Steven T. Lowe

Steven grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, graduating from Greenwich High School in 1976. A fan of live music, he attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he studied psychology and political science, graduating in 1980. He then attended the University of Connecticut School of Law in Hartford, graduating with his J.D. in 1984. Thereafter, he made his way to sunny Southern California where he passed the California Bar in 1985 and founded his own firm in 1991. Since then, Steven has distinguished himself as an advocate in support of “artists’ rights,” and has written and spoken extensively on this topic, including, but not limited to, to the following:

Sample of Publications Authored

• Consider The Grecian Urn: Why Prior Art Has No Place in Analyzing Substantial Similarity Under the Copyright Act (Chicago-Kent Journal of Intellectual Property, May 2024)
• The Estate of Andy Warhol and Prince’s Photographer Square Off in the Supreme Court (Los Angeles Daily Journal, November 2022)
• Rights and Remedies of Copyright Co-Owners (Los Angeles Lawyer, May 2020)
• Death of Copyright 3: The Awakening (Los Angeles Lawyer, July/August 2018)
• Death of Copyright: The Sequel (The Computer & Internet Lawyer, September 2012)
• Death of Copyright (Los Angeles Lawyer, November 2010)
• Drafting Tips for Transactional Attorneys (Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals, March 2010)
• Royal Treatment (Los Angeles Lawyer, June 2006)
• Where Credit Is Due (Los Angeles Lawyer, December 2004)
• Pre-emptive Strike (Los Angeles Lawyer, March 2003)

Sample of Speaking Engagements

• Copyright Infringement and Idea Theft: Protecting Your Creative Work in the Digital Age (California Lawyers for the Arts, November 2024)
• Prior Art: Is it Relevant? (NSEAL, October 2024)
• Andy Warhol Meet … Jack Daniels: What SCOTUS Decisions from 2023 Portend for the Coming Term (Beverly Hills Bar Association, September 2023)
• Copyright Law: Trends in Substantial Similarity (The Copyright Society, February 2023)
• Lights, Camera, Libel: Current Trends in the Law of Defamation and Invasion of Privacy (November 2022)
• Termination Rights Under Copyright Law: Reclaiming Works for Authors (CSEL, November 2021)
• Comedy and the Law (CSEL, July 2019)
• Trends in Copyright Infringement Lawsuits (CSEL, May 2016)
• Death of Copyright: The Sequel (Beverly Hills Bar Association, May 2013)
• Death of Copyright (Beverly Hills Bar Association, October 2011)

Mr. Lowe has been selected as a “Super Lawyer” by Thomson Reuters from 2009 to the present, signifying he is in the top 5% of the lawyers in California. He has also been rated “A-V preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell since 1998. An “A-V rating” signifies the highest competence and ethics in the profession.

Mr. Lowe has been successful in litigating and/or settling multiple major lawsuits including:

• Alfred v. Walt Disney Co. (“Pirates of the Caribbean Case”): reversing a dismissal with the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2020 and defeating a Motion for Summary Judgment in December 2021 – thereafter, settled;
• Good Deed v. Cinedigm: settling a copyright infringement/breach of contract case against a film distributor;
• Lewis v. Fox: settling an idea theft case involving the television series “The Mick” after defeating a Motion for Summary Judgment by Fox;
• Jordan-Benel v. Universal City Studios, Inc.: defeated an Anti-SLAPP motion and multiple Motions to Dismiss in a high-profile copyright infringement/idea theft case.

The foregoing is a very small sample of numerous cases which the Firm has successfully resolved involving everything from copyright and trademark infringement to defamation. A much larger sample of said cases can be found on the Firm’s website.

Mr. Lowe is also a founding member and the current President of the National Society of Entertainment and Art Lawyers (“NSEAL”), formerly the California Society of Entertainment Lawyers (“CSEL”) (formed in 2013), a not-for-profit organization of attorneys dedicated to artists’ rights. In 2014, CSEL’s United States Supreme Court amicus briefs, on behalf of the plaintiff, rocked the legal world in a very public victory against a major studio in Petrella v. MGM, 572 U.S. 663, 134 S. Ct. 1962 (2014). Mr. Lowe’s article about the case, coauthored with a colleague, “‘Raging Bull’ Impales Hollywood Circuit,” was published soon thereafter in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals. Since then, NSEAL and CSEL have been on the winning side of no less than three recent U.S. Supreme Court cases and one 9th Circuit case. NSEAL advocates via amicus briefs, outreach, scholarly articles, and educational events, all of which Mr. Lowe spearheads.

https://bhcourier.com/2020/01/17/california-society-of-entertainment-lawyers-non-profit-organization-helping-to-protect-the-creative-community/

Recommendations

Kevin Nguyen

Steven’s legal counsel and business expertise has been a great help to our business. Great team to work with and highly recommended. I guess miracles do exist… I never expected this outcome. Thank you for the excellent work you’ve done. I am sure we will work together in the future.

Mark B.

Over the past 15 years, while living in Hollywood, California, I’ve worked in the film business as an actor, writer, producer, director, editor, and camera operator. This has caused me to need a top-notch attorney and firm to provide well-crafted contracts to personally protect me, my company, and my other assets, as well as to provide sound advice as a friend, especially where emotions of the business might cloud one’s judgement. One particular case stands out amongst the many. In 2011, Steven T. Lowe and the Lowe Law firm negotiated my TV series idea theft case, settling amicably with a major network without even having to file a suit. That rarely happens unless a firm has juice. When the stakes are high, go with Lowe.

Jonathan Hodges on behalf of The Hodges Family and Hollywood Sound Recorders.

On behalf of my family, I want to express how grateful we are for all the hard work the team has put in during the past few weeks. I can’t put into words what it felt like after reading what was filed today. To actually know lawyers are doing everything they can to represent us is exhilarating. I’m proud to have each and everyone of you on the team. Hopefully it works out, but at least I know we are doing our best. THANK YOU.

Steve Syatt

Steven’s legal counsel and business expertise is pivotal to us in helping build our company, and we are deeply grateful to him and his team.

Kent A.

Lowe & Associates were recommended to me by Attorney Howard E. King when seeking the need for legal counsel and representation. After initial consultation, their advice was always in my best interest as they strived to help me see resolutions from several legal perspectives considering my input as well. Communication was particularly responsive including Paralegal Office Manager, Shanette Avery, who returned my calls almost immediately. Associate Attorney Aleksandra Hilvert kindly worked to expedite my case allowing for a quick resolution. Therefore, I would highly recommend this professional team to represent anyone in legal matters that would require their expertise.

Elsa Ramo, Entertainment Attorney

I endorse this lawyer [Steven T. Lowe]. Any time I have a client in need of a litigator, he is where I send them.

Yaasmyn Fula

First retained Steven in 1997 and received excellent legal analysis and success for 20 years. In my lawsuit against Death Row Records, Interscope Records, Estate of Tupac Shakur, et. al., his interpretation of laws and methodical negotiation style was instrumental in securing royalties for my deceased son Kadafi, who performed with Tupac. He is a staunch advocate for the people especially the little guy knocked around by corporate giants. Truly the people’s lawyer providing access to courts and a platform for more equitable laws. His firm legal analysis and moral compass enhanced my legal case with resounding success.

Karen Kruper

It’s tricky finding a lawyer that you like enough to hire, trust enough to go for the throat and can be available to outline options in a language non lawyers can understand. Steven Lowe was a recommendation and from our first conversation, I felt confident that he could stickhandle my case(s) effectively. But the real gem in all this, is Mario Goluža – who is a Senior Law Clerk with Lowe & Associates. Mario has kept me sane, updating me regularly, and answering the myriad of questions that arose once the case was in process. Is this the new standard for the law profession? I hope so. If not, you’re at the wrong firm.

Samuel J. Fox, Esq., Fox Law Group

Steven and Kris are top notch strategists, thinkers and lawyers and they come without big egos and big law firm billing practices. So I have a deep appreciation of their value.