Susan J Kohlmann

Susan Kohlmann has tackled some of the most significant issues the content, media, and entertainment industry has faced. Representing entertainment and media industry giants, including film studios and television networks, new technology companies, and others in media and entertainment, she deftly navigates clients at the convergence of content and technology. Susan litigates cases addressing critical issues threatening her clients’ ability to exploit their creative works and key brands and clarifies the reach and application of federal law to new technologies and their content distribution platforms.

Susan guides clients in recognizing which issues are worth a fight. Then, she forges a litigation strategy, leaving no stone unturned to achieve success.

A litigation trailblazer, Susan secured a $100 million trademark infringement dispute win for ViacomCBS over an MTV reality show title. Susan represented Diageo in connection with its famous Bulleit whiskey brand, successfully enjoining the continued sale of Redemption whiskey following a three-week jury trial in which the jury confirmed that Diageo’s Bulleit brand was famous and that Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits’ Redemption bottle diluted its distinctiveness. Susan has also protected at trial and on appeal John Steinbeck’s estate’s right to control the use of the author’s iconic works. Susan is currently serving a two-year term as President of the New York City Bar.