Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, Technology and Sports Law

Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, Technology and Sports Law is a leading academic and research center housed within the UCLA School of Law in Los Angeles. Established in 2015 through a transformative gift from renowned entertainment attorney Ken Ziffren and his family, the institute consolidates and expands the law school's long-standing expertise in these dynamic fields. It serves as a premier hub for legal scholarship, professional education, and policy thought leadership at the intersection of law, culture, and innovation. The institute's location in the heart of the global entertainment and technology industries provides unparalleled opportunities for student engagement and faculty research.

History

The institute's origins are deeply rooted in the legacy of the UCLA School of Law's entertainment and media law program, which was significantly shaped by pioneering professor Melvin Nimmer, author of the seminal treatise Nimmer on Copyright. Prior to the institute's formal creation, the school offered specialized courses and hosted events like the annual Biederman Entertainment and Media Law Institute conference. The pivotal moment came in 2015 with a major endowment from Ken Ziffren, a founding partner of Ziffren Brittenham LLP and a key figure in negotiations for the Academy Awards and the Los Angeles Olympics. This gift, one of the largest in the law school's history, enabled the establishment of a named, permanent institute to unify and elevate these related disciplines under one umbrella, reflecting the converging nature of the media industry, digital technology, and professional sports.

Academic programs

The institute oversees a comprehensive academic curriculum designed to train the next generation of lawyers for careers in its core fields. It administers the specialized Media, Entertainment, and Technology Law and Policy Specialization for J.D. students, which requires coursework in areas like intellectual property, contract law, and First Amendment doctrine. Students gain practical experience through externships with organizations such as The Walt Disney Company, Netflix, Major League Baseball, and Electronic Arts. The institute also supports LL.M. candidates focusing on these areas and offers numerous experiential learning opportunities, including the Ziffren Institute Sports Law Simulation and the UCLA Entertainment Law Review. Its signature speaker series regularly features leaders from Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and professional sports leagues.

Research and centers

A core mission of the institute is to produce cutting-edge legal and policy research that addresses contemporary challenges. It houses several focused research centers, including the Center for Entertainment, Media, and Sports Law and initiatives examining issues in artificial intelligence, digital privacy, and esports. Faculty and fellows publish influential white papers and host conferences on topics ranging from the legal implications of generative AI on copyright to antitrust issues in college athletics following cases like NCAA v. Alston. The institute often collaborates with other entities at UCLA, such as the UCLA Anderson School of Management and the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media, fostering interdisciplinary scholarship.

Leadership and notable faculty

The institute is led by a faculty director, a position held by esteemed scholars including professor Steven A. Bank. Its advisory board comprises prominent industry figures like Peter Chernin of The Chernin Group and Casey Wasserman of Wasserman Media Group. Notable faculty affiliated with the institute include experts in copyright law and trademark law, such as professor Douglas Lichtman, and scholars of sports law and labor law. Distinguished practitioners like John Branca, attorney for the Michael Jackson estate, and David Boies of Boies Schiller Flexner have served as lecturers and conference participants, providing students with direct access to leading legal minds.

Impact and recognition

The Ziffren Institute has rapidly become a nationally recognized authority, consistently ranked among the top programs of its kind by sources like U.S. News & World Report. Its events, such as the annual "State of the Industry" symposium, attract participants from L.A.'s legal and creative communities, influencing policy debates on issues like the Music Modernization Act and California Consumer Privacy Act. Alumni of the program hold influential positions at major film studios, record labels, technology companies, and sports franchises, extending the institute's impact across the global landscape of media, entertainment, technology, and sports.

Category:UCLA School of Law Category:Entertainment law Category:Research institutes in California Category:Organizations established in 2015