JEFF BRANDSTETTER is a veteran entertainment, intellectual property and business law attorney specializing in film, television, music, literary, new media, business and real estate law matters. For over three decades, he counseled and represented a wide array of entertainment, intellectual property, high-tech and business clients (ranging from very high profile to rising stars), including film and television producers, writers, production companies, distributors, a film/TV studio, film/music manufacturers, recording artists, songwriters, musicians, a world-renowned orchestra conductor, indie record labels, music and literary publishing companies, sports figures (including major league), managers, concert/event promoters, accountants, financiers, and Internet and high-tech startups.
Jeff has extensive transactional and litigation experience in the entertainment industry, including drafting and negotiating all manner of contracts, licenses, deal memos and private placement memoranda necessary for the development, production, distribution and financing of film, video, television, music and new media content across all major distribution platforms and outlets (online, mobile and offline) in domestic and foreign territories. He also has extensive experience with entity formation, governance and dissolution of companies and partnerships. Jeff’s multiple litigation successes, including obtaining and collecting on six- and seven-figure judgments in intellectual property cases; successfully briefing and arguing before the California Court of Appeal on First Amendment issues (prevailing party); and recapturing, prosecuting and policing world-famous trademark and trade dress rights worldwide.
Jeff is the co-author of the highly acclaimed book The Music Business (Explained In Plain English), and has been published in a number of national publications, including The Entertainment And Sports Lawyer and the Entertainment, Publishing And The Arts Handbook, as well as several regional publications, including a bi-monthly legal column in Music Market Magazine. He has been interviewed and appeared multiple times as a speaker and moderator on entertainment law matters (including TV, radio, webcast and live panel/seminar appearances), and served for many years as a panel attorney and lecturer for California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA), the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), Global Film Connect (GFN), and the Institute for International Film Financing (IIFF). Jeff has also served as an adjunct instructor in intellectual property at Golden Gate University, an arbitrator and expert witness in entertainment and complex business litigation matters, and pro bono counsel for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), WildCare, and other non-profit organizations.
Jeff also has extensive knowledge and experience in film distribution, having served as CEO of Windline Films, LLC, an independent film distribution and production company from 2003 to 2015. During that time, he oversaw all content acquisition, company financing, and drafting/negotiation of all agreements related to the development, production and exploitation of indie film content, including theatrical rollouts, foreign territory sales, attending and exhibiting at film markets, as well as Internet and DVD sales, licensing, marketing and publicity.
Film and TV Credits (partial list):
DANGEROUS MINDS, MAD CITY, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (including prequel and sequel), USA Network’s JUDGMENT DAY: THE ELLIE NESLER STORY, Comedy Central’s MAKE ME LAUGH, Fox’s PARTY OF FIVE and ALLY MCBEAL, Discovery Channel’s SMASH LAB, Fuse TV’s BIG FREEDIA: QUEEN OF BOUNCE, and CURIOUS GEORGE (animated TV series), as well as numerous independent productions, including TEKNOLUST (feature film starring Tilda Swinton), BLACK EYED DOG (feature film), CONFESSIONS OF A BURNING MAN (feature documentary), HAPPILY EVEN AFTER (feature film starring Jason Behr, Marina Black and Fay Masterson), HER MINOR THING (feature film); THE INSTITUTE (feature film starring James Franco, Allie Gallerani, Tim Blake Nelson and Lori Singer), OBSTACLES (feature film starring E-40), PURSUIT OF EQUALITY, THE VALLEY (feature film starring Jake T. Austin, Christa B. Allen and Barry Corbin), ALL FALL DOWN (feature film), BLACK POINT RUN (feature film), GOING TO (VAULT Film Festival winner starring Danica Uskert), SEE HOW THEY RUN (feature-length documentary), LIFTED (feature film), PRIDE OF IRELAND (Phil Coulter documentary), THE DAY BEFORE CREATION (animated feature film), BILAL (animated feature film), REPRISAL (TV series), ALL ABOUT DOGS (TV series), TECH CLOSEUP (nationally syndicated TV series), PELOTON video catalog, and Executive Producer of STRAIGHT OUTTA HUNTERS POINT (feature documentary). See also www.IMDb.com.
Education:
Jeff is an anchor tenant on my dream team. In fact he’s the first member of it! I’ve worked with him as my attorney (and friend) for over 12 years now since launching my company. He understands the space I operate within well (digital music/media/entertainment), so we speak the same language which makes life much easier! He’s extremely reliable, creative, thorough and trustworthy. And he’s got a wonderful personality which makes it a joy to work with him — even when (especially when!) dealing with challenging matters. I can’t recommend Jeff highly enough to anyone who seeks knowledgeable legal counsel in the digital media and entertainment space. He knows all the ins and outs required to succeed in this space, and he’s truly a dream to work with. I refer him to others regularly.
— Kelli R.
Trusted Advisor to Visionary Founders, Leaders & Teams, Creators & Innovators; Growth Strategist
The world’s full of people who will tell you “No! That’s impossible.” Jeff is one of those guys who says, “Yes! We can do that. And here’s how we start…” Jeff helped me take my idea from concept to a marketable state. He provides never-ending encouragement & support. He’s realistic without being pessimistic, but never varnishes the truth. My most trusted advisor!
— Eric G.
Technical Project Manager
Jeffrey is an incisive and intelligent attorney and businessman, with wide-ranging knowledge of many areas of business besides the film industry. I am fortunate that I have Jeffrey’s counsel, as I trust his instincts and his wisdom to guide me in many different kinds of matters.
— David H.
Writer/Technical Editor
I’ve worked with Jeffrey on many occasions over a period of more than 20 years. He’s terrific. Extremely knowledgeable, professional, personable, honest, and efficient. I wouldn’t hesitate to give him my highest and most resounding recommendations and endorsement.
— Bill G.
Attorney
Jeff is an aggressive litigator that maintains a sense of reason. (Reason is too often forgotten by many aggressive litigators.) Jeff was of excellent assistance in an appeal I handled for one of his clients, and he did a great job on the appeal he handled for her.
— Greg M.
Appellate Attorney
Jeff did some work for me and always found a great solution that made everyone win. He’s very fast, informed, flexible and digital – a real pleasure to work with. Consider yourself lucky to work with him.
— Gerd L.
Keynote Speaker, Author, Futurist & Humanist, Filmmaker
Jeffrey has served on a few panels for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, San Francisco/Northern California Chapter (www.emmysf.tv), he spoke on copyright law and intellectual property law when it comes to having content on websites, etc. He donated his services to us which we greatly appreciate. I highly recommend him!
— Cynthia Z.
Professor, Public Media Specialist, Screenwriter
