Todd W. Bonder, Partner

P | 310.246.3255
F | 310.860.2455
Email | tbonder@rmslaw.com

Todd W. Bonder is co-managing partner and chairs the firm's Intellectual Property and Commercial Litigation Groups. He focuses on intellectual property and general civil litigation, emphasizing new media, trademark, copyright, right of publicity, privacy and publishing matters, as well as real estate, unfair competition and contract disputes. While catering to clients both large and small, Mr. Bonder’s more prominent clients include individuals and businesses in the media, publishing, sports and entertainment fields.

Mr. Bonder is sought out by many for his knowledge of intellectual property law, defamation, advertising injury and rights of publicity and privacy. He is known as a fierce litigator who has won countless victories for his clients.

Mr. Bonder's philosophy is straightforward and consistent. Once he takes them on, "I bleed for my clients," Bonder says. Often referred to as a bulldog litigator, those who know Mr. Bonder respect his knowledge of the law and his ability to know when to negotiate and when to litigate. His strength lies in knowing how and when to use both "the carrot and the stick" to achieve the best results for his clients.

No stranger to the media, Mr. Bonder has been quoted in numerous publications. He also authors articles related to his legal areas of expertise. In addition, Mr. Bonder served as the comments editor for the Federal Communications Law Journal.

Representative Matters

• Activision v. Handelmann – State court breach of contract action in which Mr. Bonder represented Plaintiff.
• In re Dean Martin Family Trust – State court probate proceeding in which Mr. Bonder represents Dean Martin’s heirs.
• Dereck Seltzer v. Green Day - Federal court copyright infringement action in which Mr. Bonder represents Plaintiff.
• Disney Enterprises v. World Industries - Federal court copyright infringement action in which Mr. Bonder represented Plaintiff.
• Digital Domain v. Mattel - Trademark Trial and Appeal Board proceeding in which Mr. Bonder represented the claimant.
• Engelbert Humperdinck v. National Enquirer - Removed federal court defamation action in which Mr. Bonder represented Plaintiff.
• Estate of Del Shannon v. Marshall Sehorn - State court action and related proceedings to obtain ownership to sound recordings in which Mr. Bonder represented Plaintiff.
• Estate of Michael Jackson - State court probate proceeding in which Mr. Bonder represented the decedent's mother, Katherine Jackson.
• Gary Friedrich Enterprises, LLC v. Marvel Enterprises - Federal court copyright infringement action in which Mr. Bonder represented Stan Lee
• Kirker Enterprises V. Genosco dba KleanColor - Federal court patent infringement action in which Mr. Bonder represents Defendant.
• In re Mark Hughes Family Trust - In re Mark Hughes Family Trust State court probate proceeding in which Mr. Bonder represents the sole current beneficiary.
• Oscar De La Hoya v. Coldwell Banker - State court breach of contract action in which Mr. Bonder represented Plaintiff.
• POW! Entertainment, Inc. v. Media Dynamics - State court breach of contract action in which Mr. Bonder represents Plaintiff.

Education

• The Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, University of Pennsylvania (B.S., cum laude, 1980)
• University of California at Los Angeles (J.D. 1984)

Professional Activities

• Admitted to Bar: California, 1984
• Admitted to Practice: U.S. Court of Appeals Ninth District and the U.S. District Court, Central, Northern, Eastern and Southern Districts of California
• Member: Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County and American Bar Associations

Honors

• Best Lawyers in America
• Los Angeles-area "Super Lawyer" for Intellectual Property Litigation by Law and Politics magazine in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012
• "Top Attorneys in Southern California" by Los Angeles Magazine in 2012
• "AV"-rated in the Martindale-Hubbell Registry, the highest rating given to those who practice law

Practice Areas

• Branded Entertainment
• Celebrity Branding
• Commercial Litigation
• Intellectual Property
• Publishing
• Real Estate Litigation