Robert Darwell

Robert Darwell heads the firm's Transactional Entertainment, Media and Communications Practice Group, which was ranked the number one Transactional Entertainment practice in the United States by U.S. Legal 500. He is a partner in the firm's Century City and New York offices. Areas of Practice Mr. Darwell has a global practice representing major motion picture studios, television networks, independent producers, new media companies, investors, financiers and other institutional and individual entertainment, media and convergence clients around the world in connection with all aspects of the development, production, acquisition and worldwide distribution of motion pictures, television programming, music videos, video games and other content. Mr. Darwell's extensive knowledge of, and experience with, the legal and business aspects of the entertainment industry allows him to provide clients with specialized services including copyright and other intellectual property matters, clearance/rights issues and complex chain of title review and analysis, employment and guild matters, and bank and other forms of single and multiple picture production financing, including international joint ventures, co-productions, output deals and tax driven financings. Mr. Darwell counsels on, structures, and negotiates a wide variety of agreements including for the option and acquisition of literary property rights; revenue sharing agreements; affiliation agreements; library acquisitions; agreements relating to equity investments in media companies; first look agreements; licensing and merchandising; sports and other live events; book publishing; recording, soundtrack, and music publishing deals; and executive employment agreements. Mr. Darwell also represents and counsels advertisers and agencies in preparing endorsement and sponsorship agreements, licensing and protecting intellectual property rights, reviewing and clearing advertising copy for use in online and off-line media, complying with privacy concerns, preparing advertising agency and media agreements, and advising clients in complying with state and federal regulations governing contests, sweepstakes and other promotions. http://www.sheppardmullin.com/attorneys-391.html