Jana Farmer represents client interests in connection with design professional matters and architects’ copyright; intellectual property matters involving copyright, sale and transfer of rights in artwork; protection of valuable creative assets; and general commercial disputes. In addition to handling cases before New York state courts, she defends clients in federal courts and in arbitrations and employs mediation to facilitate the cost-effective resolution of disputes. Jana also has experience conducting e-discovery and cross-border discovery in complex cases with large volumes of electronic evidence. Her clientele includes architects and engineers in design professional liability matters, participants in all stages of the creation and transfer of ownership in works of art, and business owners in other intellectual property and general business matters.
Drawing on her international background, experience working with multinational clients and exposure to other cultures, Jana crafts an approach based on an understanding of differences in attitudes and perceptions. With a background in the performing arts, Jana is known for her discipline and extraordinary focus on a carefully conceived resolution plan designed to determine likely exposure, identify options and ultimately conclude in outcomes that make sense for the client. Jana interned with an international law firm while at St. Petersburg University in Russia, focusing on transactional work for a major auto manufacturer and on drafting client alerts on tax issues.
Areas of Focus
Art Law
Jana provides reliable legal counsel to virtually all participants in the creation, licensing, sale, lending, gifting, merchandising and display of art. Frequently working cross-practice with Wilson Elser’s attorneys specializing in other areas such as trusts and estates, taxation and bankruptcy, she represents artists, collectors and buyers, sellers, insurers, gallerists and dealers, consultants and museums. A key contributor to the expansion of the firm’s Art Law practice, Jana is familiar with applicable statutes and codes and skilled at safeguarding and protecting valuable creative assets.
Insurance Coverage
Jana is tuned into the issues arising out of the need to obtain appropriate insurance coverage in transactional matters and insurance-related claims in the general liability, fine art, architects and engineers, directors and officers, and other professional liability policies, representing the interests of underwriters and their insureds.
