Fashion law, entertainment lawyer

EDUCATION
U.C. Hastings College of the Law, J.D.
Georgetown Law Center

BAR ADMISSIONS

California State Courts
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Ms. Uduak Oduok ("Ms. Uduak) is a pioneering attorney with a unique background as a former fashion model and extensive experience in fashion, entertainment, and business law. Known for her skill in navigating complex legal landscapes, she has successfully litigated a range of cases in California courts and provided strategic counsel on high-profile agreements, including fashion modeling contracts, network licensing, record label and promoter agreements, TV and film deals, sponsorships, partnerships, copyright and trademark disputes, and much more.

With a distinctive focus on emerging global markets, Ms. Uduak is a recognized thought leader in both U.S. and African fashion and entertainment law, as well as the niche field of fashion law in the United States. Her extensive body of work includes authoring over 11,000 widely-syndicated articles and providing hundreds of hours of education and guidance to clients and industry professionals, including those in the Afrobeats music genre and other transnational entertainment sectors.

Leveraging more than two decades of hands-on experience in media, modeling, branding, and public relations, Ms. Uduak combines legal acumen with industry insight to drive substantial revenue growth for her clients. Her innovative approach has supported a diverse portfolio of clients, from emerging artists and designers to established brands, helping them protect and expand their businesses in the ever-evolving creative landscape.

Recognized by the National Bar Association and featured in premier publications like The American Bar Association Journal and The California Lawyer Magazine, Ms. Uduak is also a sought-after speaker and legal commentator. She has presented at distinguished forums such as the Fashion Law Institute, SXSW, Wharton School of Business, and on platforms including Aljazeera, Fox 40 News, and WBLS 107.5FM.

For strategic counsel and representation tailored to the intersection of law, fashion, and entertainment, Ms. Uduak offers the skillfulness and insights to elevate brands and safeguard businesses in today’s competitive market.

TEACHING

  • Adjunct Professor, January 2019-present. Subjects: Social Media Law & Ethics, Social Media Analytics, and Social Media Content Development.
  • Adjunct Professor, August 2019-January 2020. Subject: Fashion Law –  created, launched and taught the first-ever Fashion Law course at California State University, Sacramento’s Business of Fashion Program.

SAMPLE PUBLISHED WORKS

  • Co-Author of Chapter Two, ‘Modern Monetization Models,’ found in ‘The Monetization of the Global Music Music Business.’ Published by Frukt Source in association with The International Association of Entertainment Lawyers, 2016.
  • Author of Introductory Chapter, ‘Introduction,’ found in ‘An Introductory Guide to Fashion Law,’ co-published by U.C. Hastings Communications Law Journal, 2013.
  • Author of Chapter Ten, 10 Things You Should Know About Great African Music,’ found in ‘Challenges in the Music Industry.’ Published by Pearson Education Limited South Africa, 2010.
  • Publisher and podcaster at Africa Music Law™ (2011-present)
  • Member of the press who has interviewed numerous members of the legal profession including judges, renowned attorneys, and renowned personalities/celebrities in the fashion and entertainment industries. Ms. Uduak's Writings have been syndicated globally including in Yahoo News!, USA Today and MSNBC.

SAMPLE SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

  • Presenter – “10 Legal Mistakes Filmmakers Make & How to Stay Out of Trouble,” JDIFF Film Festival, April 2023.
  • Panelist – “Considerations of Mental Health, Fitness, Capacity, and Competency Participating in International Dispute Resolution,”  California International Arbitration Week, March 2023.
  • Keynote – “Entertainment Law Caravan – NFTs, Metaverse & Entertainment Law,” Santa Clara University School of Law, March 2022.
  • Panelist  – “Metaverse, Streaming, NFTS & More – The Future of Entertainment and Intellectual Property,” UC Hastings Communications & Entertainment Law Journal, February 2022.
  • Keynote – “How to Break into  Fashion and Entertainment Law,” UC Davis School of Law, February 2022.
  • Presenter – “Legal Issues in Filmmaking Every African Filmmaker Should Avoid”, Silicon Valley African Film Festival, October 2021
  • Panelist – “Business law: Make it Fashion,” American Bar Association, September 2021
  • Speaker – “Round Pegs in Square Holes: Turnaround Tales,” PechaKucha, June 2021
  • Panelist – “Governance, the Legal Framework for Effective Management of Audio-Visual Projects, Kalasha International Film & TV Market Produced by Kenya Film Commission, May 2021
  • Moderator – “Music Business Seminar”, California Lawyers for the Arts, Feb. 2021
  • Judge – “Music Tech Innovation Pitch Event,” Music Tech Innovation & CCHub, Dec. 2020
  • Presenter – “Ideation Workshop,” Music Tech Innovation & CCHub, Sept. 2020
  • Panelist – “2nd Fashinovation Worldwide Talks,” Fashininovation NYC, June 2020
  • Panelist – “Sacramento Fashion Week Fashion Forum”, DMR Productions, Feb. 2020
  • Emcee – “12th Annual Artistic License Awards,” California Lawyers for the Arts, May 2019
  • Moderator – “Fireside Chat with Falz,” Air bnb Corporate Headquarters, April 2019
  • Moderator -“Diversity in ADR and the Jay-Z Lawsuit that Rocked the Industry”, SCBA, ADR Section, Feb. 2019
  • Moderator – “Fostering Transformation and Growth: Education and Skills for Innovation”, AWIEF, Nov. 2018
  • Panelist – “Distribution & Access, Impact of Digital Revolution in Fashion”, Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa, Oct. 2018
  • Panelist – “How to Create Buzz for Your Business and Stay Out of Trouble,” CCFD Corporation”, April 2018
  • Panelist – “Importance of Managers to An Artist’s Career”, Sacramento Music Summit Creative Exchange,” March 2018
  • Presenter – “Business Law for Entrepreneurs,” California Capital Financial Development Corporation, Feb. 2018
  • Presenter – “How to Grow Sales in a Tough Retail Environment Using Afrobeats Music,” Levi Strauss & Co., San Francisco, July 2017
  • Panelist – “5th Annual Pre-Grammy – Cutting Edge Issues in Music & Film Distribution,” NEL/BESLA/NBA, February 2016
  • Legal Commentator – “Oscars Lack of Diversity Problem,” Fox40News, Jan. 2016
  • Panelist – “Music Business Seminar – The Future of Music,” California Lawyers for the Arts, Jan. 2016
  • Panelist – “Right of Publicity For Models & Other Celebrity Personalities,” Fashion Law Institute, Aug. 2015
  • Presenter – “Introduction to Fashion Law,” Executive Association of Sacramento, Inc., April 2015
  • Presenter – “Right of Publicity & Copyright in Fashion Law,” Fashion Law Institute Sponsored by Levi’s, Aug. 2014
  • Presenter – “How to Create Buzz for Your Business and Stay Out of Trouble,” NAWBO, Sacramento, Aug. 2014
  • Moderator – “The First Ever Northern California Fashion Law Panel,” UC Hastings College of the Law & Ebitu Law Group, P.C, Jan. 2013
  • Panelist – “20th Annual Wharton Africa Business Forum Media & Entertainment Panel”, Wharton School of Business, Nov. 2012
  • Legal Commentator – “Reshaping Beauty”, Al Jazeera News Network, Oct. 2012

OTHER NOTABLE MENTIONS

  • 2021, Honored by the State of California Senate for her “selfless service to the community and outstanding contribution to the success of the 12th Annual Silicon Valley African Film Festival.”
  • 2018, Honored by American University Washington College of Law for “legal impact in the field of intellectual property in Africa.”
  • 2016, Honored by the National Bar Association’s Entertainment Sports & Art Law Section for contributions to the Entertainment Industry.
  • 2015, Inno8tiv’s 50 Young Visionary Women to Watch in 2015
  • 2014, California Lawyer Magazine feature
  • 2014, Nominee for the Archbishop Tutu Fellowship Programme
  • 2012, Nominee for the NEA Awards in ‘Media Personality of the Year’ category
  • 2010, Nominee for South Africa’s AFI Fashion Awards ‘Outstanding Contribution to Fashion Communications’
  • 2013, AWP Network Power Women List, listed alongside notable women world leaders.
  • 2013, Applause Africa’s 40 under 40 List
  • 2013, Co-launched the first-ever west coast Fashion Law seminar on a law school campus, U.C. Hastings College of the Law
  • 2012, launched first ever west coast Fashion Law seminar through California Lawyers for the Arts
  • 2005, launched first ever Fashion law seminar at a fashion week in the U.S. (San Francisco Fashion Week).
  • 2008, American Bar Journal feature

ORGANIZATIONS

  • California State Bar Association
  • California Lawyers for the Arts, Board Member & Vice President
  • Anthony Kennedy Inn of Court, Sacramento
  • The UC Hastings Fashion, Art & Design Law Society, Alumni Advisor

VOLUNTEER WORK

  • Guest Judge, 11th, 12th, and 14th National Ethics Competition (2018, 2019, 2021)
  • Guest Judge, National Black Students Law Association Moot Court Competition (2018, 2019)
  • Event Chair, National Association of Women Business Owners Sacramento, OWL Awards (2015)
  • Guest Judge, National Black Students Law Association Moot Court Competition (2013, 2014)
  • Guest Judge, UC Davis Asylum & Refugee Law National Moot Court Competition (Feb. 2011)
  • Legislative Advocate, Government Relations Committee California Neuro Alliance (2003-2009)
  • Guest Judge, UC Davis School of Law Annual Intraschool Moot court Competion  (Oct. 2010)
  • Certified Arbitrator, Better Business Bureau (2004-2006)
  • Guest Coach, One.Success Mock Trial Program (2006)