Benjamin Halperin

Ben Halperin is an experienced litigator focusing on copyright, trademark, media, and entertainment litigation. He defends many types of companies and individuals—including online retailers, photography companies, media and news organizations, authors, and publishers—in copyright and trademark lawsuits in federal court. Ben additionally represents artists, authors, musicians, and publishers as plaintiffs in copyright, trademark, and media-related business disputes.

Ben is particularly skilled at analyzing complicated legal and factual situations and developing creative strategies to resolve litigation favorably and efficiently. He has helped his clients defeat 8-figure-and-higher lawsuits on both procedural and substantive grounds. Ben also has significant experience working with and against expert witnesses, able to quickly identify the key shortcomings of highly technical expert methodologies often relied on in complex cases.

Prior to joining CDAS, Ben practiced for nearly a decade at international powerhouse law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he collaborated with and learned from the nation’s top motions and trial lawyers. At Skadden, Ben defended high-stakes cases involving consumer appliances, cosmetics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, notably winning defense verdicts in several cases where the plaintiffs sought hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.

A life-long musician with a particular passion for rock, funk, and guitar solos, Ben avidly follows, speaks, and publishes regarding the intersection of music theory and copyright law. His course Music Theory For Lawyers – And Legal Theory For Musicians has received excellent review after excellent review, including repeatedly being dubbed “Best CLE Ever” by participants. Ben also speaks and publishes on other hot IP-related topics, including how copyright law is adapting to artificial intelligence (AI), unsettled issues in federal litigation, and issues that arise in defending copyright lawsuits.

Ben has dedicated a significant portion of his practice to pro bono work, including advising musicians and other artists on a range of legal issues. He has written numerous amicus briefs, including appellate and Supreme Court briefs advocating for public safety and equal protection.

When not practicing law, Ben can be found performing music, practicing guitar, or attempting to get his children to listen to Steely Dan.