|
Fernando M. Pinguelo, a Member of the firm and Chair of its Entertainment Law Group, devotes his practice to entertainment law, complex litigation, and employment matters.
Fernando has extensive experience in all facets of litigation in both the federal and state courts. He has prosecuted cases involving copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, fraud, breach of non-compete covenants, USERRA violations and business torts; defended a health care provider against a statewide consumer fraud action filed by the Attorney General; and has negotiated settlements in the millions of dollars on behalf of his clients.
In the area of entertainment law, Fernando counsels a host of diverse talent, maintaining close client contact and taking a personal interest in opportunities or problems that may impact them. In the field of broadcasting, Fernando regularly counsels television news anchors, reporters, and meteorologists, including Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning talent, on agent agreements, professional development, and employment matters. In the music sector, Fernando counsels singers/songwriters, managers, bands, musicians, performers, DJs, and hip-hop publishers on various issues including music development, licensing, production, publishing and marketing. Fernando also counsels screenwriters on copyright issues and development deals (most recently, the story rights to a former NBA player's life). In addition, Fernando recently negotiated a distribution transaction for an International Master of Chess.
Fernando also coordinates the firm’s Response to Electronic Discovery and Information (REDI) Group and works with clients to develop strategies and implement cutting-edge technologies to manage issues related to information technology. REDI also helps clients reduce litigation risk by complying with various laws. Notably, Fernando was involved in New Jersey’s first case addressing its new e-discovery rule amendments, and has lectured at the Judicial College on the topic.
Due to the nature of the issues his clients face, Fernando strives to provide them with prompt responses, as well as good-faith assessments of the time and costs required in each particular case. In this way, Fernando ensures that his clients’ minds are at ease and that their expectations are met.
Fernando has published several articles and has lectured on a variety of topics including electronic discovery, entertainment law, copyright, contracts, employment law, and information technology. He has appeared on television (including Court TV) as a legal commentator on various high-profile trials, and has been quoted and cited in many newspapers and magazines and on radio and television broadcasts regarding cases he has handled. Fernando is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Seton Hall University Law School.
Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin, Fernando was a Law Clerk for the Honorable Edwin H. Stern, Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division. He was also a prosecutor who regularly prosecuted DWI and criminal matters. | 