Ben Sheffner

About Ben Sheffner

Experienced copyright/media/entertainment attorney and government affairs/policy advocate with unique background comprising over two decades in law, policy, journalism, and politics. Legal expertise in copyright, anti-piracy, trademark, right of publicity, defamation, privacy, media access, and related First Amendment issues, entertainment transactions, as well as general litigation matters. Former political journalist. Experience working at motion picture/television studios and networks, trade association, major law firm, newspaper, specialized political publication, and presidential campaign. Currently based in Motion Picture Association\'s Los Angeles office, with frequent visits to Washington, DC.

Experience

1. Senior Vice President & Associate General Counsel, Law & Policy

   Motion Picture Association

   Apr 2022 — Present · Los Angeles & Washington, DC, US

   Member of MPA\'s Legal and Government Affairs departments with dual role as attorney and policy advocate. Advise association and its members (the seven major US motion picture studios) on copyright, right of publicity, trademark, First Amendment, and other issues, including playing a lead role in developing, implementing, and communicating motion picture industry\'s positions on artificial intelligence. Manage MPA amicus brief program. Represent MPA and member studios before the US Congress, state legislatures, and US Copyright Office and Patent and Trademark Office, including by submission of written comments in response to Federal Register notices and testimony at public hearings. Work closely with MPA Legal, Federal and State Government Affairs, and Communications, and counterparts at member studios, to formulate policy and coordinate press and legislative strategy and tactics. Represent MPA at legal/policy organizations including American Law Institute and Uniform Law Commission. Speak frequently in public fora to promote MPA and motion picture industry legal and public policy positions. Manage MPA\'s US political/ethics compliance. Serve as counsel to MPA Title Registration Bureau.

Education

• University of California, Berkeley - School of Law

  JD

  1997 — 2000

• Harvard University

  A.B., Government

  1989 — 1993

Skills

• Negotiation
• Entertainment Law
• Anti-Piracy
• Licensing
• Digital Media
• Copyright Law
• Legal Research
• Entertainment
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Trade Secrets
• Television
• Public Speaking
• Intellectual Property
• Appeals
• New Media
• Public Policy
• Commercial Litigation
• Trademarks
• Contract Negotiation
• Film