Robert A. Darwell

Robert Darwell heads the firm's Transactional Entertainment, Media and Technology Practice Group, which was recently ranked by U.S. Legal 500 as its top tier in the United States. 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, 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; 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 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 represents designers, labels, retailers and manufacturers around the world in matters involving advertising, marketing, and intellectual property licensing.

Education

• J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, 1988, magna cum laude
• B.A., Arizona State University, 1985, summa cum laude
• French Language Program, Sorbonne (University of Paris), 1985

Admissions

• California
• U.S. District Court of the Central District of California

Languages

• French

Representative Experience

• Lead outside counsel representing Walt Disney Company in connection with the separation of Bob and Harvey Weinstein from Miramax.
  
• Representation of Focus Features with respect to its co-development/co-financing venture with Random House to form Random House Films.
  
• Entertainment counsel to USA Networks in connection with its sale of its entertainment assets to Vivendi Universal.
  
• Entertainment counsel in connection with a client's bid for license of a multi-year package of NFL games.
• Counsel to bank in connection with off balance sheet financing for major video game.
  
• Represented ABS as promoter of Manny Pacquiao boxing event in Manila, Phillipines.
  
• Represented developer in connection with MGM theme park to be built in South Korea.
  
• Represent France Animation/Moonscoop in its acquisition of a majority interest in animation company Mike Young Productions.
  
• Counsel to private equity investor involved in Legendary slate financing arrangement at Warner, counsel to Rogue Pictures in connection with Intrepid slate financing with Rogue/Universal, and counsel to Focus Features in respect of its Twins multi-picture state financing arrangement.
  
• Structure and negotiate key Telemundo strategic alliances with Globo, Argos, and TV Azteca.
  
• Entertainment Counsel to USA Networks in connection with its acquisition of Polygram domestic library and merger with October Films to form USA Films.
  
• Legal counsel to producer in the sale and distribution of numerous recent high profile motion pictures, including "The Duchess", "Oceans", "The Queen", "Hostel", "Breakfast on Pluto", "The Descent", "Lord of War", and "Mrs. Henderson Presents".
  
• Rendered services in connection with the development and/or production of motion picture projects such as "Che: Guerilla and the Argentine", "Babylon A.D.", "Stomp the Yard", "Brokeback Mountain", "Hollywoodland", "We Own the Night", "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", "In the Cut", "Lost in Translation", "21 Grams", "Spy Kids", and "This Christmas" and television projects such as "Project Greenlight 2", "The Proud Family", "La Cenicienta", and "Soap Talk".

Honors

• Power Lawyer, The Hollywood Reporter, 2008
• Best Lawyers in America, Advertising, Entertainment, 2008, 2009
• Southern California Super Lawyer, 2008
• Best of the Bar, Media and Entertainment, Los Angeles Business Journal, 2007
• Finalist, Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers In America, Lawdragon Magazine, 2007
• Attorney of the Year, Entertainment, California Lawyer, 2006
• Transactional Entertainment Rating, Chambers and Partners, 2008
• 500 New Worlds, New Stars, Lawdragon, 2006
• 3000 Leading Lawyers in America, Lawdragon, 2006

Memberships

• Former Co-Chair, Beverly Hills Bar Association Entertainment Law Section
• Past President, Premier Patrons of the American Cinematheque
• Board Member, Planning Committee for the UCLA Entertainment Law Symposium

Speeches

• International Miami Film Festival, Bank, Bonding and Insurance Panel, 2008
• UCLA Entertainment Law Symposium, Celebrity Endorsements and Licenses, 2007
• Cannes Film Festival, Slate Film Financing, 2007
• Rio Film Festival, North American Production Incentives, 2007

Events

• Foreign Affairs 2007: A Global Media Update, November 1, 2007