Robert Darwell is a senior partner in the firm's internationally acclaimed Entertainment, Technology and Advertising Practice Group, which was recently ranked by Chambers and U.S. Legal 500 in their top tier.

Areas of Practice

Mr. Darwell enjoys a global practice representing major motion picture studios, television networks, independent producers, new media companies, financial institutions, investors, financiers and other institutional and individual entertainment, media and convergence clients around the world in connection with all aspects of the development, production, acquisition and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, video games and other content.

Mr. Darwell's extensive knowledge of, and experience with, the legal and business aspects of the entertainment industry allows him to provide clients with specialized services including bank and other forms of single and multiple picture production financing, including international joint ventures, co-productions, output deals and tax driven financings, copyright and other intellectual property matters, clearance/rights issues, complex chain of title review and analysis, and employment and guild matters.

Mr. Darwell counsels on, structures, and negotiates a wide variety of agreements including for the option and acquisition of literary property rights; revenue sharing agreements; affiliation agreements; library acquisitions; strategic alliances; agreements relating to equity investments in media companies; first look agreements; licensing and merchandising; sports and other live events; videogame development and publishing arrangements; book publishing; recording, soundtrack, and music publishing deals; and executive employment agreements.

Mr. Darwell is the founder of the firm's advertising practice and represents and counsels advertisers and agencies in preparing endorsement and sponsorship agreements, licensing and protecting intellectual property rights, reviewing and clearing advertising copy for use in online and off-line media, complying with privacy concerns, preparing advertising agency and media agreements, and advising clients in complying with claims substantiation, ambush marketing, co-promotions, branded entertainment and state and federal regulations governing contests, sweepstakes and other promotions.

Mr. Darwell is also the founder of the firm's Fashion, Apparel and Beauty practice. He has represented labels, designers, luxury brands, retailers and manufacturers around the world, including Chanel, Gucci, Versace and Cavalli in matters involving advertising, marketing, counterfeiting and intellectual property licensing. Interested parties should visit the firm's fashion blog at www.fashionapparellawblog.com.

Pursuing his long time passion for the arts and Sheppard Mullin's rich art history, a few years back Mr. Darwell established the firm's art law practice, representing artists, galleries, museums, and sponsors. The firm's art law blog can be accessed at www.artlawgallery.com. Mr. Darwell is the author of the California Law Chapter of the Art Collecting Legal Handbook.