Pitbull's Yell: A Conversation w/ Leslie José Zigel

Good Law | Bad Law

Aaron Freiwald, Managing Partner of Freiwald Law and host of the weekly podcast, Good Law | Bad Law, is joined by attorney and recording artist Pitbull’s general counsel, Leslie José Zigel, of Greenspoon Marder, to discuss entertainment law, his experience in the music industry, and trademarking Pitbull’s recognizable “EEEEEEEYOOOOOO” yell.

Mr. Zigel began his career at Festival Productions Inc. after graduating from the University of Rochester. In addition to serving as a producer for festivals such as Newport Jazz Festival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and Playboy Jazz Festival, he spearheaded the launch of American Express Platinum Card’s “By Invitation Obly” program and served as the Marketing Director for the American Express Gold Card Events. In today’s episode, Leslie and Aaron discuss the importance of relationships, the ins and outs of the music business industry, the “art and science” of sampling, contract negotiations and more. Mr. Zigel explains the importance of learning lessons throughout his career and explains why and how he is where he is. Touching on a variety of topics, Aaron and Leslie talk about sensory marks and the huge success of trademarking Pitbull’s sound, what the impact of Covid-19 has been and what the pandemic might mean for the future of entertainment, as well as the process of “clearing” records and managing copyrights.

Mr. Zigel is a partner and Chair of Greenspoon Marder’s Entertainment, Media & Technology Industry Group. He focuses on both the creative and business sides of the entertainment industries in the music, television, film and new technology sectors. His practice includes counseling clients in entertainment talent negotiations, record contracts, music and book publishing, providing outside general counsel services and assisting companies with corporate structuring, financing, operations, sales and acquisitions, trademarks, copyrights and employment advice. Music is what ultimately drew Mr. Zigel to both his chosen profession as well as his passion project – jamming. Born to classical and opera enthusiast doctors, he fell in love with classic rock and started playing percussion, piano and saxophone at a very young age.

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To learn more about Mr. Zigel, please click here.

Host: Aaron Freiwald

Guest: Leslie José Zigel

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