
Robert S. Gutierrez is a litigator who defends clients across the entertainment industry in contract, ownership, and royalty disputes; idea submission and right of publicity claims; and in matters involving allegations of copyright infringement, defamation, invasion of privacy, unfair competition, and fraud.
Robert also provides chain of title analysis and clearance review of books, screenplays, documentaries, and films on issues pertaining to defamation, trademark and copyright infringement, and privacy and publicity rights.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Defended prominent Vietnamese entertainment company against claim of copyright infringement relating to compositions by famed Vietnamese composers.
- Obtained summary judgment for leading music production company FirstCom Music against claims for RICO violations, copyright infringement, and fraud involving hundreds of compositions and sound recordings.
- Obtained dismissal of a lawsuit filed against producers of the motion picture The 33 alleging copyright infringement against the film's score.
Professional Highlights
Professional Activities
California State Bar Association
Los Angeles Copyright Society
Media Law Resource Center
Recognition & Accomplishments
Southern California Super Lawyer, 2014-2019
Publications
"California Appellate Court Affirms Summary Judgment Dismissing Implied Contract Claim Against Rounders Motion Picture," MLRC MediaLawLetter, September 2007
"California Appellate Court Rejects Claim For Publication of Old Crime Information," MLRC MediaLawLetter, March 2003
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Credentials
Education
Stanford Law School (J.D. 1989)
Associate Managing Editor, Law Review
Harvard University (B.A. 1984)
Admissions
California
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit