CBLDF Board Member Named to List of “Most Influential Lawyers in Entertainment Law.”

Dale Cendali, board member of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, was named one of the “Top 25 Most Influential Entertainment Lawyers in New York” in a recent article by The Hollywood Reporter. To select lawyers for your list, THR surveyed “industry colleagues and other entertainment industry stakeholders,” focusing on the importance of the attorneys’ clients and the importance of their cases.

THR cited a recent precedent ruling regarding the depiction of Lebron James’ tattoos in a video game and Cendali’s portrayal of the late William Styron, author of Sophie’s choice, in a legal dispute over stage rights to the book, explaining her choice for the list.

Cendali is an intellectual property litigator, partner and head of the Copyright, Trademark, Internet and Advertising practice group at leading global law firm Kirkland and Ellis.

Cendali joined the CBLDF board in 2010 (see “Dale Cendali joins the board”) and shortly thereafter became the organization’s secretary. Other CBLDF board members include Christina Merkler, co-founder of DCBS and Lunar Distribution, president of the fund; Chris Powell, Chief Sales & Service Officer of Geppi Family Enterprises, CBLDF Vice President; writer and artist Gene Luen Yang; former DC Comics executive Bob Wayne; and comic book retailer Jen King.

The CBLDF is breaking new ground at a time of unprecedented challenges to free expression (see “CBLDF Pivots in an Age of Free Expression Fights”).