Leo M. Lichtman

Partner Leo M. Lichtman concentrates his practice in entertainment, intellectual property, and commercial law. Leo’s clients have ranged from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, and include major and indie record labels and music publishers, performing artists, film and television producers and studios, photographers and visual artists, traditional and digital media companies, sports figures, software and game developers, consumer products companies, and non-profits, reflecting a wide scope of industry experience.

As a seasoned litigator, Leo has handled high-profile copyright, trademark, and right of publicity cases involving entertainment, media, and technology, including securing a record $6.3 million jury verdict for copyright infringement of photographs and defending clients in trademark and copyright disputes in various sectors. Leo has obtained favorable rulings for copyright and trademark owners, including summary judgment on issues across the spectrum of copyright law, such as fair use, substantial similarity, intermediary liability, copyright termination, and the Visual Artists Rights Act, and favorably settled numerous cases on both the plaintiff and defense side. Outside of litigation, Leo acts as a trusted advisor to clients, shaping strategy for securing and protecting intellectual property rights, advising on rights clearance and risk avoidance, and providing transactional counseling.

Over the past decade, working both in-house and at notable IP Litigation law firms, Leo has built extensive experience handling complex disputes across a variety of industries, including music, film and television, technology and software, publishing, gaming, sports, and healthcare. He continues to build his his practice navigating issues at the forefront of content, media, and technology and worked on a number of high-profile cases at the cutting edge of copyright law.

Leo has been recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Leo is also involved in the Copyright Society and American Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Law Section, and currently chairs the ABA Music & Performing Arts Committee.  Beyond his talent as an attorney, Leo an accomplished musician and an avid music fan.