The firm recently filed two lawsuits in federal court, one in California and the other in Texas, for claims arising under the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the Sale of International Goods. In California, the firm’s client is a luxury fashion brand asserting claims against its former manufacturer, based in Italy, arising out of a supply contract for the 2015 spring and fall seasons. The firm completed service under the Hague Service Convention in less than two months and the action is underway in the client’s chosen venue of California. In the Texas lawsuit, we represent a well-known manufacturer and distributor of consumer good products, with a focus on ‘back to school’ products, in a lawsuit against the client’s former U.S. distributor. The firm successfully dismissed a counterclaim alleging misappropriation of trade secrets, and the matter is set for trial in late 2017.
Firm News & Information
Upstart sports blog hires Heath Steinbeck as general counsel
The firm has been engaged as general counsel to The Lead Sports, a sports blog and newsletter renowned for its irreverent take on the sports world and for breaking news that has shaken up the business of sports. The firm has guided the company through multiple rounds of funding and is its dedicated go-to advisors on all legal matters.
Heath Steinbeck engaged as counsel to Los Angeles startup brewery
Recognizing the value in having a dedicated legal advisor to support its growth, Iron Triangle Brewing Company – a startup based in Los Angeles’ downtown Arts district, has engaged the firm as general counsel. The firm represents the company in matters including lease negotiations, financing rounds, and drafting and negotiating employment agreements in its role as the ‘go to’ source for legal services.
Firm closes acquisition of leading DJ company
Heath Steinbeck represented Red Shoe Productions, LLC, a leading Los Angeles-based DJ company in its acquisition by Scratch Events, LLC, the production and events division of New York music and technology company Scratch Music Group.
Heath Steinbeck represents leading production company in seed financing and strategic partnership
The firm successfully represented a leading producer of commercials and short-form content in a round of seed financing under Rule 506(b) of Regulation D. The firm represents the client in corporate governance, employment, and commercial matters, including the formation of a strategic partnership with a co-producer.
Heath Steinbeck engaged as general counsel to developer of cloud-based AI platform
The firm has been appointed counsel to a company based in Southern California that offers a cloud-based artificial intelligence service aimed at simplifying software development through automation, and increasing efficiency in testing and modifying applications. The firm’s role includes advising the client with respect to equity investments, intellectual property, employment counseling, and corporate governance.
Roger Steinbeck quoted in Los Angeles Business Journal article on new crowdfunding rules
Partner Roger Steinbeck discussed the implications of recent changes to Regulation A – a key reform under the JOBS Act – for start-up and emerging businesses seeking to raise capital. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s changes, approved in March 2015, allow companies to raise up to $50 million a year. Previously, ‘Reg A’ offerings were capped at $5 million. To stimulate fund-raising, the reforms also exempt companies relying on Reg A from registering with regulators in each state in which prospective investors reside. To read the full article, click here.
Roger Steinbeck participates in Tech In Motion panel concerning start up financing
Partner Roger Steinbeck, an attorney with significant experience advising emerging companies in the technology space, was a member of the panel discussion, “Start Up Your StartUp,” hosted by Tech In Motion on March 26, 2015. The panel, which included venture capitalists and successful company founders, focused on financial and legal issues that frequently confront start up ventures.
Heath Steinbeck obtains highly-favorable ruling in trademark infringement and cybersquatting action
The firm recently secured a highly-favorable ruling in a long-standing trademark and copyright dispute in the Northern District of California. The firm was engaged in August 2014 to represent the defendants – a car rental company and its two principals – in a four-year dispute involving litigation in California and New York. The facts confirmed that the company was liable for the underlying infringement, with the crucial issues of damages and the individuals’ responsibility to be determined in briefing and at trial. At summary judgment, the plaintiff requested more than $3.5 million in damages, having rejected an offer (made by our predecessor counsel) to settle for $120,000. After reviewing our arguments, the Court awarded the plaintiff only $25,000. Subsequent to this ruling, the entire lawsuit settled on terms that were highly favorable to our clients.
Heath Steinbeck represents private equity group in $3 million acquisition of facilities management company
The firm successfully closed the acquisition of a leading West Coast facilities management company on behalf of a private equity group based in New Jersey. The acquisition is part of the client’s asset diversification strategy in which the firm handles all legal and corporate functions.