Los Angeles/Century City
1901 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 1600
Los Angeles, CA 90067
New York
30 Rockefeller Plaza
24th Floor
New York, NY 10112
Robert Darwell heads the firm's Transactional Entertainment, Media and Technology Practice Group, which was recently ranked by U.S. Legal 500 in its top tier. He is a partner in the firm's Century City and New York offices.
Areas of Practice
Mr. Darwell enjoys a global practice representing major motion picture studios, television networks, independent producers, new media companies, financial institutions, 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, 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; strategic alliances; agreements relating to equity investments in media companies; first look agreements; licensing and merchandising; sports and other live events; videogame development and publishing arrangements; 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 claims substantiation, ambush marketing, co-promotions, branded entertainment and state and federal regulations governing contests, sweepstakes and other promotions.
Mr. Darwell is also the founder of the firm's fashion and apparel practice. He has represented labels, designers, retailers and manufacturers around the world, including Gucci, Chanel, Versace and Cavalli in matters involving advertising, marketing, counterfeiting and intellectual property licensing. Interested parties should visit the firms fashion blog at www.fashionapparellawblog.com.
Pursuing his long time passion for the arts and Sheppard Mullin's rich art history, Mr. Darwell also established the firm's art law practice, representing artists, galleries, museums, and sponsors. The firm's art law blog can be accessed at www.artlawgallery.com.
Representative Experience