Premier Entertainment Law Representation
At Heitner Legal, we deliver top-tier entertainment law services from our Fort Lauderdale office, serving clients across Florida and nationwide. Led by Darren A. Heitner, Esq., who honed his craft under nationally recognized entertainment lawyer Richard Wolfe at Wolfe Law Miami, our firm represents artists, labels, influencers, and entertainment entities in complex transactional and litigation matters. Our deep industry knowledge and client-focused approach ensure your creative and business interests are protected in the dynamic entertainment landscape.
Our Entertainment Law Services
Heitner Legal offers comprehensive legal support tailored to the entertainment industry, including music, film, television, modeling, and digital content creation. Our services include:
- Contract Drafting and Negotiation: We craft and negotiate 360 agreements, management contracts, recording deals, publishing agreements, venue contracts, and appearance agreements to secure favorable terms.
- Intellectual Property Protection: We handle copyright and trademark registrations, enforcement, and disputes to safeguard your creative works and brand identity.
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution: From artist-label conflicts to infringement claims, we litigate disputes in state and federal courts, including Florida’s Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts.
- Rights of Publicity: We protect your name, image, and likeness from unauthorized use, pursuing claims against infringers.
- Influencer and Endorsement Agreements: We structure deals for social media influencers and content creators, ensuring compliance and maximizing value.
- Defamation and Reputation Management: We address defamatory statements in media or online, representing both plaintiffs and defendants.
Notable Entertainment Clients and Matters
Heitner Legal, under Darren Heitner’s leadership, has represented a diverse array of entertainment industry clients, showcasing our expertise in high-stakes matters. Notable representations include:
- Pras Michel (The Fugees): Represented the Grammy-winning rapper and actor in a defamation case, addressing false statements impacting his reputation. Pras, known for hits like “Killing Me Softly,” relied on our firm’s strategic litigation skills to protect his public image.
- Michael Sorrentino (“The Situation”): Handled litigation matters for the reality TV star from MTV’s Jersey Shore, including disputes with Gotham NYC Entertainment and MPS Entertainment. We navigated complex contractual issues to defend his interests.
- Bill Raftery: Secured trademark protection for the iconic college basketball commentator’s catchphrase “With a Kiss!” used during broadcasts. Our work ensured his intellectual property rights were protected in the entertainment space.
- DM Records: Enforced copyright registrations owned by this entity, including those associated with Whoomp! (There It Is), C’Mon n’ Ride It (The Train), and the Space Jam Theme Song against alleged infringers.
- Warner Bros.: Assisted with their contracts concerning the use of athletes’ names, images, and likenesses, in produced content.
Why Choose Heitner Legal for Entertainment Law?
Heitner Legal stands out as a trusted partner for entertainment clients, combining industry expertise with a proven track record. Here’s why we’re the right choice:
- Proven Success: From securing trademarks for iconic catchphrases to litigating for high-profile artists, our results speak for themselves.
- Client-Centered Service: We prioritize clear communication and tailored strategies, earning praise like “I love my lawyer!,” coined by client Mike Spinner, former BMX champion and creator of Evlution Nutrition.
- National Recognition: Heitner has spoken at major industry events, including the American Bar Association’s Forum on Entertainment and Sports Industries and the University of Miami’s Entertainment & Sports Law Symposium, cementing his authority in entertainment law.
Contact Heitner Legal for Entertainment Law Support
Whether you’re an artist, influencer, or entertainment business, Heitner Legal is here to protect your creative and commercial interests. Contact us today for a consultation.