Former US Congressman Howard Berman Joins Lobbying Firm

By Kelly Burke for Intellectual Property Watch

Former United States Congressman Howard Berman, a California Democrat regarded as a strong proponent of intellectual property rights protection, has joined law firm Covington & Burling LLP’s global public policy and government affairs practice.

According to the announcement from Covington & Burling, Berman will join former US Senator Jon Kyl, an Arizona Republican, in the law firm’s Washington DC office, which includes former US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff; Stu Eizenstat, who served in three American presidential administrations in roles that included ambassador to the European Union; and former Deputy US Trade Representative John Veroneau. He will also work with the law firm’s public policy practice in Brussels.

Berman lost his bid for re-election in November 2012 when he was defeated by Democratic Representative Brad Sherman.

Berman formerly chaired the US House of Representatives Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet. Sometimes referred to as “the representative from Hollywood,” Berman won election to the California Assembly in 1972 from a district in the Hollywood Hills. He has also been an advocate for several entertainment industry issues.