Two Covington Lawyers Named "Top Music Lawyers" by Billboard

Two Covington Lawyers Named "Top Music Lawyers" by Billboard

October 30, 2018

NEW YORK—Billboard has named Jacqueline Charlesworth and Jonathan Sperling among its “2018 Top Music Lawyers.” This annual list recognizes the music industry’s leading lawyers in fields including talent representation, music publishing, streaming, and litigation.

Recognized in the Music Publishing category, Billboard highlights Ms. Charlesworth’s work on copyright reform – first as general counsel for the U.S. Copyright Office and then at Covington. Charlesworth developed and negotiated the Music Modernization Act, a comprehensive statute to update music licensing laws for the digital age.

Called a “go-to litigator for labels in copyright and royalty disputes” by Billboard, Mr. Sperling is recognized in the Litigators category. The article notes his representation of Sony Music in Quincy Jones’ suit against the label and Michael Jackson’s estate, and Warner Music in a case against Latin pop star Luis Miguel.