Second Circuit Dismisses Comic Book Lawsuit After Successful Argument by Cynthia Arato

On September 27, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit against the ex-wife of comic book artist Wallace Wood, which claimed that valuable comic book artwork in her possession should be turned over to Wallace Wood’s biographer. Shapiro Arato partner Cynthia Arato argued in the … Read more

Shapiro Arato Files Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Copyright Case

On September 15, 2016, Shapiro Arato LLP filed an amicus brief on behalf of the Recording Industry Association of America (“RIAA”) in the Supreme Court of the United States in the long-standing “dancing baby” case. In that case, a video depicting a child dancing to a copyrighted song was removed from YouTube for alleged infringement. … Read more

Cynthia S. Arato Appointed Chair of The Copyright & Literary Property Committee of The New York City Bar Association

Partner Cynthia S. Arato has been appointed to a three-year term as Chair of the Copyright & Literary Property Committee of the New York City Bar Association. The Copyright & Literary Property Committee addresses a wide variety of issues of concern to the copyright bar and to industries that are focused on content creation, distribution … Read more

Shapiro Arato “Rocs” Attorneys’ Fee Awards

On August 29, 2016, Southern District Magistrate Judge Ronald L. Ellis awarded Shapiro Arato’s clients over $8,000 in attorney’s fees arising from plaintiff Dwayne Walker and his counsel’s refusal to produce discoverable text messages in connection with the plaintiff’s lawsuit regarding the Roc-A-Fella Records logo. Judge Ellis initially granted Shapiro Arato’s motion for sanctions on … Read more

Shapiro Arato Wins Bail for Former New York State Senate Majority Leader Pending Appeal in Public Corruption Case

On August 4, 2016, the Honorable Kimba M. Wood of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted our motion to continue bail for our client, former New York State Senator Dean Skelos, pending his appeal of his conviction on federal corruption charges. Judge Wood held that Senator Skelos’ appeal … Read more

Shapiro Arato Partners Recognized Among Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America

Partners Alexandra Shapiro and Cynthia Arato have been recognized in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in America 2016 guide. Lawdragon is a legal media company that provides online news and editorial features, including guides to the nation’s leading lawyers. The list includes elite attorneys from all over the country, chosen through a process of nominations, peer … Read more