Atty. David Halberstadter
Over more than 35 years of practice, David Halberstadter, the firm's deputy general counsel, has established a reputation among leading entertainment companies as a no-nonsense advisor and talented litigator. When other options fail, he aggressively pursues and defends lawsuits, with a focus on intellectual property-related disputes.
Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television & More Attorney · Serving Los Angeles, CA
Profile Summary
About David Halberstadter at a Glance
David Halberstadter is a trademark, ip, and entertainment attorney based in Los Angeles, California, practicing at Katten. Educated at Georgetown University (J.D., 1982). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Media Law (2026). Serves clients in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About David Halberstadter
- Over more than 35 years of practice, David Halberstadter, the firm's deputy general counsel, has established a reputation among leading entertainment companies as a no-nonsense advisor and talented litigator
- When other options fail, he aggressively pursues and defends lawsuits, with a focus on intellectual property-related disputes
- Across all his work, clients value David's clear thinking, strategic wisdom and practical business sense
- David represents motion picture studios, production companies, television networks and new media companies
- He gives them advice they can actually use — plain-spoken, grounded in common sense and uncluttered by legalese
- His useful recommendations are backed by the decades he has spent in the entertainment industry
- He also understands the cost burden of litigation and factors that into his advice.The cases that David litigates cover all aspects of developing, financing, producing and distributing entertainment content
- He also plays a significant "behind-the-scenes" role in the development of movies, television shows and new media properties
- He helps clients assess and mitigate risk, often answering the question: "Can we do this without getting sued?
- He regularly reviews books, magazine articles and other source material to determine the risk of third-party claims likely to arise from adaptations
- In other instances, he reviews often-byzantine rights agreements to make sure his clients actually acquire the rights they need for a project
- Clients also turn to him for advice on accounting claims asserted by motion picture and television profit participants
Practice Areas Explained
David Halberstadter's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David Halberstadter handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Los Angeles.
Trademark Law in Los Angeles
David Halberstadter is one of 23,086 trademark attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trademark attorneys in California →
Intellectual Property in Los Angeles
IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.
David Halberstadter is one of 105,285 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in California →
Entertainment & Sports Law in Los Angeles
Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.
David Halberstadter is one of 45,619 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Los Angeles
Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Los Angeles are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Los Angeles Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Los Angeles-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Los Angeles or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Los Angeles Choose David Halberstadter
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish David Halberstadter's practice in the field of trademark, ip, and entertainment.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering trademark, ip, and entertainment, David Halberstadter can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Los Angeles
A Los Angeles-based practice means David Halberstadter attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues David Halberstadter Handles in Los Angeles
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters David Halberstadter has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact David Halberstadter directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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David Halberstadter's Practice Areas & Specializations
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