HHR New Media, Entertainment and Technology Group

Wayne’s practice focuses on the legal, strategic and policy issues arising out of the convergence of technology, entertainment and media.  He provides counsel and transactional support to both established and emerging companies seeking to exploit opportunities in the evolving digital media landscape.  Wayne has extensive experience structuring and negotiating complex agreements involving intellectual property and technology, including development, license, service and distribution agreements.  In addition, Wayne supports the firm’s M&A practice with respect to transactions involving the transfer of intellectual property and technology assets.  

 A sample of recent matters on which Wayne has taken a lead role include:

• development of strategy for the distribution of television network programming content via new media platforms and protocols in connection with “TV Everywhere” and “Over-The-Top” initiatives
• digital video and music content licensing and distribution and related audio-visual broadcasting initiatives via the internet, wireless/hand-held devices and via download-to-own and video-on-demand business models
• major and independent record label sound recording, publishing, performing rights and music licensing arrangements, including the transfer of rights in such arrangements in connection with various M&A transactions
• strategic alliances and joint ventures for the distribution of content and development and exploitation of software applications and other technologies
• OEM hardware development, manufacturing and distribution agreements
• wireless device and network applications
• electronic publishing and distribution
• integrated marketing, contextual advertising and brand management
• online gaming, sweepstakes and contests
• software/hardware procurement, development, licensing and distribution
• domain name trademark disputes
• web site hosting and development

Wayne graduated from Union College in 1985, with a BA in Political Science, and obtained a Masters in Science in Journalism with Distinction from Northwestern University in 1987.  Following graduate school, he worked as the local communications director for then-Congressman (now Senator) Chuck Schumer, as well as the program director for a national, not-for-profit organization.  In 1992, he graduated from Fordham University School of Law, where he was an editor of the Law Review.

A former Chairman of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Campaign for UJA Federation of NY, Wayne is now a member of the executive board of the Digital Media Committee for UJA.

Wayne lives in Larchmont, NY with his wife, Leslie, and their two children.  In his free time, Wayne practices yoga, plays ice hockey and is the drummer in Off The Leash, a rootsy, bluesy, rock group committed to avoiding the standard bar band repertoire.