Pryor Cashman Partner Donald Zakarin, co-chair of the Litigation and Music Groups, has been named to the prestigious Power 100 list byBillboard.
The list identifies "the most powerful people in the music business" across multiple categories. Don is one of just five lawyers included in the "Legal" section of the list, and he is noted for his role in:
[winning] the music trial of the year, successfully defending Ed Sheeran against allegations that his "Thinking Out Loud" infringed the copyright to Marvin Gaye's famed "Let's Get It On." The verdict resulted in a big sigh of relief from an industry fearful of blurred lines over song theft. Zakarin's team also represented publishers in the complex litigation that resulted in 2024's increased streaming royalties and are representing Karol G, Daddy Yankee and dozens of other Latin stars in a massive, closely watched copyright case over core elements of reggaetón.
Don talked toBillboardfor an interview associated with the honor:
Zakarin says the biggest courtroom battles lie ahead, as artists and music companies confront the advent of AI. "Two decades ago, the music industry raced from behind," says Zakarin, referring to the rise of the internet. "Now the challenge is to get ahead of the impact that may be wrought by AI through legislation, licensing and, if necessary, litigation."
Read the full Power 100 list (which overall was topped by Taylor Swift) using the link below.