BENJAMIN S. AKLEY

Partner Pryor Cashman LLP

Benjamin Akley is a partner in Pryor Cashman’s Litigation, Music and Media + Entertainment Groups, where he works on complex entertainment and commercial disputes on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. Akley is known for his skill as a litigator and his knowledge of the music industry. He continues to raise his profile among a wide-ranging client base, including artists, music publishers, and record companies.

Akley is the lead defense attorney on a massive copyright infringement lawsuit brought by the purported creators and owners of a rhythmic pattern against over 160 music labels, publishers, recording artists, writers, and producers. The case, known colloquially as the “dem bow” matter, could have a significant impact on the copyrightability of drumbeats and other purely rhythmic musical elements.