Content Review & Clearance

Our pre-publication review and rights clearance group represents clients in every type of traditional and online distribution channel - including print, broadcast, cable, film festivals, theatrical release, live stage productions, YouTube, Facebook, websites and blogs. Led by Chair Melissa Georges, our dedicated team of interdisciplinary attorneys regularly reviews reality programs, “true crime” shows, podcasts, documentaries, scripted series, feature films, news, native advertising, advertising and marketing and other content. We provide insights and experience not only from our entertainment and news production expertise, but from our advertising and branding, intellectual property, privacy, and litigation expertise as well.

Our Clients

We advise production companies and individual producers, directors, filmmakers, authors, celebrities, game makers, comedians, journalists, media companies, advertising agencies, brands, and other content creators. We counsel clients in obtaining Errors & Omission policies, and we counsel insurance companies that underwrite media liability policies.

Client Benefits

Reduce Risk

We review Internet content, film, video, television shows, screenplays, manuscripts, documentaries, books, advertisements and promotional videos, animated programs, live performances, and more for possible liability, rights clearances, defamation, privacy, trespass and related claims — and we recommend edits that reduce or eliminate risk.

Resolve Copyright Issues

We help creators and distributors resolve copyright and fair use issues and clear or license material as necessary.

Address Privacy and Right of Publicity Concerns

We reduce the risk of privacy and publicity right claims under common law, state statutes, and federal and international law.

Provide Pre-Publication and “Live” On-Set Review

Our content review lawyers are experienced in pre-publication, pre-broadcast and “live” on-set content review.

Respond to Claims and Litigate When Necessary

We have extensive experience handling all claims including copyright, defamation, false-light, privacy, libel in fiction, claims arising from business and investigative reporting, and false advertising and association.

Locate Material and Protect Sources

We help media companies and journalists respond to subpoenas, protective orders, privacy laws, and other obstacles to protecting sources and obtaining and distributing news and information.

Insure Against Claims

We advise on the purchase of Errors & Omission policies and other insurance for entertainment projects, and our thorough reviews help clients and insurance brokers satisfy carrier clearance requirements.

Interpret Union Contracts

We identify and help resolve Writers Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, and Directors Guild of America disputes, and other labor issues.

Assess Advertising and Trademark Infringement Liability

We review trademark use and marketing messages for compliance with FTC and other regulatory body rules.