Sports, Media and Entertainment

Provided analysis and recommendations regarding liability risk associated with use of a famous celebrity's name and likeness in an original literary work. The project included an in-depth review of the legal concepts of right of publicity, invasion of privacy, misappropriation, false light and defamation.

Negotiated three retransmission consent cycles for a broadband telecommunications company. Managed the increasing costs of sports and entertainment programming while setting a foundation to enable the company to expand operations into new markets.

Completed the wind-down of a client's fantasy sports subsidiary. Transitioned customer accounts off service. Negotiated and managed the early termination of multiple operating agreements to minimize cost and disruption to the client's ongoing operations.

Secured the dismissal of a Virginia state court case seeking to ban the sale of a client’s book. A Virginia Beach General Assembly Delegate brought the action against our client and one of its authors, filed under a decades-old statue and alleging that the book – a memoir, told in graphic novel form, of the author’s own journey of realizing their nonbinary and asexual identity – was “obscene.” Argued that the statute was unconstitutional both facially and as-applied, and that the petition failed to state a claim under Virginia law. The Court agreed and found that the book could not be considered “obscene” under state law, as well as that the statute was unconstitutional in violation of due process and the First Amendment.

Drafted and negotiated commercial agreements for UEFA in relation to EURO 2020, including in respect of its hospitality and concessions operations for the tournament.

Advised The All England Lawn Tennis Club (Wimbledon) and London Marathon Events on an ongoing basis, particularly in relation to their commercial operations. This includes advising on and drafting all documents related to their live sporting events, virtual events, brand and charity partners, brand protection, social media campaigns and partners, and headline sponsorship agreements.

Acting as General Counsel in a secondment capacity to a spatial data technology company, advising on all commercial and legal matters within the business.

Drafted and negotiated composer agreements for a live sports events business, covering the licensing of original soundtracks and ‘anthems’.

Assisted London Marathon Events in acquiring the business and certain assets of Grounded Events Limited (in administration) (the company name for Brighton Marathon) from the Administrators (FRP Advisory). This included, amongst others, Brighton Marathon’s brand and intellectual property. Also acted for London Marathon Events on the grant to it of a licence to hold the event from Brighton & Hove City Council.

Acted for a Premier League football club in connection with a range of real estate transactions, including acquisitions and disposals.

Supported W Series in the negotiation of various agreements with Formula 1, in addition to providing a wide range of advice to the client for the hosting and promotion of the W Series, including the negotiation of outsourcing and media rights agreements.

Advised a joint venture in relation to the establishment of the U.K.'s largest-ever mass participation cycling event. Advised on the bidding and tendering process, delivery partner agreement, venue hire agreements and broadcasting media rights deals, and continue to draft and negotiate all sponsorship and supplier agreements.

Advised in all legal matters resulting from the cancellations of a tennis grand slam tournament, mass-participation cycling event and W Series Limited, and postponement of the London Marathon.

Represented global marathon event in the drafting and negotiating of a title sponsorship agreement.