Anthony R. Caruso has a broad range of significant experience in corporate and commercial transactions, including negotiation and drafting of business agreements, acquisitions and sales, intellectual property protection, land use and development, licensing and franchising.
As an entertainment lawyer and sports attorney, he has experience in representing artists and performers, coaches and athletes, and various other talent, as well as film, theatrical and television production, music, sports marketing, sports leagues and investment groups involved in sports and entertainment projects. He has successfully negotiated and structured all types of sports, entertainment and corporate-related projects. A sampling of his notable transactions include establishing a leading internet based services company, representing a major sports league, film and television projects, multi-year licensing and sponsorship agreements, negotiating franchise and leasing agreements, and structuring private capital transactions for the acquisition and/or establishment of various ventures.
Mr. Caruso gained international attention as an entertainment attorney in his representation of Amy Polumbo, Miss New Jersey 2007, regarding a blackmail situation over Internet photos. He provided all legal counseling and negotiations, strategy, media supervision and crisis management, appearing in all major print and media outlets such as People Magazine and NBC’s Today Show. Mr. Caruso has appeared on Fox, CNBC and NBC as well as various radio shows, and is routinely requested by various syndicated television, news and print media outlets for his advice and comment on current issues.
Mr. Caruso previously served as counsel to former New Jersey Governor James Florio, and was a founding executive of an internet-based real estate services company that revolutionized the way real estate was sold utilizing the technology of the internet. He is a former NFL Player Agent and owner of a professional minor league basketball team. He has served on the boards of various charitable organizations and banking institutions.
11/1/2007 “Inside the Minds: Entertainment and Media Law Contract Strategies”
6/1/2007 “Recruiting Case Takes Center Stage”
1/30/2006 Commentary – “The New NBA Wardrobe: Less Bling Is an Enforceable Thing”
6/26/1995 “How To Succeed in Local Redevelopment”
Julia Roberts and George Clooney Teaming Up… Against IP Infringement Posted on Friday May 18, 2012 “”Most companies would love to have megastars George Clooney and Julia Roberts as celebrity sponsors. However, they don’t come cheap. To avoid the high costs of licensing intellectual property rights, more and more companies are trying to use celebrities’ names and images without their permission, hoping the stars either won’t find out or will not [...]
Sports Law Update: Is the Clemens Trial Boring Jurors? Posted on Wednesday May 16, 2012 “”As a sports law attorney, I know that it is crucial to keep jurors engaged during a trial, no matter how dull the subject matter may be. According to the judge in Roger Clemons’ perjury trial, both the prosecutor and defense attorney are not doing a very good job. “Look at those people,” U.S. District [...]
Entertainment Law FAQ: Should I Copyright My Song? Posted on Monday May 14, 2012 “”As an entertainment and intellectual property lawyer, I know that songwriters and musicians often fear that someone might steal their songs or song lyrics and profit from all of their hard work. Just last month, Elton John was sued by a songwriter who has accused him of stealing the lyrics to his 1985 hit Nikita. [...]
Termination Tips for the Entertainment Industry Posted on Thursday May 10, 2012 “”Layoffs are common in the entertainment industry, particularly in this economy. Late last month, entertainment magazine show Access Hollywood reportedly terminated 14 employees and its ratings are up five percent from last year. With this in mind, it is important to know how to terminate an employee without creating any unnecessary legal liability. Make [...]