Ray S. Seilie

Won dismissal with prejudice of copyright claims against international K-pop sensation BTS and its label, HYBE Corporation. The plaintiff alleged that the idea for CJ E&M and HYBE’s reality show I-Land was stolen from a written treatment for his original television series idea. In a rare “first round” victory, the district court granted the firm’s first motion to dismiss without giving the plaintiff leave to amend—concluding that the plaintiff’s claims failed as a matter of law—and entered judgment in favor of the firm’s clients.

As trial counsel, defended a Fortune 200 information technology services company in a four-week jury trial of an 18-plaintiff lawsuit alleging claims for wrongful termination and intentional interference with contract. Secured a rare judgment of nonsuit in favor of the client and an order requiring plaintiffs to reimburse his client over $150,000 in litigation costs.

As trial counsel, represented a real estate developer charged with illegally bribing a Los Angeles City Councilmember.

As trial counsel, represented Plains All American Pipeline, a Fortune 150 company, in a four-month jury trial defending against criminal charges arising from an oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, during which he devised, briefed, and argued several critical legal motions that resulted in a penalty amount that was a tiny fraction of what prosecutors were seeking. Obtained dismissal of 37 of the 46 initially charged counts.

Represented Virgin Hyperloop One in a variety of commercial disputes and obtained favorable resolutions.

Represented an oilfield services company in “bet-the-company” litigation that would have shuttered the business and required the termination of all employees.

Defended a magazine publisher against a defamation lawsuit, securing a voluntary dismissal of all claims by the plaintiff in exchange for an agreement not to seek attorneys’ fees and costs.

Represented a for-profit educational institution and its executives in False Claims Act litigation related to its receipt of federal funds. Secured complete dismissal of the lawsuit before any pretrial discovery.

Defended a financial services company in an adversary proceeding brought by a bankruptcy trustee alleging claims for fraudulent transfer and breach of fiduciary duty. Successfully obtained a dismissal of all claims in an order that was ultimately affirmed by both the district court and the Ninth Circuit.

Represented the liquidating trust of a satellite programming distribution partner in a successful appeal from an order vacating a multi-million-dollar arbitration award against a major broadcast service provider.

Represented a major hotel company in federal civil litigation involving over 50 defendants arising from the unauthorized disposal of hazardous materials by a non-party contractor. Negotiated and obtained court approval of a favorable consent judgment.

Represented a drilling company in litigation arising from the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, including through a multi-phase trial in federal court.