Edward H. Rosenthal

Edward H. Rosenthal: Protecting Your Intellectual Property Rights

Edward H. Rosenthal is a recognized leader in intellectual property law, dedicated to fiercely protecting the rights of businesses and individuals across a wide range of industries. As Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Group, Mr. Rosenthal brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complex legal landscape surrounding trademarks, copyrights, right of publicity, and commercial disputes. He is a strategic legal counsel known for his aggressive advocacy and commitment to achieving optimal outcomes for his clients.

Mr. Rosenthal specializes in providing comprehensive legal solutions for clients in the media, advertising, sports, and entertainment sectors. He expertly navigates the thorny issues surrounding copyright termination, offering invaluable guidance to clients regarding their rights and obligations. His proactive prepublication review services – meticulously examining books, articles, television programs, motion pictures, and other materials – help prevent potential infringement and safeguard creative works from the outset. This meticulous approach is complemented by his robust trademark prosecution and enforcement efforts, representing numerous businesses and individuals in securing and defending their valuable intellectual property assets.

Mr. Rosenthal’s legal career is marked by impactful victories in high-profile cases. Notably, he represented The Authors Guild and a number of other authors' rights associations and individuals in groundbreaking litigation against Google and the HathiTrust, successfully challenging their mass book digitization programs and addressing the complex issues of orphan works. His defense of Fredrik Colting, author of 60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye, and his U.S. distributor, against J.D. Salinger's copyright infringement claim demonstrated his strategic prowess and commitment to upholding intellectual property rights.

Furthermore, Mr. Rosenthal’s successful defense of J.K. Rowling and Scholastic Inc., the author and publisher of the Harry Potter books, against claims of copyright and trademark infringement solidified his reputation as a formidable advocate for intellectual property protection. These cases, along with countless others, underscore his ability to expertly handle complex litigation and secure favorable outcomes for his clients.

Beyond litigation, Mr. Rosenthal is a thought leader in the field of intellectual property law. He has authored numerous articles and lectured extensively on a wide range of topics, regularly presenting to the Practicing Law Institute on Right of Publicity and copyright issues. His active participation in panels and conferences, including those hosted by the Copyright Society of the U.S.A. and the International Trademark Association, demonstrates his ongoing commitment to advancing the field. He is also co-editor of the firm’s intellectual property/media law blog, a valuable resource for staying informed about the latest developments in the media and entertainment industries. Mr. Rosenthal’s co-chair role within the Committee on Publicity, Privacy and Media of the New York State Bar Association’s Entertainment and Sports Law Committee highlights his significant contributions to the legal community.

Prior to joining Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, Mr. Rosenthal gained valuable experience as a law clerk to Hon. Abraham D. Sofaer in the Southern District of New York and as an associate at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School, instructing students in Legal Writing and Intellectual Property Drafting.

Key Credentials:

• Practice Areas: Copyright Law, Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Trademark Law, Commercial Litigation, Entertainment Law - Theater, Litigation - First Amendment
• Special Focus Areas: Advertising, Copyright, Defamation, Film, Intellectual Property, Literary, Litigation, Media, Sports, Television
• Awards & Recognition: Lawyer of the Year: Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (2025), Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2006, in Best Lawyer USA, in Chambers USA, World Trademark Review 1000, The Legal 500
• Bar Admissions: New York
• Affiliations: Copyright Society of the U.S.A., International Trademark Association, Committee on Publicity, Privacy and Media of the New York State Bar Association’s Entertainment and Sports Law Committee

Education: Fordham Law School (Legal Writing, 1985-1986; Intellectual Property Drafting, 1996)

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