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.

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)