Richard J. Greenstone

Richard J. Greenstone is a San Francisco attorney whose practice focuses on intellectual property, entertainment, software, publishing, advertising, unfair competition, arts, and business law matters. He advises creators, technology companies, media professionals, and business clients on protecting valuable rights, structuring transactions, and reducing legal risk through practical, preventive legal guidance.

Richard earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon and received his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1981. During law school, he served on the Gonzaga Canadian-American Law Journal and gained early legal experience through public-service work. His legal career began with firms in Spokane and Sherman Oaks before he opened his own practice in 1985. His clients included authors, programmers, media professionals, production companies, publishers, galleries, and creative businesses.

Richard regularly handles copyright registrations, recordations, trademark registrations, oppositions, cancellations, licensing, trade secret issues, publishing agreements, software transactions, employment agreements, music agreements, advertising matters, and intellectual property transfers. He also consults with other law firms and has served as an expert witness in complex copyright litigation. His transactional work has included software acquisitions, source code escrow arrangements, international distribution deals, intellectual property licenses, film and television rights agreements, screenwriter contracts, music publishing matters, synchronization and master use licenses, and strategic advisory letters designed to help clients avoid disputes before they arise across changing markets.

Richard J. Greenstone has also contributed to the legal profession through writing, editing, lecturing, and leadership within entertainment and technology law organizations. His experience includes service as Editor-in-Chief of Entertainment and Sports Lawyer, leadership of publications for an American Bar Association forum, and extensive work reviewing articles on copyright, trademark, publishing, and entertainment law. He helps clients protect creative work, commercial assets, software rights, brands, and entertainment projects with careful planning and informed legal judgment. His practice supports people and companies seeking clear agreements, stronger ownership protection, effective registrations, and practical strategies for resolving intellectual property and business challenges, as well as long-term goals.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Richard J. Greenstone, Attorneys Counselors at Law
• Member, California State Bar
• Member, American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section
• Member, California Copyright Conference
• Member, Los Angeles Copyright Society
• Former Editor-in-Chief, Entertainment and Sports Lawyer

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Gonzaga University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Oregon
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges