Business Advisory & General Counsel
We advise founders, creators, families, and fast-moving companies on the decisions that shape their growth. From first formation to global expansion, we bring pragmatic insight and structure to the everyday—ranging from commercial agreements, product and brand launches, partnerships and licensing, general compliance and overall governance.
When the stakes rise, we’re your collaborator and partner. We guide financings, strategic alliances, and acquisitions, and integrate IP strategy with business objectives. Our approach is pragmatic and high-touch, never losing sight of your near and long-term goals.
With extensive experience in managing issues that extend beyond litigation, we also excel in areas such as public relations, crisis management, and strategic publicity.
Practice Segments
We advise on all aspects of content creation and distribution, including:
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Scripted and unscripted series
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Documentaries and talk shows
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Limited series and movies-of-the-week
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Live-action and animated programming
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Broadcast, cable, syndication, and streaming-first distribution
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Our team negotiates and structures some of the most innovative transactions in the industry, including:
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Digital content licensing and streaming rights
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Distribution agreements for OTT and digital platforms
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Media supplier agreements and tech/content joint ventures
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Global licensing and co-production deals
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We represent agencies, brands, and talent in sophisticated cross-platform campaigns:
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Product placement and advertiser-funded programming
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Branded content creation and distribution
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Celebrity and influencer endorsements
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Global content licensing and sponsorship deals
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With a deep understanding of the U.S. and international entertainment markets, we counsel leading producers and distributors across Asia, Europe, and beyond in:
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Cross-border
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Financing transactions with U.S. studios and platforms
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Global content acquisition and exploitation strategies
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We support clients throughout the entire content lifecycle, including:
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IP acquisition and development
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Talent and crew engagement
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Production and post-production support
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Distribution and monetization strategy
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Ancillary rights and revenue exploitation
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Film & TV development, production, financing & distribution agreements
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Joint ventures and international co-productions
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Option and acquisition of IP
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Network and streaming license agreements
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Syndication and barter deals
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Talent, spokesperson, and influencer agreements
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Advertising and branded entertainment contracts
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Labor, guild, and union matters
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Library acquisitions and sales
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IP enforcement, protection & litigation
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Our Talent
Michael Patrick
Co-Managing Partner
Michael Patrick is the Co-Managing Partner of Patrick Doerr, where he blends deep expertise in entertainment, fashion, intellectual property, and litigation with a passion for creating and building. As an entertainment producer, he champions bold storytelling, distinctive voices, and daring entertainment experiences.
Mark Doerr
Co-Managing Partner
Mark Doerr is Co-Managing Partner of Patrick Doerr, specializing in litigation, intellectual property, and entertainment law. With 15 years of experience, he guides clients through complex disputes while championing creativity and innovation, inspired by his passion for electronic music.
Mark Oganessian
Partner
Mark Oganessian is a Partner at Patrick Doerr. With over a decade of experience in entertainment, he has held senior legal and business affairs roles at Netflix and Fox21 Television Studios, advising on original and licensed content including acclaimed series such as Homeland, The Americans, and Mayans MC.
Celebrities, icons, and prominent individuals
Content creators and leaders
Producers
Streaming platforms and digital media companies
Production companies (scripted, unscripted, animation, and more)
Social media networks and gaming companies
Foreign-based content creators and distributors
Advertising agencies and consumer brands
High-profile investors, entrepreneurs, and talent — including actors, directors, writers, producers, celebrities, and influencers