Introduction
The Entertainment, Media and Sports attorneys of Dykema understand the business and effectively counsel and represent our clients to protect their interests and reduce their risk. Our attorneys have successfully handled litigation over the sale of studio assets, film financing, privacy, and a claim against a production company that it was liable for the murder of a talk show participant by another guest of the show after the episode was taped. Dykema is uniquely positioned to assist film and digital media production companies that want to take advantage of Michigan's new film production tax credits and incentives. The cornerstone of the Michigan incentives is a 40-42% tax credit which is available on production related expenditures. Our attorneys counsel film producers and production companies on a wide variety of legal needs including tax, contracts, employment, real estate, financing, government policy and intellectual property.
With strategically located offices near the epicenters of the entertainment, media and sports world, the attorneys at Dykema have made it their business to understand the challenges faced by major players in this unique industry. The Dykema team includes experienced practitioners in the fields of Intellectual Property, Public Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Employment, Contracts, Governmental Policy and Lobbying and if necessary world class litigation attorneys. Our clients include major league sports teams, race car drivers and owners, the PGA Tour, the National Football League, publishers, animators and animation studios, major Hollywood studios and actors.
Our expertise includes:
- General Representation – Our clients have included race car drivers and owners of major league sports teams, the PGA Tour, player negotiations in the International Hockey League, local and international animation studios, actors in contract negotiations, and visual effects directors. We have successfully negotiated on behalf of talent to option their projects to studios, and name and likeness joint marketing contracts. We have defended 1st Amendment rights, libel actions based upon books, antitrust issues, syndication of small budget films on behalf of local movie producers, and represented production companies, songwriters, artists and producers in royalty disputes and litigation
- Contracts, Licenses, Agreements – Negotiated licenses, leases and booking arrangements for The Nederlander Company and licensing likeness for The CART Driver’s Association. Preparing stadium leases. Experience with book publishers, option/purchase agreements, personnel contracts, broadcasting and sponsorship agreements, video game and audio juke box license contracts and agreements. Successfully represented songwriters, artists and producers in contract negotiations
- Intellectual Property – Our experience includes registering copyrights for singer/songwriters, defended copyright infringement on ringtones, representation of the NFL in trademark and license infringement litigation, and copyright litigation in sound recordings
- Mergers & Acquisitions – Negotiated the acquisition for major league sports teams; formation of loan out corporations; acquisition, financing and operations of professional sports franchises and related entertainment facilities
- Employment – Contracts with minors in the entertainment industry; negotiating work for hire agreements, drafting employment contracts
- Government Policy – Securing governmental inducements and stadium construction and leases
- Tax and Estate Planning – Establishing foundations for charitable activities; tax benefits for private foundations; estate planning for professional athletes
Dykema attorneys work together in cross-functional teams to bring a comprehensive view of each situation to our clients. Whether the case involves intellectual property disputes, mergers and acquisitions or privacy concerns, we look at the whole picture to counsel and advise clients with a complete strategy. Dykema attorneys know how to structure strategies for the best possible
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