Legal Expertise

Andrew Nietes is a litigation associate in MSK's New York office with a focus on copyright, trademark, and trade secrets matters. He represents plaintiffs and defendants in the entertainment, media, technology, and e-commerce sectors across all stages of litigation, from pre-dispute advisory services through trial, in state and federal courts as well as regulatory settings. Andrew also offers strategic advice on copyright and trademark agreements, licenses, and DMCA policies.

Representative Matters

• Attained summary judgment for a major film studio and comic book publisher in a copyright infringement suit related to the film The Batman.*
• Represented vehicle company in appeal of trademark infringement and registration case to the Fourth Circuit.*
• Represented career building website bringing claims of copyright infringement and unfair competition against operator of a copycat website.*
• Defended major social media platform against claims of music copyright infringement.*
• Defended leading e-commerce company against claims of copyright and trademark infringement.*
• Defended popular video game company against claims of music copyright infringement.*
• Litigated rate-setting proceeding before the Copyright Royalty Board for a major music streaming company.*
• Represented pharmaceutical companies jointly bringing claims for trade secrets misappropriation, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty resulting in favorable verdict following bench trial.*

*Indicates matters handled prior to joining MSK. 

Honors & Awards

• Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy, New York City Trial Lawyers Alliance (2019)

Other Career Experience

• Associate, Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C. 
• Associate, Latham & Watkins LLP 
• Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy, Fordham University School of Law
• Emerging Talent Associate, Atlantic Records
• N.Y.C. Bar Diversity Fellow & Legal Intern, New York Life Insurance 
• Business & Legal Affairs Intern, Sony Music Entertainment