Praise

May 10th, 2018

Frankfurt Kurnit in Chambers 2018

Frankfurt Kurnit in Chambers 2018
For the fourteenth consecutive year Chambers USA America's Leading Lawyers for Business recognized Frankfurt Kurnit. Chambers USA ranked us for our: Advertising, Media & Entertainment and Intellectual Property practices.

On our advertising practice: What the team is known for: "Highly respected team with a strong bench of experts in both regulatory and transactional matters. Acts for a large number of blue-chip brands, advising on the development of new promotional ventures and ensuring regulatory compliance. Draws advertising agencies and big media clients through its ability to negotiate high-value deals. Also offers expertise in relation to social media and native advertising."

Strengths (Quotes from clients): Sources say the firm is "very strategic" and "in tune with the industry trends."

One client highlights the team's responsiveness, explaining: "In the fast-paced world of advertising, I greatly appreciate that they make themselves available. I don't have to follow up or hound them for advice."

Significant clients: Advised the vice chair of media and advertising firm Media Link on its sale to Ascential.

Counseled MUH-TAY-ZIK / HOF-FER on various online advertising issues.

Notable practitioners: Managing partner of the firm Jeffrey Greenbaum advises clients on a wide variety of issues, including agency-client contracts and regulatory compliance. He also acts on behalf of clients before the NAD and FTC. He is widely regarded as a "top advertising lawyer," and one source says: "He is extremely responsive, extremely knowledgeable and practical."

Rick Kurnit is a highly respected advertising lawyer, with one peer describing him as "terrific." He draws on more than 30 years of experience in this space and has particular strength in agency sales and mergers, and the application of IP law to advertising.

Candice Kersh counsels brands and agencies in relation to major advertising campaigns. Her expertise includes new media and talent agreements. One client hails her as "a brilliant legal mind who understands our business and how we operate," adding it is "always an absolute delight to work with her."

Brian Murphy is regarded as a "union relations specialist extraordinaire." His broad advertising expertise also includes intellectual property, social media and talent issues. Peers particularly compliment his presentation skills, with one noting: "People would go see him speak about pretty much anything."

Terri Seligman is revered by peers as "smart, practical, beloved and fierce." She is particularly well thought of for her work with respect to contests and promotions, as well as claims substantiation and NAD disputes. One client describes her as "a tremendously valuable partner," explaining that "if I have a very thorny and tricky issue, I would trust her with it. She has a lot of experience and is incredibly smart."

On our media and entertainment practice:
What the team is known for: "Top-notch entertainment practice catering to individual talent, entertainment companies, financiers and wider investors. Offers deep expertise in content licensing, distribution, financing and talent agreements. Demonstrates additional skills in transactional work involving film, theater and television content, as well as publishing, video games and fashion.

Strengths (Quotes from clients): One client reports: "The team’s reputation in the media industry has always been high, and I have only ever experienced the same. I have always found them to live up to their reputation of excellence."

Sources add: "They know the industry better than most other firms, so clients are kept abreast of all aspects of what's being done for them."

Work highlights: Represented the director and screenwriter Robert Eggers in his negotiations to create two major films with Studio 8.

Represented author Dean Koontz in negotiations to option his Jane Hawk book series to Paramount for a TV series.

Notable practitioners: Richard Hofstetter is characterized as "an excellent attorney" by fellow practitioners, who commend him as "a great negotiator and strategist." He co-chairs the firm's entertainment group and regularly represents producers, writers and creative talent, with a particular depth of experience in the television market.

Practice co-chair Richard Heller has significant experience representing writers, producers, directors and talent in both film and television matters. Fellow practitioners offer impressive praise, revealing: "When we're on the opposite side, I know that issues will not go unspotted because he pays attention to everything and ensures his clients get the best deal possible. He knows where he can push; he's pragmatic."

Mark Merriman earns impressive praise for his "very helpful and clear" advice, with one client describing him as "a patient and informative counselor, and a strong advocate for our interests." He has a respected theater practice, representing live stage productions, playwrights, book writers, composers and lyricists.

On our intellectual property practice: 
What the team is known for: "Well-regarded trademark and copyright specialists with wide-ranging experience representing clients in the fashion, entertainment and media spaces. Regularly engaged to advise high-profile clients on brand management, and IP issues relating to commercial transactions and litigation. Displays additional expertise advising game developers and distributors on trademark and copyright issues. Recently expanded capabilities in enforcement and prosecution to bolster the firm's full-service offering.

Strengths (Quotes from clients): "They have really gone out of their way to understand our business and our hot-button issues. They have done an excellent job."

Work highlights: Represented Hasbro in filing a trademark application concerning the smell of its well-known Play-Doh product.

Notable practitioners: Edward Rosenthal is a respected figure in the trademark and copyright area with expert knowledge of the publishing industry. One impressed client lauds: "He is an outstanding practitioner on whom we rely with absolute confidence," adding that "his practical judgment, coupled with his wisdom, is a marvelous combination which he provides to us along with his unerring expertise."

Chambers listed Catherine M.C. Farrelly as a 'Recognized Practioner' in Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets and praised Joseph Taylor and Maura Wogan in Media and Entertainment: Litigation.