Latham Adds Leading Copyright Litigator in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Latham & Watkins LLP¹ is pleased to announce that Joseph Wetzel has joined the firm's San Francisco office as a partner in the Litigation & Trial Department and the Intellectual Property Litigation Practice. Mr. Wetzel is widely recognized as one of the country's leading copyright lawyers, with extensive experience in music license rate-setting disputes. 

Kirt Switzer, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in San Francisco, said: "Joe adds a new dimension to our leading IP Litigation Practice and copyright group in the Bay Area. He has earned recognition as an industry leader for his experience at the forefront of copyright law representing businesses of all sizes and new media companies in Northern California and across the country. We are thrilled to have him onboard."

Jennifer Barry, Global Co-Chair of Latham's Intellectual Property Litigation Practice, added: "Joe bolsters our outstanding copyright litigation group by bringing sophisticated technical knowledge and far-reaching experience in complex copyright issues. His unique skills and commitment to client service perfectly complement those of our growing team. He will be a great asset."

Andy Gass, a partner in the San Francisco office and leading copyright litigator, said: "Joe's knowledge of the intricacies and challenges within copyright law, especially in the fast-evolving music licensing space, makes him a tremendous addition to our team. He has experience across the spectrum of copyright issues and will be a valuable resource for our clients."

Mr. Wetzel is the fourth prominent trial lawyer to join Latham's IP Litigation Practice in recent months, following the arrivals of former General Counsel and Associate Register of Copyrights at the US Copyright Office Sy Damle, IP trial lawyer Tara Elliott, and International Trade Commission litigator Jamie Underwood.

"I look forward to building my practice at Latham by working alongside phenomenal practitioners from across teams," Mr. Wetzel said. "Music copyright and licensing matters are highly interdisciplinary and benefit from a collaborative approach. I believe that by leveraging Latham's exceptional resources and global platform, I will be able to achieve exemplary results for our clients."

Mr. Wetzel joins Latham from King & Spalding in San Francisco. He received his undergraduate degree from Brown University and his law degree from Fordham University School of Law.

About Latham & Watkins (lw.com)

Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world's largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession, and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability.

Notes to Editors

¹ Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office. Latham & Watkins works in cooperation with the Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Contacts

Kirt Switzer, San Francisco Office Managing Partner: +1.415.395.8885

Jennifer Barry, Global Co-Chair of the Intellectual Property Litigation Practice: +1.858.523.3912

Andy Gass, San Francisco partner: +1.415.395.8806

SOURCE Latham & Watkins

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