James Sammataro

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT JAMES SAMMATARO

James is one of the music industry’s most recognized attorneys, having represented Eminem, Justin Bieber, Enrique Iglesias, Karol G, Don Omar, Chris Cornell, Chris Brown, Dr. Dre, Becky G, Lil Baby, Paulo Londra, Roddy Ricch, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music and Spotify in high profile disputes. James has defended iconic musical works: Luis Fonsi’s \"Despacito,\" Pitbull’s \"Give Me Everything,\" Karol G’s remix of \"Dame tu Cosita,\" Chris Brown and Drake’s \"No Guidance,\" and Da Baby’s \"Rockstar.\" James’ trial success has resulted in Billboard\'s repeated recognition of him as one of the nation’s top music lawyers. James’ recent work includes: • Defending the Reggaeton industry, including Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna, Becky G, Anitta, and Diplo (among 93 total defendants), in the sprawling “Dem Bow” copyright infringement action.• Extricating several of the music industry’s biggest stars from copyright infringement actions. James brought a close to an infringement action involving Chris Brown’s collaboration with Drake, “No Guidance,”; ended a claim that Brown’s “Pills & Automobiles” infringed the composition “Wet”; and coaxed the dismissal of an infringement claim against Da Baby and Roddy Ricch for the mega-hit “Rockstar.”• Resolving the Estate of Chris Cornell’s litigation with the band Soundgarden over the recordings containing Cornell’s final vocal performance, bringing a close to the heavily contested three-year litigation, and paving the way for the release of Soundgarden’s final album.• Spearheading Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment’s parallel copyright infringement actions against Bang Energy, securing both summary judgment and spoilation sanctions against the energy drink company. Variety has hailed James as one of Hollywood\'s most impactful entertainment attorneys, based on his deft handling of media entities and A-List celebrities in delicate disputes, including defamation matters (Sean Penn vs. Lee Daniels), right of publicity claims (Lindsey Lohan vs. Pitbull), trademark disputes (American Idol and America’s Got Talent) and profit participation disputes (Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Making the Band and The Real World). James possesses unparalleled experience with touring exhibitions working with Spiderman, Rock of Ages, Harry Potter, The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains, The Bodies Exhibition, Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, CoComelon The Little Prince and The Lionel Messi Experience.