The True Celebrity: Law Firms Joining the DLDF Ranks

The Dramatists Legal Defense Fund (the “DLDF”) has been fortunate to partner with several law firms in various states to tackle dramatists’ legal issues ranging from nonpayment to fair use litigation. We’re thankful to all these firms and look forward to continued work with them.

The DLDF had a recent case involving a dramatist’s work about a celebrity that had been receiving successful productions for about twenty years. Seemingly out of the blue, that celebrity’s estate began sending cease-and-desist letters, hindering further performances anywhere. The dramatist, like most of his colleagues, was ill-equipped on his own to argue the nuances of the pertinent law, e.g., rights of publicity, potential defamation of a public figure, and privacy. Thankfully, Josef Schenker, Esq. and James P. Stevens, Esq. of Ropes & Gray agreed to counsel the dramatist as to the contours of his options. It’s enough for an author to know how to craft a play or musical, so we’re appreciative of Ropes & Gray for stepping in to see what, if anything, can be done to help this accomplished dramatist. Special gratitude to Byrne Harrison at this firm for making the connection.

The end of 2022 saw an influx of several firms enthusiastic to help dramatists with their disputes and contractual issues, including the possibility of drafting amicus curiae briefs should the need arise. If your firm would like to join our ranks, please contact Dave at: dfaux@dramatistsguild.com.