The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges to those who negotiate and draft agreements in entertainment, media and sports. If we’ve learned anything so far, it’s that robust protections in contracts are essential to allocating risk and protecting against business interruptions stemming from government shutdowns and the slow and painful process of returning to “normal.”

Much has been said in recent weeks about litigating force majeure clauses. But what are the factors that make for an airtight force majeure clause in the first place, and how can you make sure you’re protected the next time we face another shutdown? By the same token, what are some other contractual protections you should consider beyond force majeure? And, most important of all, how can you negotiate and draft contracts to ensure maximum protection in case you end up in litigation, where reality doesn’t always seem to match the words on the page?

This webinar is unique because you’ll hear about negotiating and drafting contractual protections from two battle-tested trial lawyers—the very people who litigate these issues when disputes arise. Our presenters will cover some of the basics of force majeure clauses and other excuses for contractual nonperformance, delve into strategies for invoking those doctrines in agreements with maximum efficacy, and tailor their discussion to some of the specific issues facing companies in entertainment, media and sports.

Presenters:
Emil Petrossian, Partner, Entertainment Litigation
John Gatti, Partner, Entertainment Litigation

Date and Time

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

CLE

This program has been approved for 0.75 California MCLE General credit and 0.5 New York CLE Professional Practice credit (transitional and non-transitional).

Related Resources:

• Read our recent primer: Force Majeure and Other Excuses for Contractual Nonperformance in the Coronavirus Age
• Review our recent one-pagers: Navigating COVID-19: Top Issues Concerning Force Majeure Clauses and Navigating COVID-19: Top Issues in the Entertainment Industry
• For regular updates on the major challenges companies are facing, please visit our COVID-19 resources page, and subscribe for timely updates in your inbox here.

If you would like to receive an audio transcript of this webinar due to accessibility issues, please email us at webinars@manatt.com.

This program does not constitute legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. Views expressed by presenters are strictly their own and should not be construed to be the views of Manatt or attributed to Manatt.