Copyright, Trademark & Media Litigation

/Overview

Our team of experienced litigation lawyers provides results-driven counsel in high-stakes litigation matters involving copyright, trademark, entertainment, social media, rights of publicity, false advertising, defamation, and other business interference claims. 

Our copyright and trademark attorneys represent established and emerging entities and individuals across a wide range of industries, including:

• Entertainment and media
• Fashion
• Toys and video games
• Beauty and personal care
• Food and beverage
• Consumer electronics
• Social media
• Music
• Software applications

Our experience encompasses providing strategic counsel to both plaintiffs and defendants across the country in state and federal court, at arbitration, and on appeal, as well as handling disputes before the US Trademark Office and International Trade Commission. We also represent clients in international arbitration and litigation disputes, alongside associate foreign counsel.

/Representative experience

• Represented plaintiff Vanessa Hudgens, an American actress, entrepreneur, and singer, in a suit filed against SBLA Beauty relating to violations of rights of publicity, unfair competition, and false advertising. Achieved amicable early settlement. 
• Represented plaintiffs Brittany Xavier, a well-known social media influencer, and her company Thrifts and Threads Inc. in a suit against beauty brand Undefined, Inc. for copyright infringement, violation of statutory and common law rights of publicity, false advertising, and unfair competition—achieving a mutually favorable settlement during fact discovery and after mediation. 
• Represented defendant UNCAS International, LLC, in a copyright infringement suit involving jewelry designs brought by LA Gem & Jewelry Design. The case settled favorably early in fact discovery.
• Represented model and actress Emily Ratajkowski in a copyright infringement case by arguing fair use when reposting a paparazzi image, focusing on commentary and artistic expression. 
• Successfully employed a First Amendment defense to secure a full dismissal on a motion to dismiss on behalf of defendants and video game companies Ironclad Games and Stardock Entertainment in a trademark infringement dispute.
• Represented plaintiff Pushpay IP Limited, a company that develops mobile application programs to assist organizations with financial payment transactions, in a trademark infringement matter related to the marks “Push Pay” and “Push Payments,” as well as the Push Payments logo. The case settled favorably.
• Represented plaintiff and legendary golf course, St Andrews Links, in a trademark infringement matter related to the selling and distributing of goods and services in connection with the “St Andrews” mark for profit without authorization. The case settled favorably.

/Recognition

• Nixon Peabody has been named a Tier 1 National firm for Litigation - Intellectual Property and Trademark Law in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®.