Legal Insights • Empowering Knowledge • Meaningful Analysis • Educational Resources
Stephen Doniger
Copy That: Copyright Law, Explained.
The works protected by copyright enrich our culture and economy, and I believe that understanding and enforcing copyright law is key to supporting that enrichment. Whether you are a colleague, a creative, or just curious, I hope this site offers some interesting insight, understanding, and food for thought. Drop me a line, feedback is always appreciated!
Recent Journal Articles
Sec. 203 Reaches All rights (and it's Alright)
New Matter, Vol.51, No.3 (Fall 2026). The Fifth Circuit's holding in Vetter v Resnik has labels in a tizzy. But why shouldn't artists get back all the rights they gave away-isn't that the point of Sec. 203? The 5th got it right. And everything will be OK.
Blog Posts and Online Articles:
Legal Guides
Fair Use Framework
Navigating the balancing of factors that determine fair use in advertising, legacy media, digital media, research, education, and transformative creative works.
Licensing 101
A comprehensive overview of when you need a license, when you and how to terminate a license, how to structure licensing agreements, and what happens when licenses are breached or limitations on uses are not honored.
Compliance Checklist
Practical checklists for ensuring your commercial projects meet all legal requirements and avoid litigation risks.
Thought Leadership • Legal Consultancy
Stephen Doniger: What makes this guy think he's the authority on copyright law?
Well, I'm not. But sometimes I know what I'm talking about, having handled more copyright infringement cases than just about anyone on the planet (seriously), including cases that made new caselaw in the Ninth, Eighth, and Second Circuits and before the US Supreme Court.
I regularly speak and write on copyright law, teach "Music & Law" at UCLA, and in 2023 received the California Lawyers Association IP Law Section's Vanguard Award which “honors outstanding legal professionals... for their contributions to the advancement of intellectual property law.” My firm was named by Chambers as a top small firm in intellectual property law, and I have been designated a California Super Lawyer for many years, a Martindale-Hubbell Platinum level Client Champion, "Best of Legal" by Los Angeles Magazine, and been honored with numerous other professional accolades.
Of course, none of that is to say that my opinions are always right. Apply your own critical eye to the contents of this site and tell me what you think... since the point is ultimately to inspire thought about what the law is and should be.
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Honors and Awards
Super Lawyers 2021-2026
CLA IP Section Vanguard Award Winer, 2023
Martindale-Hubbell rated Platinum Client Champion, 2023-2026
Los Angeles magazine's 2026 "Best of L.A. Legal"
Thompson Reuters's Super Lawyers rating service recognizes the top 5% of practitioners based on peer recognition and professional achievement.
The California Lawyers Association (CLA) IP Section Vanguard Award is its highest honor, recognizing outstanding legal professionals who have made significant contributions to the development of intellectual property law.
Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys with excellent client service as affirmed by the quantity and quality of client reviews. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon
Recognized as one of the best attorneys in Los Angeles County "based on peer research, highlighting professionals with exceptional skill in a competitive legal market."
Legal Education and Strategy
I believe in the power of shared expertise. I have been honored and privileged to have been brought in by many excellent attorneys as co-counsel, trial counsel, and/or as an expert witness or consultant, and by many clients and trade groups to present speaking engagements and written guidelines. Please reah out if I can be of assistance.
Direct Inquiries:
Whether you agree with the positions taken on this site or not, I would love to hear from you. Comments and critiques welcome.
Stephen@DonigerLawFirm.com
Phone
+1 (310) 590-1820