Brian G. Murphy

Brian G. Murphy: Leading Advertising and Intellectual Property Law Firm

Brian G. Murphy is a highly respected legal counsel specializing in advertising law and intellectual property, dedicated to protecting the brand assets and creative works of advertising agencies, entertainment companies, and prominent talent. Recognized as the 2018 and 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” for Advertising Law by Best Attorney USA, Mr. Murphy brings unparalleled expertise and a strategic approach to navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding advertising, entertainment, and intellectual property rights. He consistently delivers exceptional results for his clients, earning a strong reputation for advocacy and legal acumen.

Mr. Murphy’s practice centers around a comprehensive suite of legal services designed to support the development and successful launch of advertising and entertainment properties across all media. He expertly handles matters relating to copyright, trademark, right of publicity/right of privacy, false advertising, unfair competition, and defamation. His deep understanding of these areas, combined with his extensive experience, allows him to anticipate and mitigate potential legal risks for his clients, ensuring their creative endeavors remain protected and compliant.

A cornerstone of his practice involves negotiating and structuring complex talent agreements, agency-client contracts, sponsorship arrangements, product integration deals, and crucial music, film, and other content licenses. Mr. Murphy's strategic approach extends to assisting clients in the development and execution of sophisticated contests, sweepstakes, and charitable promotions and programs – particularly those leveraging user-generated content across social media, interactive, and mobile platforms. He possesses a nuanced understanding of the legal considerations inherent in these dynamic environments, protecting his clients from potential liabilities while maximizing engagement and brand impact.

Furthermore, Mr. Murphy is a sought-after advisor on the development and production of branded entertainment projects, including television shows, films, live events, electronic games, webisodes, mobisodes, and websites. He expertly guides clients through the intricate process of securing rights, managing intellectual property, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. His proactive approach and detailed knowledge of industry standards are invaluable to clients seeking to maximize the value and reach of their brand-aligned entertainment ventures.

As a frequent and respected speaker on advertising, entertainment, and intellectual property issues, Mr. Murphy is committed to sharing his expertise and insights. His presentations at leading forums such as the American Bar Association Annual Meeting (“Listen to the Sound of Music: Anatomy of a Copyright Infringement Lawsuit”), the New York City Bar Association’s Current Developments in Copyright Law Program (“The Wonderful World of User Generated Content”), and the Significant Developments in Intellectual Property Law of Computers and Cyberspace at the University of Dayton School of Law (“Fair Use 2009: Should the Internet, Digital Media and User Generated Content Change Our Analysis?”) demonstrate his ongoing commitment to educating the legal community and his clients. He also regularly contributes to conferences organized by the Copyright Society, ACI (American Conference Institute), and New York Law School, tackling topics ranging from copyright and Lanham Act claims to the use of people and places in entertainment.

Mr. Murphy's background includes teaching courses on entertainment, copyright, and intellectual property at Fordham University Law School and New York Law School, further solidifying his deep understanding of these critical areas. His lectures at the Parsons School of Design showcase his forward-thinking perspective on intellectual property and its impact on creative industries. His affiliations include the Copyright Society of the U.S.A., the Entertainment, Arts & Sports Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, the Promotion Marketing Association, and the American Bar Association Intellectual Property Section’s Special Committee on Promotions and Marketing Law. He previously clerked for the Hon. Leonard B. Sand, United States District Judge in the Southern District of New York, providing him with invaluable experience in litigation and judicial processes.

Education & Credentials

• Bar Admissions: New York
• Awards: Lawyer of the Year: Advertising Law (2025, 2018), Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2013, Chambers USA (New York-area “Super Lawyer”), The Legal 500
• Practice Areas: Advertising Law, Copyright Law, Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
• Previous Teaching Experience: Entertainment, Copyright and Intellectual Property Courses at Fordham University Law School and New York Law School

Affiliations: Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2013, City: New York, State: New York, Country: United States