Paul Hastings Provides Pro Bono Support to Mark Patterson, Creator of Save The Ocean Mosaic Otherwise Known as the Surfing Madonna

September 12, 2011

San Diego, CA (September 12, 2011) - Paul Hastings LLP, a leading global law firm, announced today that the firm, together with the North County Law Firm, is representing Mark Patterson, creator of the "Save The Ocean" mosaic, otherwise known as the Surfing Madonna, on a pro bono basis in connection with his proposal to present the nationally recognized mosaic as a gift to the City of Encinitas, CA under a long-term loan agreement. Today, Mr. Patterson will announce that he and the secular non-profit organization, the Surfing Madonna Oceans Project, have found the ideal location for the city to publicly display the mosaic as the artist had originally intended, near the entrance of Moonlight State Beach.

Mr. Patterson originally installed the mosaic under a railroad bridge in Encinitas, CA near the entrance of Moonlight State Beach to bring awareness to the public of his elemental message to Save the Ocean. Almost instantly the mosaic became popular, garnering national media attention. However, because Mr. Patterson did not have permission from the city to place his artwork on public property, he was ordered to take it down.

In an effort to relocate the Save The Ocean mosaic to a new public location, Paul Hastings LLP assisted Patterson in the formation of the Surfing Madonna Oceans Project, which is committed to preserve and promote public art and promote oceanic conservation efforts. Mr. Patterson has proposed the "Save The Ocean" mosaic be placed nearby its original location on a small parcel of land owned by the State of California but maintained by the City of Encinitas as part of the Moonlight State Beach, on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and B Street.

Paul Hastings is also representing the Surfing Madonna Oceans Project on general corporate matters, including the licensing of intellectual property rights relating to the mosaic to various vendors wanting to support the cause. The Paul Hastings team representing Mark Patterson and the Surfing Madonna Oceans project is led by Christian Platt with support from lawyers Teri O'Brien, Ericka Schulz, Edgar Khalatian and Ryan Enchelmayer. Anton Gerschler, of the North County Law Firm, is also representing Mr. Patterson in his efforts to relocate the Save The Ocean mosaic.

Paul Hastings is a leading global law firm with offices in Asia, Europe, and the United States. We provide innovative legal solutions to financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. Please visit www.paulhastings.com for more information.