BMG names Keith Hauprich as its US General Counsel

27 April 2017 - Press release

BMG has promoted Keith Hauprich to its most senior legal and business affairs role in North America. As General Counsel & Senior Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs, North America based in New York, Hauprich will report directly to Zach Katz, BMG U.S. President, Repertoire & Marketing.

Previously serving as Deputy General Counsel at BMG, Hauprich has been the driving force behind a number of significant deals, particularly in film and television music publishing, securing the music publishing rights to major players in the entertainment business including AMC Networks, Activision/Blizzard Studios, Hasbro Studios, and, most recently, Netflix, the world's leading internet television network.

Hauprich also played a key role in BMG's groundbreaking victory against internet service provider Cox Communications on the basis of contributory copyright infringement where it secured a $25M jury verdict and more than $8.5M in costs and disbursements. The case has created a major precedent in the way US law regards the 'safe harbor' defense of internet service providers and BMG's conduct and victory in the case has been widely praised by rights holders.

Zach Katz said, "This is an incredibly well-deserved promotion for someone who has been a key driver of our US business over a prolonged period. In a company whose core values include fairness and transparency, the role of General Counsel has a particular resonance at BMG, helping drive revenue, fighting in the corner of artists and songwriters against external threats like piracy and ensuring that we treat our clients in as equitable a way as possible. I am delighted Keith has agreed to take on this role."

Hauprich formerly served as general counsel for Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc., prior to BMG's acquisition in April 2010. As a member of senior management and a corporate officer of one of the world's leading independent music publishers, Hauprich was responsible for all legal matters and played a vital role in executing the sale to BMG.

Prior to joining Cherry Lane in 2000, Keith was an associate at a New York City law firm where he worked closely with a diverse range of entertainment-industry based clients including songwriters, producers, managers, and platinum-selling recording artists.