Kenneth Steinthal specializes in litigating matters in the intellectual property/media sector. His practice is focused on copyright, DMCA and antitrust/rate-setting cases involving the distribution of audio and audiovisual content, and includes counseling companies regarding the licensing implications of their product offerings. Ken has more than three decades of experience litigating matters spanning the IP/media sector, in jury and bench trial settings and before copyright tribunals in the U.S. and internationally. Ken’s practice is focused on copyright, DMCA and antitrust/rate-setting cases involving the distribution of audio and audiovisual content. His cases typically involve the defense of copyright infringement claims and the establishment of structures and rates for the exploitation of musical works and sound recordings in both traditional (e.g., cable, satellite, broadcast) and new media distribution environments.
North America - United States • Intellectual property
King & Spalding LLP
The trial and global disputes group at King & Spalding LLP remains a dominant force in the practice area, representing such major household names in media and entertainment and tech as Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Zoom, Google, ByteDance and Warner Media in high-stakes copyright litigation. Kenneth Steinthal in San Francisco heads the team, bringing over 40 years of trial experience and expertise on intellectual property rights and licensing to advise multinationals engaged in audiovisual media content distribution. Arwen Johnson in Los Angeles brings expertise to key names in entertainment, advising on Netflix and Warner Bros. on such matters as idea theft, copyright infringement and contract disputes. David Mattern in Washington DC advises service providers and tech platforms on matters involving the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Google/YouTube
- National Public Radio (NPR), Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and Corporation for Public Broadcasting
- Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
- Viacom/CBS
- Netflix
- ByteDance/TikTok
- Peloton
- The Orchard (Sony Music subsidiary)
- Warner Media (including HBO, Turner, and Warner Bros.)
- Mood Media/Muzak
- Disney/ESPN
- A&E Television Networks
- AMC Networks
- BBC
- Bloomberg TV and Radio
- Cumulus Media
- Discovery Communications / Scripps Networks
- DISH
- Audacy (formerly known as Entercom and including CBS Radio)
- Fox Cable
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kenneth Steinthal