Cases
Espiritu v. Bontika Entertainment, LLC (2026)
We represent Plaintiff, a filmmaker and writer-director, who contracted with Defendant to write and direct a film but was later denied her contractual final-cut rights when Defendant took her footage and finalized the film. Defendant subsequently removed Plaintiff’s credits, and also brought defamation claims against Plaintiff. Plaintiff filed an action for breach-of-contract, among other claims. Case is pending.
Wicker v. Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., et al. (2026)
We represent Plaintiff in a high-profile copyright infringement action involving his original screenplay, “Blood for Escobar”. The case alleges that the screenplay was extensively copied in the films, John Wick and John Wick: Chapter 2, with numerous striking similarities in characters, plot, story structure, action sequences, and other original creative elements. Plaintiff seeks substantial damages and other relief for the willful infringement of his copyrighted work. Case is pending.
Mobile Medical Group Inc., et al. v. HHC Consulting Corp, et al. (2026)
Our client, a medical services company, is pursuing an appeal after a former business associate circulated an allegedly false and damaging email to numerous business associates, in which he accused the company of failing to understand home healthcare requirements and violating federal coding guidelines. After the trial court dismissed the defamation and related claims under California’s Anti-SLAPP statute, our firm was retained to challenge the ruling on the grounds that the evidence demonstrates both falsity and malice. Appeal is pending.
Shahidi v. Ung (2026)
We represent Plaintiff, who was subjected to relentless defamation and harassment by his ex-girlfriend. Plaintiff obtained a restraining order requiring Defendant to cease the harassment and remove the defamatory posts and prevailed on all claims at trial, achieving a complete victory.
Boundless Product Development, LLC v. Raymond Brothers d/b/a Playmaikers (2026)
We represent Defendant in a federal action arising from the parties’ business relationship and contractual dealings concerning consumer product development. After Plaintiff sued our client for breach of contract, we filed affirmative claims on behalf of Defendant arising from Plaintiff’s own contractual breaches and conduct. Case is pending.
Tino v. A24 Films, LLC, et al. (2026)
We represent Plaintiff, a screenwriter, in a pending copyright infringement action against A24 Films and HBO Max, arising from the unauthorized use of his copyrighted screenplay, Y2K, in connection with the A24 film, Y2K. The action seeks to hold Defendants accountable for infringing Plaintiff’s original screenplay. Case is pending.
Bandur Film Ltd. v. Harvest Film Production LLC, et al. (2026)
We represent Plaintiff in a pending dispute concerning the production, financing, ownership, and exploitation of the feature film “Harvest”. Plaintiffs allege that Defendants misappropriated Film assets, diverted production funds, asserted unauthorized ownership rights, and interfered with the Film’s commercial release. Case is pending.
Hengesnaugh v. Anderson, et al. (2026)
Plaintiff undertook a horseback-and-foot journey from Arizona to Canada in the 1970s and spent decades telling the story of his experience. When another participant decided to produce a film based on the journey, Plaintiff assigned his life rights but later retained us to seek rescission of the agreement. Case is pending.
Rush v. D’Onut (2025)
Plaintiff retained our firm to obtain a civil harassment restraining order against Plaintiff’s ex-girlfriend following an assault and months of defamatory social media posts and harassment targeting Plaintiff’s personal and professional contacts. The Court found that Defendant engaged in harassment, that certain statements were defamatory and made with actual malice, and granted Plaintiff’s request for a restraining order requiring Defendant to cease the harassment and remove the defamatory posts.
Tayts v. Gacutan, et al. (2025)
We represent Plaintiff, who was subjected to years of online harassment and defamation by a group of individuals and, after a demand letter failed to resolve the matter, filed suit. The parties negotiated a settlement, but Defendant ultimately refused to sign. One of the Defendants then brought an Anti-SLAPP Motion (denied); another Defendant filed an unsuccessful Motion to Dismiss; two of the Defendants had their Defaults entered and two are being tracked down in Europe. Case is pending.
Hunter v. Olan, et al. (2025)
We represent a Defendant who was sued for defamation over comments made to the press following an incident during the filming of MaXXXine. We filed an Anti-SLAPP Motion challenging the claims. Case is pending.
Prost Inc. v. Reid (2025)
Plaintiff retained us to resolve a trademark dispute involving competing trademark applications and longstanding rights between two organizations. The parties reached a settlement establishing co-existence.
Olachea v. Ploesser (2025)
We represent Plaintiff in a pending defamation action against a psychiatrist and the California Department of Corrections arising from a personal relationship between the parties which ultimately resolved in the psychiatrist buying property in Mexico. After Defendant’s investment performed poorly, he blamed Plaintiff and made false and defamatory statements about her, including racist remarks and baseless accusations, and harassed her relentlessly, including while performing services for the California Department of Corrections. Case is pending.
Brentwood Communications International, Inc. v. Fully Torqued Productions, LLC (2025)
Our client, a business owner in the liquidation industry, was induced into a pay-to-play arrangement where he became a host of (and financed) a series on the History Channel. Ultimately, he incurred substantial losses after two seasons with the Plaintiff’s production company. Case is pending.
Lee v. Melendrez, et al. (2025)
Our client, a prominent member of the Riverside community and a driving force behind the Riverside Art Academy, became the target of an aggressive defamatory campaign by a City Council candidate. After the Defendant circulated a damaging “hit piece” attacking our client, we filed suit and successfully opposed the Defendants’ Anti-SLAPP Motions. The case is now pending on appeal following the dismissal without prejudice of one of the Defendants; while the case continues as to the other (stayed).
Schaaf v. Bungalow Media, LLC, et al. (2025)
Our client entered into an agreement with Bungalow Media, LLC to produce Mistletoe Mixup and successfully completed the production. He later invested $350,000 of his own funds to produce Mistletoe Mixup 2, but Bungalow failed to honor its contractual obligations. We secured a $500,000 writ of attachment and are currently pursuing enforcement against the companies and individuals involved.
Nickerson v. Netflix, et al. (2025)
Our client, an independent filmmaker, spent more than a decade developing a documentary about an alien encounter in Zimbabwe, conducting extensive interviews and compiling more than 45 terabytes of footage. After Netflix expressed interest and entered into a written agreement with our client, it later terminated the agreement without paying the compensation owed, while subsequently producing a television series based on the same subject matter. Case is pending.
Jane Doe v. Swoboda et al. (2025)
Action on behalf of individual who has been relentlessly harassed for years on the internet. She was very active within the “Cyberpunk 2077” video game community. Our firm has initiated a case including claims for defamation, harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and stalking.
Stuart, et al. v. Caravan Holdings Corporation (2024)
We represent Plaintiff in a pending action arising from an alleged fraud perpetrated by Defendant in connection with an investment in a cannabis company. In 2025, the court awarded Plaintiff a $4.3 million dollar judgment.
Hallman v. Braggins (2024)
Firm is representing a client in a fraud case who co-signed what he believed to be a student loan for a relative but the money was not spent as represented and not paid back. Case is “adversary proceeding” in defendant’s bankruptcy. Case is proceeding to trial.
Michael Jones v. “Lenny L” (2024)
Firm engaged to remove negative yelp reviews. Three out of the four have been deleted so far.
Brittany Joyner v. X Corporation (2024)
Client is an adult entertainer seeking to remove infringing third-party content featuring her from social media platforms, particularly X. Firm has accomplished almost all goals, and has successfully interfaced on behalf of client with multiple platforms including Facebook.
Thomas Welter et al v. Michael Hurt et al (Caravan) (2023)
Fraud case against a cannabis company. Client loaned a million dollars to cannabis company which claims to have lost their distributor, and went out of business; however, it turns out they obtained a new distributor and used money to purchase land in Santa Cruz for cultivating marijuana. Set for trial May 2025.
Logiq.AI, a Delaware Corporation et al v. Ohm Anandam et al. (2023)
Firm represents Tech company in Silicon Valley that had pledge for $10M, but after a potential investigator spoke to previous employees, who had badmouthed our client, funding fell through. The lawsuit is against ex-employees, two of which filed counterclaims. Case Settled favorably (January 2025).
Collette Lee v. Andy Melendrez, et al (2023)
Firm represents plaintiff in a defamation action against former member of the Board of the Riverside Arts Academy. Our client is a well-known real estate broker in Riverside, CA. Two individuals have been attacking her character and defaming her at public board meetings, and likely to others as well. Defendants each filed anti-SLAPP motions which were defeated. Case is proceeding to trial.
Hamsquad adv. Ingram (2023)
Firm represented the defendants/ producers in a lawsuit by one of their artists. Filed and prevailed on Motion to Dismiss Case.
Philmar v. Moi (2023)
Firm represented famous artist/songwriter Phil Lawrence (Bruno Mars) in dispute with potential partner.
Hyphy Music adv. Cintas Acuario Inc. (2023)
Firm represents record company as defendants against competing record label. Defendants did not comply with the Music Modernization Act. Judge first granted and then denied 12(b)(6) motion. Case is pending.
Betty Bynum v. Penguin Random House LLC (2022)
Action on behalf of author of book against Penguin Random House for infringing book. Case is pending.
Sound And Color, LLC V. Samuel Smith et al. (2022)
Action for copyright infringement against Sam Smith in connection with a song entitled “Dancing with a Stranger.” Case is pending.
Summit Kaiju LLC v. Legend Pictures, LLC (2022)
Action on behalf of the creator of the monster character against film producers of a film entitled “Godzilla King of the Monsters” for copyright infringement. Case settled.
Arthur Lee Alfred, II v. The Walt Disney Company (2022)
Action by screenwriters of “Pirates of the Caribbean” against Disney. Case settled.
Juliana Furtado v. Brandon Nutt et al. (2022)
Action for fraud on behalf of private investors against the producer of the film. Case is pending.
828 Media Capital, LLC v. David Brown et al. (2021)
Action on behalf of the financier of a film who invested $5M in various movies connected with producer David Brown. None of the movies have been released, except for one that was successful and purchased by HBO for $5M (Fallout 2021). Our client was cut out of the $5M because Brown conspired with another financier and Warner Brothers to pay the other financier and cut the original financier out. Case is currently pending in LA Superior Court.
Marlayna McBride v. Thomas Richard Vargas (2021)
Action on behalf of an individual being harassed and defamed by her high school boyfriend. Case settled favorably.
Josephine Eshagian v. Olivia Hazin (2021)
Action on behalf of an individual who was harassed on social media. Obtained injunction and prevailed on appeal in November 2023.
Good Deed Entertainment v. Cinedigm Entertainment Corp. (2020)
Represented Plaintiff in a breach of contract and copyright infringement case involving over 17 films against an established distributor. Case settled favorably.
Malo Band, LLC v. Arcelio R. Garcia (2020)
Represent the legendary Latin rock band “Malo” in a trademark infringement case regarding the use of the band name. Case is pending.
Jason Lust and SAJ Productions, LLC v. Animal Logic Ent. et al.; Animal Logic Ent. v. Jason Lust et al. (2020)
Represented Plaintiff in a complex breach of contract case against independent studio. Case settled.
Aimee Condayan v. Jennifer Mathieu; Roaring Brook Press; Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership; Macmillan Publishers (2020)
Represent Plaintiff in a copyright infringement case involving misappropriation of substantial portions of a book authored by the plaintiff. Case is pending.
Ward et al. v. Discovery Inc. (2019)
Represented Plaintiffs in an idea theft case against the Discovery Channel. Case was resolved.
Yasminah Mohamed v. The Weeknd (2019)
Represented Plaintiff in a copyright infringement case regarding the song “Starboy.”
Messersmith v. Langers Juice Co. (2019)
Represented seller of goods in action against buyer. Case settled favorably after obtaining a pre-judgment writ of attachment against the defendant.
Tuli v. Specialty Surgical Center (2019)
Substituted into case that was “hanging by a thread”) having been dismissed and a demurrer sustained to the one remaining cause of action). Revived case (“demurrer overruled”). Case is pending.
Greer et al. v. Bio Hazard (2019)
Represented former employees in unfair competition case by former employer. Case settled favorably in April 2019.
Blacklist, Inc. v. Better Muck LLC (2019)
Represented company that delivers films to distributors in a dispute with a client. Case settled.
Olsen v. Stone Group I (2019)
Represented production company in dispute with distributor. Case settled favorably in May 2019.
Ammolite Inc. v. Jack & Jack (2019)
Represented Claimants in an arbitration regarding breach of contract over a music video produced for YouTuber’s Jack & Jack. Case settled.
BlueCan v. Puravai (2019)
Representing Plaintiff in an unfair competition lawsuit. Case settled.
Large v. Tunnel, Inc. & Alan Pao (2018)
Partnership dispute. Case is pending.
Arshan Gharib v. Premier Financial Services, LLC (2018)
Represented defendant in a collection case where the plaintiff had already obtained a judgment. Successfully vacated the judgment. Case settled favorably.
Select Funding, LLC v. Eli Yazdani; Eli Yazdani v. Select Funding, LLC (2018)
Represented a former employee in a dispute with prior employer concerning solicitation of former clients. Case settled favorably.
Jordan Yale Levine et al. v. John Frapasella and Tonya Frapasella (2017)
Represented producer in case by investor. Case settled favorably.
Warren Griffin III p/k/a “Warren G” adv. Antonio White et al. (2017)
Represented Warren G in case against him, involving a song called “Ain’t no Fun”. Case dismissed.
Hitbound Music, LTD v. BBC Films et al. (2017)
Represented songwriter in dispute with publisher over rights to music. Case settled favorably.
Planet Productions, LLC v. Danny Clinch (2017)
Represented merchandiser in case by photographer of Tupac Shakur. Case settled favorably.
Wyndham Lewis v. 20th Century Fox (2017)
Represented plaintiff in an idea theft action against 20th Century Fox. Case settled.
Large v. Emmet-Furla Productions et al. (2017)
Represented plaintiff in an action for investment fraud. Case settled.
Good Deed Productions Inc. v. Cinelou Films, LLC et al. (2017)
Represented production company in arbitration proceeding against distributor. Case settled favorably.
Brent Ortner et al. v. Nathan Gilliland et al. (2016)
Represented sellers of rehabilitation business in dispute with buyers. Case settled favorably.
Joe Reegan v. JRSE Films, LLC (2016)
Represented producer in dispute with writer. Case settled favorably in 2016.
Unicolors, Inc. v. Contempo, Inc.; Unicolors, Inc. v. David & Young Group Corp. et al. (2016)
Represented clothing manufacturer in copyright infringement case. Case settled favorably.
Jonathan Hodges v. Mantra Entertainment, LLC (2016)
Substituted into case after client had lost at trial. Case settled favorably on appeal.
Corey Large v. 120dB Films (2016)
Represented defendant (after default entered) in case by entertainment finance company. Case settled favorably in November 2016.
Emma Wilcockson v. Georgi Lazar Pavlov (2016)
Represented co-producer in dispute with partner. Case settled favorably.
Justin Pope p/k/a “P-Dice” v. Fetty Wap et. al. (2016)
Partnership dispute between hip-hop artist, Fetty Wap, and P-Dice, who was a founding member of hip-hop group, “The Remy Boyz.” Case is pending.
Kevin Tent et al. v. Haven Entertainment (2016)
Represented defendants in connection with a dispute concerning film credits. Case settled.
Mike Williams v. Broad Daylight LLC et al. (2016)
Represented producer of Rob Reiner directed film “LBJ” (starring Woody Harrelson) in a breach of contract action. Case settled.
Addition v. Pitch Dark Entertainment (2016)
Represented defendant co-producers of aborted movie project in action for fraud. Case settled.
The Young Keislowski LLC v. Mance Media et al. (2016)
Represented writers and producers of critically acclaimed Netflix film against sales agent. Obtained judgement against defendant.
Fowler et al. v. Convalo (2016)
Represented seller of rehabilitation centers as defendants/counterclaimants in dual actions for fraud and breach of contract. Case settled.
John Caparulo and Effinsweet Productions, Inc. and Levity Entertainment Group, LLC v. Parallel Entertainment, Inc. (2015)
Represented Comedian in a dispute with his former agency. Settled favorably after filing Labor Board proceeding and staying case.
Orchid Child Productions, LLC v. Cashew Entertainment, Inc.(2015)
Represented producer of celebrity documentary in dispute with co-producer. Case settled.
Informant Media v. Bernard Hiller & Gabriel Bologna (2015)
Represented defendant in connection with copyright infringement claim by authors of screenplay pertaining to true events. Case dismissed.
Planet Productions v. Amaru Entertainment (2015)
Dispute regarding the rights to exploit the name and likeness of Tupac Shakur. Case settled.
Caparulo v. Parallel Entertainment (2015)
Represented comedian in action brought by former managers. Case settled.
Geodata Systems Management Inc. v. APPF et al. (2015)
Represented plaintiff in a trademark infringement case. Case settled.
Zulu Productions et al. v. i2Five Entertainment LLC (2015)
Represented defendants in a dispute between producers of a slate of films. Case settled.
Hendricks v. BBC America, Temple Street Productions et al. (2014)
Action for copyright infringement and “idea theft” in connection with the show “Orphan Black.” Case settled.
Benel v. Universal Studios, United Talent Agency, Blumhouse Productions et al. (2014)
Action for copyright infringement and “idea theft” in connection with “The Purge” franchise. Defeated Anti-SLAPP Motion. Affirmed on appeal. 859 F.3d 1184 (9th Cir. 2017) Click to see Hollywood Reporter article here. Case settled.
Rick Barlowe et al. v. Amaru Entertainment et al. (2014)
Dispute regarding the rights to exploit the name and likeness of Tupac Shakur. Case settled.
Warren Griffin III p/k/a “Warren G” v. Universal Music Group et al. (2013)
Represented hip-hop producer and artist, Warren G, in connection with his claim for royalties from the composition entitled “Leave You Alone,” a top 40 song in 2012. Case settled.
Van Dyke v. Friends Media, LLC et al. (2013)
Action by writer/director for services on church-based independent film, “Not Today.” Successfully defeated multiple Motions to Dismiss and Motion for Summary Judgment. Case settled.
Tamara Johnson v. Lynch-Dyson Entertainment (2013)
Represented original creator of TV Show, “Hollywood Exes,” in an idea theft case against the producers of the show. The case was prominently discussed by Wendy Williams, on her daytime talk show, who concluded on air: “I believe her!” Defeated multiple Motions for Summary Judgment. Case settled.
Hedda Muskat v. Creative Artists Agency, LLC et al. (2013)
Represented TV producer against her former talent agency and Ashton Kutcher’s production house for their alleged mishandling of a reality TV program. Case settled.
Carmen Trutanich For District Attorney 2012 v. John Shallman (2013)
Represented the Los Angeles City Attorney against a former campaign manager for mismanagement (and possible misappropriation) of funds. Case settled.
Zito v. FX Networks LLC (2012)
Represented the well-known actor, author, personality, and former President of the Hells Angels’ New York Nomad Chapter in an “idea theft” claim concerning the FX show “Sons of Anarchy.” Case settled.
Melanie Brown v. Dan Catullo (2011)
Represented Melanie Brown in two disputes with former business partners in the music industry. Case settled.
Dwight McGhee v. MTV Networks & Randy Jackson (2011)
Represented the plaintiff in an “idea theft” claim against MTV concerning the television show “America’s Best Dance Crew.” Case settled.
Von Radic v. Myers (2011)
Represented the plaintiff in a breach of contract and fraud action against a screenwriter concerning the plaintiff’s life story. Prevailed at trial and awarded punitive damages.
WB Music Corp. v. Tatou Supper Club (2009)
Represented Tatou Supper Club in a copyright infringement action brought by Warner Brothers Music Corp. for allegedly violating public performance rights of certain master recordings. Case settled.
The Jackson Sisters v. Universal Music Group (2009)
Represented The Jackson Sisters in hotly contested, protracted litigation with Universal Music Group to obtain royalties on their self-titled 1973 album, which had become a cult sensation in Europe and Japan in 2003. Case settled during trial.
Bob Rubin v. Rob Schneider (2009)
Represented comedian Bob Rubin in a breach of contract action against comedic actor, Rob Schneider, and his brother John Schneider, with respect to financing obtained for Rob Schneider’s film, “The Chosen One.” Case settled.
Caldwell v. Marx (2009)
Represented recording artist Bobby Caldwell (“What You Won’t Do For Love”) in an action against his manager of 27 years for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and deceit. Case settled.
Rick James Estate v. Daniel Lemelle (2006)
Represented the Trustee/Estate of the late Grammy-winning recording artist Rick James in multiple matters, including a dispute over the rights to his unreleased material. Case settled.
Hathaway v. Ark 21 Records and Miles Copeland et al. (2006)
Represented Ark 21 Records and Miles Copeland in an action involving the failure of a label that did business with Ark 21 to meet minimum delivery requirements. Case settled.
Shout Factory LLC v. Hardline Music Inc. et al. (2005)
Defended a filmmaker against claims involving a recording artist who decided to drop out of the music business just as his career began to take off. Case settled.
Allied Surgical Centers Management LLC v. Acquisition & Management Corporation (2005)
Successfully prosecuted a multi-million dollar breach of contract claim arising out of sale of large debt portfolio. Case settled.
Premier Credit v. Receivable Acquisition & Liquidation LLC (2005)
Represented defendant in a libel case. Prevailed on Motion to Dismiss.
Robert Vaughn, VD Kustoms Inc. v. Von Dutch Originals LLC et al. (2004)
Represented one of the founders of Von Dutch in a partnership dispute. Case settled during trial.
Kelvin Williams & Uprise Productions v. UMG Recordings, Inc. et al. (2004)
Represented a young filmmaker in a federal court action against Universal (and others) for multiple claims arising out of the use of the filmmaker’s contributions to a successful DVD. Case settled.
Elsey v. Pintaric (2004)
Represented the defendant in a lawsuit between partners of a film venture. Prevailed at trial.
Estate of Shakur v. Platinum Grove Entertainment et al. (2003)
Represented the Estate of Tupac Shakur in an action for copyright infringement.
Cecil Womack & Keith Clark v. Priority Records, LLC (2003)
Represented a producer in the music industry to obtain royalties owed on various hit collaborations with rap artist “Snoop Dogg,” rap trio “Doggy’s Angels,” and others. Case settled.
Farid Zaland v. Seyed E. Kabehie, Soghra, Pars Video Inc. (2002)
Represented an Iranian music producer in dueling lawsuits between himself and his record company, settling both matters, and obtaining a favorable published opinion in Kabehie v. Zaland, 102 Cal. App. 4th 513 (Cal. Ct. App. 2002). Case settled.
Timas v. EMC Mortgage et al. (2002)
Represented an elderly widow, as co-counsel with Thomas Girardi, against a mortgage company for unfair debt collection practices. Case settled.
Fula v. Interscope Records et al. (2002)
Represented mother of deceased friend and member of Tupac Shakur group “The Outlawz,” in an action to obtain (amongst other things) royalties owed for contributions to numerous Tupac Shakur compositions and sound recordings which had been made by the plaintiff’s deceased son, “Yaki Kadafi.”
Outlawz v. Death Row Records et al. (2001)
Represented Tupac Shakur’s group, The Outlawz, including obtaining an injunction preventing Death Row Records from interfering with their career.
Rodriguez v. Priority Records et al. (2001)
Represented the plaintiff in a copyright infringement action with respect to various sound recordings released by “Snoop Dogg” and “Tha Eastsidaz.” Case settled.
Nelson v. Keymen Music et al. (2000)
Represented Bob & Earl, the legendary R&B duo behind the hit song “Harlem Shuffle,” in a dispute over ownership of a library of R&B classics that (until the firm’s involvement) was unresolved after nearly a decade of litigation. Case settled.