James Thorndyke

Sports and Commercial Litigation

Partner in the Sports and Commercial Litigation departments.  James acts for sporting bodies as well as sports men and women, he has extensive experience in resolving contractual disputes in a variety of sports including motorsport, football, athletics, cricket and rugby union.

James also has particular experience in advising on regulatory and disciplinary issues.  He has acted for clients in proceedings involving the Football Association, the British Horseracing Authority, the Motor Sports Association and the Football League.  James acts for event organisers and governing bodies in enforcing ticket terms and conditions to major sporting events.  This involves advising clients on the process of obtaining interim injunctions against third parties selling ticket only and or hospitality packages to well-known sporting events taking place in England and Wales without authority to do so, and acting for clients in the ensuing court proceedings.

In addition, James has a substantial IP practice within which he advises and acts for companies and individuals in protecting their intellectual property, including advising on claims relating to copyright and trade mark infringement as well as in relation to pass off.  He is a keen advocate of Alternative Dispute Resolution and in particular, mediation, having settled a number of matters through the ADR processes.  James is a member of the British Association of Sports Law and has delivered lectures on topics including reputation management and basic contractual rights.  James has also written extensively on legal issues in sport.

Cardiff University LLB Law & Politics