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 • Media, technology and telecoms
King & Spalding LLP
King & Spalding LLP’s San Francisco-based team is home to a growing media and entertainment litigation practice. Team head Kenneth Steinthal, who is ‘widely recognized as the leader in his field’, has been pivotal in establishing the firm’s reputation regarding music copyright and digital content, granting them many high-profile clients. Arwen Johnson has grown the firm’s client base by attracting studio clients and handling visual IP matters. David Mattern has carved out a niche within the firm, attending to cutting-edge matters relating to the copyright implications of AI, as well as being a key figure in bourgeoning social media addiction personal injury claims. Lena Colin is capable of assisting with the full spectrum of trademark law at any stage of the disputed claim lifecycle.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘K&S has has obtained creative and successful resolutions in matters for our company across the nexus of technology, IP, and media.'
'Partners Kenny Steinthal and David Mattern provide best-in-class experience and advice.’
‘Kenny Steinthal is widely recognized as the leader in his field, and provides us with ongoing valued advice and representation defending and litigating cutting edge matters in the music copyright infringement sector.'
'The team, including David Mattern, are thoughtful, thorough, and solution-based.’
Key clients
- A&E Television Networks
- AMC Networks
- BBC
- Bloomberg TV and Radio
- TikTok
- NBCUniversal
- Disney/ESPN
- ESPN
- Fox Cable
- Google/YouTube
- Madison Square Garden
- Netflix
- New Line Productions
- Paramount Global
- Peloton
Work highlights
- Represented Google and its music streaming offerings on an appeal of the Web V Copyright Royalty Board's (CRB's) decision in proceedings against the labels/recording industry.
- Represented TikTok in connection with several hundred high-profile lawsuits that allege harm to underaged users of “social media," including claims related to addiction and personal injury.
- Represented Warner Bros Entertainment in a matter in which the plaintiff claimed that the 'The Accountant' was based on his idea, winning in California Superior Court, with the California Court of Appeal affirming.
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Next generation partners
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kenneth L. Steinthal