About Emmett
Emmett McAuliffe is an attorney specializing in intellectual property and entertainment law, based in Clayton, Missouri. A member of the Missouri State Bar since 1983, he has built a robust practice dedicated to assisting business clients in the protection and exploitation of their intellectual property portfolios. His expertise encompasses many sectors, including music, film, art, fashion, and internet application/software design. This diverse focus allows him to cater to the needs of clients across various creative industries. Throughout his career, Emmett has filed and prosecuted numerous U.S. and international trademark and copyright applications.
His legal acumen has been instrumental in representing IP-based businesses in matters involving asset protection, acquisition, work-for-hire agreements, financing, production, distribution, licensing, and litigation. Emmett’s experience in these areas has positioned him as a trusted advisor in the arts and entertainment sectors, as well as in evolving media landscapes. His work often involves navigating complex legal frameworks across multiple jurisdictions, including Canada, Germany, Great Britain, and Norway. In March 2008, Emmett received a significant three-year gubernatorial appointment to the Missouri Arts Council, underscoring his commitment to the arts community. His dedication to the industry is further exemplified by his recognition in 2007 when he was awarded a Gold-record plaque by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for his involvement in an album that achieved 500,000 in sales. That same year, he was elected to the Board of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and served as President of the Board of St.
Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (VLAA). These roles reflect his active engagement and leadership within the arts community. Emmett has represented a diverse range of clients, including pioneering internet inventors, renowned graphic artists like Mary Engelbreit, and chart-topping musicians. His involvement in various film and television projects is noteworthy, particularly those featuring prominent figures such as Kevin Kline and Kurt Warner. In the fashion industry, he served as chief general counsel for Nelly’s Vokal Clothing Company, where he provided legal guidance on numerous issues related to brand management and intellectual property. Academically, Emmett graduated from Vanderbilt Law School and the Concannon Program of International Law.
His commitment to education is evident in his role as an adjunct faculty member at St. Louis University School of Law, where he has shared his expertise with aspiring legal professionals. Additionally, he has contributed to the legal community through articles published in Lawyers Weekly and the Columbia Missourian. Emmett's office is located at 7700 Bonhomme, 7th Floor, Clayton, MO 63105 — He can be reached by phone at (314) 727-0101 or by fax at (314) 552-7322. For more information, visit his website.
