Nicolas A. Jampol
Partner
Member, Executive Committee
Nicolas Jampol is a go-to litigator and counselor for his entertainment and technology clients who lead the market in the creation, use, and distribution of all forms of content. He was recently featured in both The Hollywood Reporter's Power Lawyers list of the top 100 lawyers in the entertainment industry and Variety's Legal Impact Report of Hollywood's top entertainment attorneys. Chambers wrote that Nicolas "has developed an impressive entertainment practice, which includes a particular emphasis on intellectual property disputes" and that he "draws praise for his representation of companies involved in high-stakes copyright and trademark infringement disputes." Nicolas' deep understanding of the intersection between creative expression and intellectual property has made him a sought-after litigator and advisor. He is also a member of the firm's executive committee.
On the litigation side, Nicolas has defended high-profile clients in some of the most closely watched cases in the industry. He is known for his emphasis on litigation strategy and for the outcomes he achieves. On the counseling side, Nicolas provides content review and guidance on potential legal risks associated with film, television, podcasts, and other forms of content, ensuring that his clients can push creative boundaries while managing risk. He has advised on numerous projects for major streaming services and film studios, helping clients navigate complex issues surrounding copyright, trademark, defamation, and the right of publicity.
Nicolas' record of success and dedication to client service has earned him praise from industry peers and clients alike. Whether proactively advising on content risk or defending against claims that threaten creative works, Nicolas is committed to protecting his clients' rights while championing the freedom to tell compelling stories.
Practice Highlights
Complex copyright issues
Litigates a wide range of complex copyright issues, including substantial similarity, fair use, and allegations of idea theft. He also counsels his entertainment and technology clients regarding all aspects of copyright law, under U.S. law and internationally.
Protecting creative integrity
Provides advice on a wide variety of film and television projects, with a particular focus on projects based on or inspired by real people, including "Say Nothing," "The Smashing Machine," "American Sports Story," "Five Days at Memorial," "Welcome to Chippendales," "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans," and "Bad Education."
Safeguarding the public domain
Unlike in every other country, under U.S. law literary characters may be partially in the public domain and partially protected by copyright. Nicolas defends against purported rights holders who use litigation to extort their way to license fees for materials that are in the public domain.
Litigation
Counseling
Admitted to Practice
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California
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U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
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U.S. District Court, Central District of California
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U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
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U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
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U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
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U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
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U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
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U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
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U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
Education
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J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 2006, cum laude
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B.A., Business Economics, Minor in Accounting, University of California, Los Angeles, 2002, cum laude
Memberships & Affiliations
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- Executive Committee, Davis Wright Tremaine
- Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property Section; Litigation Section – Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Intellectual Property Law Section; Litigation Section – American Bar Association
Professional Recognition
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- Ranked by Chambers USA in Media & Entertainment: Litigation (California), 2022-2025; in Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets (California), 2022-2025
- Named as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers in Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television, 2025-present
- Named as one of "500 Leading Global Entertainment, Sports & Media Lawyers" by Lawdragon, 2025
- Named as one of the "Power Lawyers 2025: Hollywood's Top 100 Attorneys" by The Hollywood Reporter, 2025
- Selected to the "Legal Impact Report: Top Entertainment Attorneys," Variety, 2024-2025
- Recognized as one of "Hollywood's New Leaders," Variety, 2018
- Selected to "Southern California Rising Stars," Thomson Reuters, 2014-2016
- Recipient of the "Freedom of Information Award," ACLU of Southern California, 2014
Background
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- Lecturer In Law, Legal Writing & Advocacy, USC Gould School of Law, 2013-2014
- Winston & Strawn LLP, Los Angeles, 2006-2012