
Victor Jih Named “Entertainment Lawyer of the Year” Finalist for 2024 CA Legal Awards
On August 16, 2024, The Recorder announced the winners and finalists for its California Legal Awards, celebrating the achievements of attorneys and companies leading technology, innovation, and the profession as a whole.
Alerts
Improper Venu Sports: Southern District of New York Blocks Launch of Sports-Streaming Joint Venture Between Disney, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery
The Southern District of New York took the extraordinary step of granting competitor Fubo’s effort to preliminarily enjoin the launch of “Venu Sports,” a sports-streaming joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery.1 The defendants would license their collective sports content unbundled from non-sports programming exclusively to the joint venture while continuing to require competing distribution platforms like Fubo to purchase sports programming as part of a bundle with non-sports programming. Indeed, the court explained that “shortly before the JV was announced, the JV Defendants explicitly agreed to ‘stay clear’ of supporting another platform like the JV for at least the next three years.” In determining that the joint venture would likely substantially lessen competition, the court stated that the defendants’ history of bundling provided “crucial context” for its determination that the joint venture’s market power and structure created incentives for the defendants to monopolize a segment of the live pay TV market. The defendants plan to appeal the ruling.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Represents Frequence in its Acquisition by Madhive
On June 11, 2024, Madhive, a NYC-based technology company for local Connected Television advertising (“CTV”), acquired Frequence, Inc., a Mountain View, CA-based provider of omnichannel ad sales enablement and workflow software for local media companies and agencies. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Frequence on the transaction.
Alerts
“Stop Killing Games” Campaign Seeks to Prevent Video Game Publishers from Taking Games Offline
Ross Scott, operator of the YouTube channel Accursed Farms, has launched an online campaign (the Campaign) advocating against the video game industry practice of game publishers ending technical support for video games, which renders the games unplayable. According to Mr. Scott, the Campaign is in response to video game publisher Ubisoft’s decision to decommission The Crew, an online-only video game initially released in 2014.
Alerts
How Extreme Should the FBI and DHS Be in Removing Extremism from Gaming?
The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently published a report that highlights the federal government’s increased interest in monitoring domestic violent extremist content on gaming and social media platforms. The purpose of the report is to provide information to other agencies and to encourage the development of actionable strategies to combat domestic violent extremist content. Forthcoming guidance, scheduled for release in June 2024, could result in companies navigating an increasingly complex moderation system with increased communication efforts with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Alerts
State Social Media Law Patchwork Emerging: Florida Passes Law to Restrict Minors’ Use of Online Services
On March 25, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s HB 3. The law requires that social media platforms prohibit users under 14 years old from creating accounts and requires these platforms to obtain parental consent for account registrants who are 14 or 15 years old. The law also imposes age verification requirements for online services that knowingly distribute a significant amount of “harmful” content.
Speaking Engagements
Navigating Legal Challenges with Generative AI GDC Panel
Generative artificial intelligence continues to break both legal and technical ground as the complexity of this technology grows and users increasingly rely on it to write software and generate new characters, stories, and ideas. Whether and how developers utilize Generative AI may depend on their understanding of the potential legal risks arising from such use and the impact it could have on their ownership of the end product or exposure to litigation. This session will discuss the legal issues raised by Generative AI and practical steps that developers can implement immediately, including:
Affiliated Programs
26th Annual Entertainment Law Initiative Event
Wilson Sonsini is proud to sponsor the 26th Annual Entertainment Law Initiative (ELI) Event on February 2, 2024 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The annual ELI GRAMMY Week Event gathers professionals and creators alike to celebrate, hear from industry leaders and allies, and acknowledge achievements of music business trailblazers through the ELI Service Award, an accolade presented to a legal professional or entity who has demonstrated commitment to advancing and bettering the music community through service. For more information, including how to register, please visit the event website.
Affiliated Programs
London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions
The London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions 2023 program will provide attendees with the most up-to-date developments in economic sanctions from leading financial services organizations as well as global exporters. This is a must-attend for sanctions and financial crime prevention experts.
Affiliated Programs
IAPP Europe Data Protection Congress
Europe’s top gathering of data protection professionals is returning for its 12th year in Brussels. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Europe Data Protection Congress 2023 is the place for delegates to gain insights and working knowledge that will allow you to set a course for the future of your data protection operation. Wilson Sonsini is proud to sponsor this year’s event. To learn more about the conference, and the IAPP, click here.
Events
Speaking Engagements
Navigating Legal Challenges with Generative AI GDC Panel
Generative artificial intelligence continues to break both legal and technical ground as the complexity of this technology grows and users increasingly rely on it to write software and generate new characters, stories, and ideas. Whether and how developers utilize Generative AI may depend on their understanding of the potential legal risks arising from such use and the impact it could have on their ownership of the end product or exposure to litigation. This session will discuss the legal issues raised by Generative AI and practical steps that developers can implement immediately, including:
Affiliated Programs
26th Annual Entertainment Law Initiative Event
Wilson Sonsini is proud to sponsor the 26th Annual Entertainment Law Initiative (ELI) Event on February 2, 2024 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The annual ELI GRAMMY Week Event gathers professionals and creators alike to celebrate, hear from industry leaders and allies, and acknowledge achievements of music business trailblazers through the ELI Service Award, an accolade presented to a legal professional or entity who has demonstrated commitment to advancing and bettering the music community through service. For more information, including how to register, please visit the event website.
Affiliated Programs
London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions
The London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions 2023 program will provide attendees with the most up-to-date developments in economic sanctions from leading financial services organizations as well as global exporters. This is a must-attend for sanctions and financial crime prevention experts.
Affiliated Programs
IAPP Europe Data Protection Congress
Europe’s top gathering of data protection professionals is returning for its 12th year in Brussels. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Europe Data Protection Congress 2023 is the place for delegates to gain insights and working knowledge that will allow you to set a course for the future of your data protection operation. Wilson Sonsini is proud to sponsor this year’s event. To learn more about the conference, and the IAPP, click here.
Aaron D. Hendelman
Partner
Aaron heads the trademarks, copyrights, and advertising practice focusing on the areas of trademark, advertising, unfair competition, copyright, internet, retail, and consumer law.
David H. Kramer
Partner
David represents companies facing challenging disputes involving novel issues of law.
Gary R. Greenstein
Partner
Gary represents companies in transactions with record labels, music publishers, and program suppliers focusing on intellectual property, licensing, and commercial transactions.
Kenji L. Funahashi
Partner
Ken represents technology-driven start-ups and large companies in corporate law and transactional matters.
Salil Gandhi
Partner
Salil Gandhi is a partner in the New York office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and a co-leader of the firm’s emerging companies practice. Salil focuses on corporate and securities law and specializes in the representation of emerging growth companies throughout their lifecycles, particularly in the life sciences and technology sectors. He also counsels venture capital funds and other private equity funds on structuring and executing investment transactions ranging from angel to control investments, as well as portfolio dispositions.
Christopher A. Paniewski
Partner
Christopher focuses his practice on outsourcing transactions, commercial agreements, and technology-related transactions such as licensing and strategic relationships.
Adam Shevell
Partner
A trusted advisor to innovators in a diverse range of industries, Adam represents leading technology companies on complex transactions, IP strategy, and U.S. expansion.
Megan J. Baier
Partner
Megan represents technology and life sciences clients in corporate transactional matters.
Mark B. Baudler
Partner
Mark is a corporate law veteran, having advised start-ups and mature public companies for more than 25 years.
John M. Brust
Partner
John counsels start-ups in a wide range of matters, from formation and VC to IPOs and M&A.
People
Aaron D. Hendelman
Partner
Aaron heads the trademarks, copyrights, and advertising practice focusing on the areas of trademark, advertising, unfair competition, copyright, internet, retail, and consumer law.
David H. Kramer
Partner
David represents companies facing challenging disputes involving novel issues of law.
Gary R. Greenstein
Partner
Gary represents companies in transactions with record labels, music publishers, and program suppliers focusing on intellectual property, licensing, and commercial transactions.
Kenji L. Funahashi
Partner
Ken represents technology-driven start-ups and large companies in corporate law and transactional matters.
Salil Gandhi
Partner
Salil Gandhi is a partner in the New York office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and a co-leader of the firm’s emerging companies practice. Salil focuses on corporate and securities law and specializes in the representation of emerging growth companies throughout their lifecycles, particularly in the life sciences and technology sectors. He also counsels venture capital funds and other private equity funds on structuring and executing investment transactions ranging from angel to control investments, as well as portfolio dispositions.
Christopher A. Paniewski
Partner
Christopher focuses his practice on outsourcing transactions, commercial agreements, and technology-related transactions such as licensing and strategic relationships.
Adam Shevell
Partner
A trusted advisor to innovators in a diverse range of industries, Adam represents leading technology companies on complex transactions, IP strategy, and U.S. expansion.
Megan J. Baier
Partner
Megan represents technology and life sciences clients in corporate transactional matters.
Mark B. Baudler
Partner
Mark is a corporate law veteran, having advised start-ups and mature public companies for more than 25 years.
John M. Brust
Partner
John counsels start-ups in a wide range of matters, from formation and VC to IPOs and M&A.
Recent Insights
News Articles
Victor Jih Named “Entertainment Lawyer of the Year” Finalist for 2024 CA Legal Awards
On August 16, 2024, The Recorder announced the winners and finalists for its California Legal Awards, celebrating the achievements of attorneys and companies leading technology, innovation, and the profession as a whole.
Learn More
Alerts
Improper Venu Sports: Southern District of New York Blocks Launch of Sports-Streaming Joint Venture Between Disney, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery
The Southern District of New York took the extraordinary step of granting competitor Fubo’s effort to preliminarily enjoin the launch of “Venu Sports,” a sports-streaming joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery.1 The defendants would license their collective sports content unbundled from non-sports programming exclusively to the joint venture while continuing to require competing distribution platforms like Fubo to purchase sports programming as part of a bundle with non-sports programming. Indeed, the court explained that “shortly before the JV was announced, the JV Defendants explicitly agreed to ‘stay clear’ of supporting another platform like the JV for at least the next three years.” In determining that the joint venture would likely substantially lessen competition, the court stated that the defendants’ history of bundling provided “crucial context” for its determination that the joint venture’s market power and structure created incentives for the defendants to monopolize a segment of the live pay TV market. The defendants plan to appeal the ruling.
Learn More
Recent Events
Speaking Engagements
Navigating Legal Challenges with Generative AI GDC Panel
Generative artificial intelligence continues to break both legal and technical ground as the complexity of this technology grows and users increasingly rely on it to write software and generate new characters, stories, and ideas. Whether and how developers utilize Generative AI may depend on their understanding of the potential legal risks arising from such use and the impact it could have on their ownership of the end product or exposure to litigation. This session will discuss the legal issues raised by Generative AI and practical steps that developers can implement immediately, including:
Learn More
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