About Caren
Caren Decter: Leading Litigation Attorney for Intellectual Property and Complex Disputes
Caren Decter is a recognized leader in litigation, offering strategic legal counsel to a diverse clientele across the advertising, art, consumer goods, and media & entertainment industries. With nearly 20 years of experience, she is a partner in the Litigation Group, renowned for her aggressive yet efficient approach to complex legal challenges and her commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients. Ms. Decter consistently receives accolades, including recognition as a Leading Lawyer by Best Lawyers in America (2024-2025), The Legal 500 (2024), and Super Lawyers (2021-2023), reflecting her exceptional skill and dedication.
Clients benefit from Ms. Decter’s ability to manage litigation effectively, coupled with her proactive approach to problem-solving. She skillfully navigates intricate contractual disputes, intellectual property matters, and consumer class actions, often devising creative solutions before they escalate into protracted litigation. Her responsiveness and deep understanding of the industries she serves distinguish her as a trusted legal advisor.
Recent Case Highlights:
- Dismissal of Copyright Claims: Successfully obtained dismissal of copyright claims against the world’s largest online clearinghouse of stock 3D models, safeguarding client interests in the digital marketplace.
- Art Fraud Defense: Secured dismissal on summary judgment of a $30 million art fraud complaint, expertly defending a client’s reputation and assets.
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty & Contract Claims: Achieved dismissal of breach of fiduciary duty and contract claims against a commercial bank, protecting a client from significant financial liability.
- Educational Publisher Litigation: Represented a leading educational publisher in trademark infringement and breach-of-contract litigation against Vanderbilt University, fiercely defending intellectual property rights.
- Museum Restitution Case: Represented a museum in a complex World War II restitution case, navigating international legal complexities and securing a favorable resolution.
- Consumer Class Action Defense: Defended numerous clients in consumer class actions and mass arbitrations arising under state and federal law, including consumer protection statutes, the California Wiretapping Statute (CIPA), the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), the Lanham Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- CCPA Resolution: Responded to and resolved numerous California Attorney General CCPA Notice of Violation letters for industry clients, ensuring compliance and mitigating potential penalties.
- Criminal Antitrust Investigation Defense: Represented an advertising agency in connection with a criminal antitrust investigation, providing comprehensive legal support and achieving a strategic outcome.
- Supreme Court Amicus Brief: Drafted a U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief in *Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. v. Goldsmith*, discussing the impact of the fair use ruling on documentary filmmakers – a landmark case demonstrating her strategic thinking and legal expertise.
Commitment to Pro Bono Service: Ms. Decter is deeply committed to pro bono work, exemplifying her dedication to social justice. The Anti-Defamation League awarded her and several of her colleagues the Edward Brodsky Founders Award in recognition of their work on an amicus brief arguing against President Trump’s travel ban – a testament to her commitment to protecting civil liberties.
Professional Affiliations & Board Involvement: Ms. Decter’s leadership extends beyond her legal practice. She is on the Board of Directors for the New York County Lawyers Association Foundation and a member of the Federal Courts Committee of the NYC Bar Association. Prior to joining Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Partners, Ms. Decter served as an attorney with Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, where she focused on complex commercial litigations and gained valuable courtroom experience. She also clerked for the Honorable Colleen McMahon, Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York – a formative experience that honed her legal skills and analytical abilities.
Legal Expertise & Admissions: Ms. Decter’s legal practice is supported by extensive qualifications, including admission to practice in New York and New Jersey, and before the federal courts in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the District of New Jersey, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. This broad scope of practice allows her to represent clients across a range of legal challenges with confidence and precision.
Practice Areas:
- Criminal Defense (White-Collar)
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Contract Disputes
- Consumer Class Actions
- Art Law
- Defensive Litigation
Awards & Recognition:
- Best Attorney USA (2024-Present)
- Best Lawyers in America (2024-2025)
- The Legal 500 (2024)
- Super Lawyers (2021-2023)
Education:
- Bar Admissions: New York, New Jersey, Federal Courts (Southern & Eastern Districts of New York, District of New Jersey, Second Circuit, Supreme Court)
