Überblick
Jeff McFarland focuses his practice on general business litigation with an emphasis on entertainment industry disputes.
He represents studios, video game publishers, independent production companies, television networks, talent agencies, managers and actors/producers/directors in litigation matters around the country. He also has experience representing computer hardware manufacturers, and consumer electronics companies in class actions.
In addition, Jeff has had significant experience representing banks and financial institutions as well as real estate developers in complex litigation matters.
Prior to joining McDermott, Jeff acted as co-chair of his previous firm’s National Media & Entertainment Practice.
Ausgewählte Referenzmandate
- Won summary judgment for a major video game publisher in an action brought by a rock band claiming that their right of publicity in their unique sound was violated by publisher’s use of re-recorded cover version of their hit song in a popular video game*
- Represented major motion picture studio in idea theft case concerning the life story of a public figure, winning dismissal at the pleading stage*
- Won summary judgment of copyright and idea theft claims for major motion picture studio where plaintiff alleged he submitted a full script to producer bearing same name and similar story as studio’s film*
- Successfully represented producer of highest grossing independent film of all time in accounting claims brought by profit participant*
- Obtained favorable settlement of profit participant claims for producer of long-running British sitcom*
- Secured a jury verdict in favor of a television executive who claimed an entitlement to a portion of the profits from a top rated survival reality series*
- Obtained a favorable settlement for a video game publisher in a case where a rock band claimed use of avatars of the band in a video game exceeded the scope of the license granted*
- Successfully represented the cast of a top rated sitcom in a case to void their contracts that resulted in new contracts with large increases in per episode salaries and the granting of a percentage ownership in series*
- Won dismissal with prejudice of class action claims at pleading stage in case alleging unfair business practices associated with computer hardware servicing*
- Obtained settlement against motion picture exhibitor providing production company client with record film rental for major independent release*
- Tried a winning arbitration awarding release of major talent agent from exclusive contract with talent agency*
- Represented partner in one of the largest land development companies in California in a dispute with former partner, obtaining settlement in excess of $50 million*
- Won summary judgment of claims alleging lender liability claims for major California home lender*
- Successfully represented financial institution in recovery of over $100 million in fraudulent loans purchased from a correspondent lender*
* Matter handled prior to joining McDermott.
Mitgliedschaften
- CLARE Foundation – Board Member
- MusiCares – Fundraising Committee Member
Qualifikation
Education
University of Utah, JD, 1991
Loyola Marymount University, BA, 1986
Admissions
California
Courts/Agencies
US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
US District Court for the Central District of California
US District Court for the Northern District of California
US District Court for the Southern District of California
US District Court for the Eastern District of California
