Alan Friel is a partner in the Intellectual Property Department of Edwards Wildman. He is a thought leader regarding convergence legal issues - the property, liability and regulatory implications at the evolving intersections between media, marketing, technology, distribution, commerce, privacy and communication brought about by the ongoing digital revolution. He also regularly addresses complex intellectual property and business issues for a broad range of traditional industries, including research and development, licensing, financing, acquisitions, distribution, sales representative relationships, manufacturing, outsourcing, labeling, warranty matters and joint ventures.
A sought-after speaker and counselor regarding practical application of substantive legal issues, Mr. Friel is most proud of his long affiliation as an Assistant Professor in a multi-disciplinary project at the Graduate School of TV, Film and Digital Media at UCLA where he helps groom the next generation of new media lawyers, executives and creatives. Mr. Friel has been contributing to the development of the legal and business paradigms of cyberspace since the days of CD-Rom and bulletin board services. He negotiated the first experimental Internet production agreements with traditional Hollywood talent unions - SAG, DGA and WGA - in the 1990s.
Mr. Friel continues to be on the cutting edge of emerging media, crafting alliances between TV producers and distributors and online services and between big brands and social game publishers and "app" developers, as examples. From major acquisitions to specific campaigns and basic online or mobile presence, Mr. Friel brings the experience and foresight necessary to help companies and entrepreneurs navigate the compelling, but complex, opportunities disruptive technology creates. His clients include both established and emerging companies. Mr Friel is AV® Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Notable Experience
- Counsels clients on the privacy, data security, technology, regulatory and intellectual property implications of using mobile, social and digital media. As these mediums become more integrated into marketing initiatives, the company may not be aware of the legal implications at great risk to their assets and goodwill and too often resulting in FTC and AG actions or class action lawsuits.
- Extensive experience in matters relating to live action and animation television and theatrical motion picture development, production and distribution.
- Negotiates branded entertainment and product placement and integration agreements.
- Represents clients regarding (online and offline) advertising, marketing, sponsorship and promotions.
- Drafts and negotiates licensing agreements and other intellectual property transactions.
- Addresses interactive game, digital, software and other technology matters.
- Structures research and development, manufacturing, distribution and sales arrangements.
- Advises on financing and acquisition arrangements.
Education
- Northeastern University School of Law, J.D.
- University of California at Los Angeles, EPM
- Georgia State University, B.S.
Bar Admissions
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit