Jason T. Lueddeke

Lueddeke represents high-profile individuals and companies within entertainment, media, music and sports in a broad range of matters including litigation, defamation and privacy, unfair competition, business torts and commercial disputes. Raised and educated in the heart of the entertainment industry, Los Angeles native Lueddeke knew early on that he wanted to work in the sector.

“To me, they go hand in hand, IP and entertainment. Entertainment is kind of this amorphous area of law, but a lot of it is grounded in IP,” he said.

While many of his cases are confidential, Lueddeke discussed his ongoing work representing Philip Lawrence, a songwriter and producer to artists such as Bruno Mars, Adele and Maroon Five. Lueddeke represents Lawrence in three state and federal court litigations against music producer Patrizio Moi. Moi et al. v. Lawrence et al., No. 18STCV08191 (L.A. Sup. Ct., Filed Dec. 11, 2018); Lawrence et al. v. Moi et al., No. 21STCV27084 (L.A. Sup. Ct., Filed July, 22, 2021); Moi et al. v. Lawrence et al., No. 2:21-cv-07022(C.D. Cal., Filed Aug. 31, 2021). All of the cases revolve around ownership rights to the iconic Record Plant recording studio in Hollywood and its related trademarks.

Moi claims that Lawrence promised to give Moi’s production company an equity interest of 5 percent in Philmar Studios, the company created to own and manage the Record Plant, in exchange for $300,000 of studio upgrades. Moi alleges that Lawrence did not honor the alleged agreement and that he did not receive any equity in Philmar Studios.

Lueddeke has drafted extensive briefings in the cases, including a motion to enforce the settlement agreement, a motion to dismiss and an opposition to a motion to remand. He prevailed on all three motions. The three related cases have been pending for a few years, but one is currently active and about to begin discovery.

“This is a really cool case for me because I love music more than anything, it’s my passion. To be able to work on a case like this, with a property like this, melds my love of music, my work and all these IP issues,” he said.

He also represents Lawrence in separate litigation brought by Mickey Shapiro, a longtime Hollywood attorney. Shapiro v. Lawrence, No. 20STCV20818 (L.A. Sup. Ct., Filed June 2, 2020). Shapiro claims that he is entitled to a $4 million finders’ fee based on the multimillion-dollar sale price of Lawrence’s music publishing catalog, which includes Bruno Mars’ biggest hits. The case was set to go to trial in May, but has been continued to later this year.

Lueddeke stays active with community and pro bono work. One of his most gratifying pro bono experiences, he said, was leading the team that secured a rare California gubernatorial pardon for

Francisco Acevedo Alaniz, who served five months in 1999 for vehicle theft and was facing deportation based on the conviction.

– Jennifer Chung Klam