Rated by clients as 'true leaders in the field', the team of 'smart experts' at Lewis Silkin advises on the full gamut of matters, including adtech vendor agreements, compliance with social media policies, and obtaining pre-clearance for television advertising. The group represents a diverse client base of brand and media owners, trade bodies, and social media platforms. 'Terrific lawyer' Brinsley Dresden heads the practice alongside the 'amazing' Geraint Lloyd-Taylor. Dresden is 'very knowledgeable' and has vast expertise in the negotiation of celebrity talent contracts and sales promotion campaigns; while Lloyd-Taylor assists numerous advertising agencies and brands with defence against ASA investigations and claims. 'Superstar' Jo Farmer is a 'terrific negotiator' who maintains an IP focused practice, frequently handling content creation issues for voiceover artists and talent.
Media: Advertising & marketing in London
Lewis Silkin
Practice head(s):
Brinsley Dresden; Geraint Lloyd-Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Jo Farmer; Giles Crown
Testimonials
‘We primarily use Lewis Silkin for their expertise in dealing with the Advertising Standards Authority and advertising matters. They have very good industry knowledge; provide valuable insights; and have a good work ethos. The team are a friendly bunch.’
‘I have worked with Brinsley Dresden for around 10 years and he is my go to person. He is very knowledgeable and we value his opinion.’
‘They are the best! Smart experts who are responsive, true leaders in the field. The team is head and shoulders above everyone else. They are super practical, and are first call whenever I have an issue.’
‘Geraint Lloyd-Taylor is amazing. One of the smartest and most pleasurable lawyers to work with. Provides excellent practical advice to clients. Impressed with his command of advertising and IP law, and he’s also an artist himself! His blog posts are informative and entertaining.’
‘Jo Farmer is a superstar, and Brinsley too! Jo Farmer is superb, responsive, and smart. Terrific negotiator. Knows when to dig in, knows when to yield.’
‘Lewis Silkin is the leading UK firm for tech, media, advertising, and marketing. They are an amazing firm. They are knowledgeable, smart, efficient and creative. It is always a pleasure to partner with them on a project.’
‘Brinsley is a thought leader in advertising law. A terrific mentor, terrific lawyer, and terrific person.’
‘The team I worked with was very lean, but composed of very talented lawyers who could deliver comprehensive and commercially sensitive advice in the drafting and negotiation of some complex media agreements.’
Key clients
Next 15
Omnicom
Uncommon
Havas
Wieden & Kennedy
Sideshow
Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO
adam&eveDDB
Suzuki
Associated British Foods
Work highlights
- Advised a major international fashion retailer about the use of dark patterns by a competitor on its website. This includes the use of reference prices which are not genuine as the basis for savings claims and the misleading use of countdown clocks to put pressure on to consumers into making a purchase.
- Acting for adam&eveDDB, the award winning creative agency behind the famous annual John Lewis Christmas ad, in relation to a high profile High Court copyright infringement claim over its John Lewis’s Christmas 2019 campaign.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Osborne Clarke LLP houses a ‘highly skilled‘ team, which exhibits ‘deep knowledge‘ of the full gamut of advertising and marketing issues. The group assists a varied client base consisting of ad agencies, advertisers, and media owners on a range of issues, including adtech, the use of AI within content, and brand endorsement. In addition to handling M&A and investment matters for ad agencies, the team frequently assists clients with the negotiation of sponsorship arrangements, and NFT related problems. Ashley Hurst jointly heads the practice alongside John Davidson-Kelly, who has vast experience in the establishment of digital platforms; while associate director Chloe Deng continues to maintain a digital regulation focused practice, often advising on compliance projects, in addition to marketing campaigns. Advertising and marketing specialist Nick Johnson acts for a variety of high profile clients in matters concerning advertising policies. Anna Williams, who leads the commercial team in the firm's Reading office, is an advertising, marketing and sponsorship specialist.
Practice head(s):
Ashley Hurst; John Davidson-Kelly
Other key lawyers:
Nick Johnson; Anna Williams; Chloe Deng
Testimonials
‘Highly skilled team with deep knowledge of the media industry, impressive global connections and resources.’
‘John Davidson-Kelly is known for his knowledge of the industry, and his ability to project manage a hugely complex roll-outs covering many jurisdictions. He has the ability to understand risk and help to steer a difficult compliance situation covering many new and emerging laws. Good team supporting him too.’
‘The team are very knowledgeable and responsive to the commercial issues.’
Key clients
Yieldify
LDC and Plimsoll Productions
Livewire Sports
Cancer Research UK
Advertising Producers Association
Altitude Films
VICE Media
Miniclip
Work highlights
- Advised Yieldify on its sale to global communications company, Publicis Groupe.
- Advised LiveWire Sport on its acquisition by leading sports marketing and data technology business, Two Circles.
Bird & Bird LLP
With marketing and advertising co-head Craig Giles, senior associate Shona O’Connell‘s expertise in advertising and marketing law and regulations, and Simon Fielder‘s specialism in M&A transactions in the media sector, Bird & Bird LLP advises clients on all issues within the highly regulated world of marketing, offering a comprehensive service in advising on cross-border advertising campaigns in multiple territories, ranging from pre-clearance advice, content liability and defamation, to advertising-related disputes such as ASA complaints, sales promotions and loyalty programmes. Alex Dixie‘s focus is on international adtech, a practice that now spans some 20 countries assisting advertisers through to tech platforms and publishers.
Practice head(s):
Simon Fielder
Other key lawyers:
Craig Giles; Alex Dixie; Shona O’Connell; Nick O’Donnell; Robert Turner
Key clients
Epic Games
ICE
TuneIn
DAZN
Activision Blizzard
Palma Pictures
Warner Bros. Discovery
TikTok
Tencent
Radiant
Aser Media
Bristows LLP
Praised by clients for their 'breadth of experience', the team at Bristows LLP assists a varied client roster consisting of advertising agency networks and brands. The group is particularly adept at handling brand protection matters, in addition to digital rights management and media buying related issues. Paul Jordan heads the practice alongside Richard Dickinson. Jordan has broad knowledge spanning digital and influencer marketing, campaign clearance, and regularly represents clients in defences against CMA and ASA investigations. Senior associate Tim Heaps regularly advises publishers and brands on compliance related matters, having had in-house experience in global companies.
Practice head(s):
Paul Jordan; Richard Dickinson
Other key lawyers:
Sean Ibbetson; Tim Heaps
Testimonials
‘I appreciate the team’s willingness to advise on complex matters over the phone. They have breadth of experience. I particularly appreciate their willing to provide risk-based advice.’
‘Paul Jordan is both a pleasure to work with, and a valued extension to our in-house team. He always has constructive, usable advice. Two thumbs up!’
‘Sean Ibbetson consistently provides clear, usable advice.’
Key clients
The Financial Times Limited
Independent Digital News and Media Limited and Lebedev Holdings Limited
The Guardian News and Media
Spotify
Paramount Pictures
Institute of Practitioners in Advertising
Two Daughters Entertainment Limited
Discovery Communications Europe Ltd and Eurosport SAS
Euromoney plc
Vir Health (t/a Numan)
Carnival
Kraft Heinz
WPP Group
LadBible
Work highlights
- Acted for Kraft Heinz on a talent endorsement and partnership deal with Ed Sheeran, for the creation of a new range of hot sauces called Tingly Ted’s.
- Advised Paramount on the drafting of influencer agreements with internet and TV personalities for their involvement in a series of stunts to promote the release of Paramount’s tent pole movie, The Lost City.
- Advising the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising’s member agencies on the ambush marketing risks associated with football-themed Deliveroo ads to run during the (delayed) Euro 2020 tournament.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has a strong track record of work on advertising, marketing, sponsorship and other commercial matters, with a notable focus on the sports sector, advising clients such as Nike, Ascot Racecourse and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford. The firm's most prominent names in this line of work include commercial contracts specialists Jason Saiban and Richard Davies, and Nick White, who offers IP expertise.
Key clients
Nike
Sage
International Tennis Federation
Bowers & Wilkins
Marcus Rashford
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Ascot Racecourse
The majority shareholders of In Touch Games Limited
Fika Community Limited
ATP Tour Inc.
Channel 4
Work highlights
- Advising Nike across the full range of practice areas including digital transformation project, technology contracts, sponsorship, sports marketing, advertising, e-commerce, regulatory, privacy and data protection, litigation, employment and real estate.
- Advising Sage, a global leader in software technology, on sponsorship deals for Six Nations Rugby, Major League Baseball and The Hundred. CRS advised Sage on a series of high-profile sports sponsorship deals, which included innovative technical aspects to the partnerships.
- Settling more than 30 phone hacking claims against MGN Limited (now Reach PLC – The Mirror, The Sunday Mirror and The People) for unlawful gathering of private and confidential information through phone hacking; and working on a substantial number of claims in the current tranche of the Mirror Newspaper Hacking Litigation.
CMS
With the 2022 hires of Oliver Kichenside and John Cloke from DLA Piper, CMS bolstered its practice in the advertising and marketing field – both have significant experience of media sector transactions, media rights, broadcasting and sponsorship. Ranging from clearance advice and ASA proceedings, to advertising agency deals and other highly specialist areas of advertising, the practice, which is headed up by Stuart Helmer, has wide-ranging capabilities, and has advised clients such as ITV AdVentures and M&C Saatchi. Led by Clive Gringras, the firm also acted for Microsoft in the Competition and Markets Authority’s high-profile investigation into Xbox subscription practices, and continues to be at the forefront of the UK television sector’s key strategic deals and market shifts.
Practice head(s):
Victoria Gaskell; Paul Guite
Other key lawyers:
Stuart Helmer; John Cloke; John Enser; Selina Potter; Clive Gringras; Tom Scourfield; Olly Kitchenside
Testimonials
‘CMS is a first class firm with excellent knowledge of what is going on in the market at any time. Highly commercial and always ahead of the curve when new finance issues rear their head. Most recently, I received really brilliant advice about cryptocurrency from the firm, and hadn’t seen anything approaching this level of understanding anywhere else.’
Key clients
Avia Games
BBC
BT Sport
Comcast
Coutts & Co
Cutting Edge Group
Dentsu Aegis Network
Discovery (now WarnerBros Discovery)
Disney
Elisabeth Murdoch
FremantleMedia Group Limited
Global Radio
Immediate Media
ITV plc
Jeremy Clarkson
Kobalt Music
M&C Saatchi
MTV
NBCUniversal
News Corp
News UK and Ireland
Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS)
Sky
SkyShowTime
Spotify
The Football Association Premier League Limited
UKTV Media Limited
Unilever
Warner Music
DLA Piper
DLA Piper's impressive credentials in the advertising and marketing space are underlined by its work for household name clients from the worlds of media, sport, banking and retail; the firm's bench of experts are also well-versed in the issues around influencer marketing. Recent work of note has included advising on the regulatory considerations surrounding cryptocurrency advertising, ESG-related advertising and prize promotions. The firm's work is generally international in scope; key names in the London office include John Wilks and Claire Sng.
Other key lawyers:
John Wilks; Clare Sng
Testimonials
‘John Wilks is a very thorough and dedicated partner.’
Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG houses a broad practice which assists clients with a diverse range of issues, including digital marketing relating to online choice architecture, fake reviews, and marketing to children. Advertising expert Dan Smith leads the team, regularly advising on a broad range of matters relating to greenwashing, affiliate marketing, and social media. Associate Kate Hawkins advises a number of global corporates in the automotive, retail, and food and drink sectors on influencer marketing, and is particularly adept at defending against complaints made to the ASA; while senior associate Zoe Pearman maintains an IP focused practice, and primarily handles copy clearance and promotional marketing issues.
Practice head(s):
Dan Smith
Other key lawyers:
Kate Hawkins; Zoe Pearman
Testimonials
‘Dan Smith is our main contact. He has a deep understanding of automotive markets and provides pragmatic, commercially relevant advice with a great level of responsiveness.’
‘Dan Smith is very knowledgeable, offers practical advice, and is super experienced in advertising law.’
Key clients
Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Volkswagen Group
Weetabix
Carlsberg Marstons
Commonwealth Games England
Hasbro, Inc.
Premier Foods
Oxfam
Volvo
Wickes
Work highlights
- Advised Hovis and Volkswagen Group to ensure their marketing claims avoid falling foul of the Competition and Markets Authority’s new Green Claims Code, including by providing training and copy clearance.
- Advising on digital marketing issues around influencer marketing, fake reviews, augmented reality and digital marketing to children, with clients including disruptive businesses and innovative digital advertisers.
- Assisted a leading European food manufacturer (which owns a number of key frozen food brands) and global automotive manufacturer in connection with the appointment of a new pan-European and/or global media agency for media booking and buying services.
Harbottle & Lewis LLP
Sacha Wilson and Michael Lister jointly co-head the 'excellent' practice at Harbottle & Lewis LLP, which is known for its 'very strong eye for detail'. The team is 'incredibly knowledgeable' when it comes to advertisement production issues and ASA investigations, and regularly dispenses advice on adtech issues and sponsorship deals. Wilson is 'second to none', and often gives 'perfectly-pitched' advice to global brands and agency groups on ASA investigations and data privacy issues relating to adtech and digital media; and Lister assists a number of brand ambassadors and influencers with the negotiation of agreements. Andrew Terry utilises his longstanding expertise in IP to handle advertising and branding disputes, and often advises clients on ASA and Clearcast related issues. Rupam Davé joined the team from Deloitte Legal in April 2023, contributing his knowledge of technology contracting.
Practice head(s):
Sacha Wilson; Michael Lister
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Terry; Kostyantyn Lobov; Rupam Davé; Amabel Torrance; Shireen Peermohamed
Testimonials
‘Sacha Wilson and his team are truly ahead of the curve – whether it is their dedication to understanding and supporting businesses, their responsiveness and timely delivery, or the knowledge and insight they can provide across all aspects of advertising and marketing work. Thank you for all your work and support!’
‘Excellent team, incredibly knowledgeable. They listen carefully to the brief and always provide excellent advice. Very strong eye for detail.’
‘Sacha Wilson stands out. His knowledge and experience of the wider digital market really is second to none. What makes him particularly good is his ability to communicate to and tailor to different audiences and provide a bridge between them, and his ability to get into the weeds with legal peers.’
‘Harbottle & Lewis has offered invaluable support to our organisation over the past two years. Their personal and timely approach, niche practice areas, and the prior industry experience of a number for their lawyers are standout strengths.’
‘Sacha Wilson is an incredible support to our business. We value his in-depth technology, data and industry experience; and his timely, pragmatic and perfectly-pitched advice. We can’t recommend him highly enough. (We wish we could clone him in every jurisdiction!)’
Key clients
P&O Cruises
Havas
Interpublic
Headspace
MOB Kitchen
Diageo
Expedia
Nissan
De Beers
Shein
David Beckham
Hamza Yassin
Hunter Boots
The Ozone Project
Incorporated Society of British Advertisers (ISBA)
Fnatic
Take-Two Interactive
Pokémon
Work highlights
- Advised Havas London on the ASDA Christmas 2022 advertising campaign featuring Will Ferrell.
- Advised P&O Cruises on its brand ambassador deal with the American singer and celebrity Nicole Scherzinger.
- Advised Ozone Project on its deal to onboard the BuzzFeed UK and HuffPost UK sites onto the Ozone Project advertising platform.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's team provies 'deep experience' and 'great' advice on a broad array of matters, including joint ventures between advertising companies, media buying agreements, and festival and events related marketing issues. Hayley Brady heads the media and digital practice, advising major corporates and advertising agencies on marketing arrangements; while senior associate James Balfour primarily focuses on advertising campaigns and the advertisement sales of third party bodies. Senior associate Rachel Kane has a great deal of regulatory expertise, often handling advertising sales agreements, partnership deals, and influencer marketing campaigns.
Practice head(s):
Hayley Brady
Other key lawyers:
James Balfour; Rachel Kane
Testimonials
‘Accurate, timely, great advice, and excellent work. They have deep experience, and are willing to offer advice and strong counter views.’
‘They don’t waste time and they know their business.’
‘They provided exceptional support – they were proactive, collaborative and dedicated; they seamlessly integrated with the business and demonstrated a solution orientated mindset and can-do attitude. In particular, James Balfour and Rachel Kane have good media buying industry experience, which is an invaluable specialist area.’
Key clients
Dentsu
Black Equity Organisation
United Kingdom for UNHCR
Amplify
Sky
Newen Studios SAS
Lee & Thompson LLP
Lee & Thompson LLP advises a diverse client roster, notably including McDonald’s and Social Chain, on advertising campaigns and sponsorship agreements, in addition to negotiations with social media brands. Huw Morris and Dominic Bray jointly lead the team. Morris dispenses advice on a variety of commercial issues, including international distribution, media buying and planning, and content acquisition; whilst Bray heads the dispute resolution practice, frequently acting for advertisers and agencies in matters concerning regulatory compliance and clearance. Sam Goodman primarily represents talent in sponsorship deals and arrangements with agencies.
Practice head(s):
Huw Morris; Dominic Bray
Other key lawyers:
Sam Goodman
Testimonials
‘Dominic Bray stands out as being a partner who truly engages with the finer details of complex legal analysis without losing sight of the bigger strategic or commercial picture.’
Key clients
McDonald’s Restaurants
Social Chain
Publicis
Dentsu
W Communications
Outernet Global
VCCP
Next 15 Communications Group PLC
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures
The Alliance of Independent Agencies
Hub Productions
Livity Limited
Work highlights
- Advising McDonald’s Restaurants on its activities and contracts with talent and influencers, including its 2022 Christmas advertising campaign with Becky Hill.
Reed Smith LLP
Led by Elle Todd, the team at Reed Smith LLP advises a broad range of clients, including production companies, musicians, and talent payroll companies on the rights of advertisers, endorsement agreements, and consumer protection issues. The group also handles a range of promotional mandates involving sweepstakes and contests. Broadcasting specialist Nick Swimer primarily focuses on planning and buying agreements within advertising sales and production; while Nick Breen advises numerous advertising agencies, advertisers, and brands on clearance and commercial issues. Managing partner for Europe and Middle East Gregor Pryor maintains a digital media focused practice, often advising online retailers and content owners on the exploitation of IP rights.
Practice head(s):
Elle Todd
Other key lawyers:
Gregor Pryor; Nick Swimer; Nick Breen
Testimonials
‘Gregor Pryor is excellent. He speaks more plainly than other lawyers I have worked with. He’s direct, clever and the best negotiator I have worked with.’
‘Nick Swimer provides invaluable support. He understands our industry and is highly regarded in the business for providing client-focused, knowledgeable and pragmatic advice.’
‘Nick Swimer really gets the world of media sales and ad tech. He is clearly hugely respected and recognised as a thought leader and industry expert in the advertising sector by brands, media agencies and ad tech vendors and having him on side has meant that the bar is immediately raised in any negotiation or industry initiative. We have been hugely impressed by Nick.’
RPC
RPC houses a 'brilliant, yet friendly and personable' team, which assists a number of notable clients, namely Shiseido, New Look,and Dreams. The 'impeccably pragmatic' group frequently acts in campaigns, handling endorsement and giveaway related issues, and green claims. Practice head Oliver Bray is a recognised advertising specialist who has 'always goes above and beyond' when assisting clients with copy approval matters, and regulatory investigations. Senior associate Hettie Homewood has a great deal of expertise, having spent time in-house within the e-commerce and luxury retail sectors. Homewood primarily focuses on advising retailers, tech businesses, and media agencies.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Bray
Other key lawyers:
Hettie Homewood; Rachael Ellis; Tom James
Testimonials
‘Impeccably pragmatic, their advice enables swift navigation of black letter law and applicable regulations.
‘Conclusive output from a brilliant, yet friendly and personable team.’
‘Oliver Bray always goes above and beyond.’
‘Rachael Ellis is an expert level advisor.’
‘Tom James is a rising star.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable, pragmatic and approachable. There is always a very prompt response to any queries, and they always have a sensible approach.’
‘Oliver is an expert in the field of marketing and advertising, he is always available to discuss potential issues or concerns. Olly always gives a perspective which evidences his years of experience.’
Key clients
Youtube
PizzaExpress
Shiseido
Techtronic Industries
Jet2 Holidays
New Look
Dreams
News UK & Ireland
Which?
Darabase
News UK
Work highlights
- Advising Google on advertising and marketing and legal clearance work, including international campaigns.
- Advising PizzaExpress on its advertising and marketing campaigns, including prize draws; competitions; contests; rules around influencer marketing; endorsement and meal giveaways; direct marketing; data compliance; and copy review.
- Advising Dreams on sports and entertainment-related endorsements, sponsorship and creative arrangements, including those relating to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Bates Wells
Bates Wells handles a broad range of mandates including promotions, direct marketing and prize draws, with a particular focus on work for the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The practice is jointly led by Rupert Earle and Erica Crump; with Earle having deep knowledge of regulatory issues concerning ASA, and Crump handling all matters faced by cultural and performance organisations.
Practice head(s):
Rupert Earle; Erica Crump
Testimonials
‘Erica Crump is a standout performer, passionate and aligned to client objectives.’
Key clients
The Horniman Public Museum and Public Park Trust
Elba Hope Foundation (established by Idris and Sabrina Elba)
Landmark Theatres
Amy Winehouse Foundation
Advertising Standards Authority
Independent Venues
Amit Lahav (Gecko theatre)
Work highlights
- Successfully advised the Advertising Standards Authority on High Court judicial review claim by Aldi Stores Limited concerning a decision of the Independent Reviewer of ASA Rulings that there was no substantial flaw in a ruling by the ASA on 9 June 2021 that an Aldi price match advertisement by Tesco published in The Sun newspaper was not misleading.
- Advising the Advertising Standards Authority on a range of issues including the use of online choice architecture to influence consumer shopping decisions, and where the line between information provision and promotion can be drawn for products which can lawfully be sold but not advertised under UK / EU law.
Browne Jacobson LLP
Declan Cushley leads the national IP practice at Browne Jacobson LLP, which is known for its focus on brand protection, and both contentious and non contentious IP matters. Associate Hayley Smith is adept at handling disputes concerning advertising software and copyright infringements; while senior associate Faye McConnell primarily advises clients within the luxury fashion and beauty sectors on marketing strategy delivery. Giles Parsons focuses on portfolio management, injunctions, and breach of confidence disputes.
Practice head(s):
Declan Cushley
Other key lawyers:
Hayley Smith; Faye McConnell; Giles Parsons
Testimonials
‘Their stand out qualities are: understanding of our business, commercial approach, speed of response, ability to translate technical legal matters into understandable commercial language, thorough follow up and attention to detail. We value their support to our business and in fact they feel like they are a part of our business, even though they are an external advisor.’
‘Specific standout partners and associates for the media and entertainment work are Faye McConnell, Giles Parsons and Declan Cushley.’
Key clients
Match Group LLC
Bestseller A/S
Iconic London (Holdings) Limited
MoreNiche
Professional Hair Products Limited
Fender
University College Birmingham
Ad Signal Limited
National Trust
Mace Group
PZ Cussons Beauty
Camelot Lotteries UK Limited
National Car Parks Ltd
Castore
Ocean Technologies Group
Lotus Cars
adidas (UK) Limited
Fieldfisher
Praised by clients as a team you can ‘rely upon with any issue’ the advertising and consumer group at Fieldfisher assists with a diverse range of issues, including Advertising Standards Authority complaints, adtech matters and regulatory compliance, with a particular focus on the social media/internet-based advertising sector. With almost three decades of experience at the firm, David Bond heads the team – he has a longstanding track record of work for the ISBA, the UK advertisers’ trade association. Sonal Patel Oliva also brings a great deal of expertise, having advised numerous brands on UK matters and coordinating European-wide advice.
Practice head(s):
David Bond
Other key lawyers:
Sonal Patel Oliva; Kate Williams
Testimonials
‘Great team with exceptional knowledge of film sector which we operate in.’
‘Knowledgeable, detail-focused, impeccable advice when weighing the issues to find compromise, attentive, organized, available and able to keep all sides focused/directed.’
‘The team are excellent, technically good at their job but also very accommodating and timely. They understand the industry and apply their knowledge to complex problems.’
‘David Bond is someone whom I trust completely to give the best advice and can rely upon with any issue, however big or small.’
Key clients
Library Pictures International
Magnetar Capital
BBC Studios
Timeless Films
Legendary Pictures
Huayi Brothers International
Natixis Coficine
BBC
Getty Images
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp
See-Saw Films
Live Tech Games
The William Reed Group
Tortoise Media
Constantin Film
Max Film
Swift Media
Tokyopop
Mubi
The Match Factory
Nickelodeon, MTV and Paramount Pictures (ViacomCBS)
Puig (Carolina Herrera, Penhaligon’s, Jean Paul Gaultier,
Nina Ricci, Paco Rabanne, Penhaligon’s, Christian
Louboutin)
ID Comms
LVMH Louis Vuitton
Incorporated Society of British Advertisers (ISBA)
Work highlights
- Advising Puig UK Limited (owner of brands including Carolina Herrera, Penhaligon’s, Jean Paul Gaultier, Nina Ricci, Paco Rabanne, Christian Louboutin) in relation to its advertising and marketing needs including prize promotions, marketing collaborations and digital advertising.
Purdy Smith
The 'very straightforward' Mark Smith heads the practice at Purdy Smith, advising a number of marketing agencies and brands within the cosmetics, food, and retail sectors. The group is well known for handling a broad range of issues, including prize draws and competitions, direct marketing, and product placement related issues; additionally, the team assists with consumer law compliance and passing off.
Practice head(s):
Mark Smith
Testimonials
‘Mark Smith is very straightforward and responsive.’
Key clients
Expedia
Claire’s
The Entertainer
Probability LLC
Work highlights
- Advising Expedia on talent, production, and media buying agreements.
- Advising accessories and jewellery retailer Claire’s on sales promotions.
- Advising The Entertainer on compliance with advertising and consumer law.
Taylor Wessing LLP
Taylor Wessing LLP 's team handles a broad range of matters for clients in the technology sector, including investigations, copy clearance, and green claims. Practice head Adam Rendle has a great deal of experience in issues relating to media assets, content licensing, and advertising regulations. Senior associates Simon Jupp and Oz Watson are known for representing a number of brands in matters concerning sponsorship and influencer agreements; in addition to assisting technology businesses and start ups with the appointment of advertising agencies and IP rights.
Practice head(s):
Adam Rendle
Other key lawyers:
Simon Jupp; Oz Watson
Testimonials
‘The team brings a wealth of experience and global perspective to questions of media practice that is unparalleled.’
‘They have a depth of understanding about the unique needs and specialised concerns of their media clients. They are detail-oriented, and creative in providing options and approaches. Rather than merely explaining the legal perils involved in a course of action, they always provide practical advice that is designed to help their clients achieve their goals while minimizing the legal risks.’
Key clients
Engine Group Holdings LLC
Heycar
William Grant & Sons
Work highlights
- Advised Engine Group on the sale of its UK business to tech and data-driven growth consultancy, Next Fifteen Communications Group, for an enterprise value of £77.5m.
- Advising William Grant & Sons (Hendrick’s, Glenfiddich and other spirits brands) on one of its brands Monkey Shoulder’s sponsorships of Boomtown music festival, and Secret Garden Party.
Wiggin LLP
The team at Wiggin LLP handles a broad range of matters, with particular emphasis given to rights matters for buyers and sports rights holders; and sponsorship agreements. Sarah MacDonald heads the practice, often advising brands on distribution or promotional issues, and the use of audio-visual content. Senior associate Bethan Lloyd has vast expertise in handling commercial matters for betting and gaming clients, and regularly assists them with licensing matters. Mark Deem joined the group from Mishcon de Reya LLP in September 2022, contributing his knowledge of technology and media disputes.
Practice head(s):
Sarah MacDonald
Other key lawyers:
Bethan Lloyd; Mark Deem
Testimonials
‘The team is full of knowledgeable and bright lawyers who understand the issues faced by our industry, and our business. They are extremely pragmatic in terms of their advice. Over and above that, however, the team consists of normal, friendly people who are approachable and likeable.’
‘We are able to interact with the team on a human, as well as a professional level. Bethan Lloyd stands out for her pragmatic advice and approachable manner.’
‘The team has an excellent understanding of client needs and timelines and quickly get to the bottom of the issue at hand. A personable and solutions focused team, they often feel like an extension to the in-house team. We have great confidence in being able to pick up the phone to various members of the team at any time and quickly receive tangible answers that the business can move forward with.’
‘Sarah MacDonald has exceptional knowledge of the advertising sector across both sports and gambling industries and provides pragmatic, commercial solutions to complex issues.’
Key clients
MBC Group
Vodafone UK
Manchester United
BetStars
BetVictor
Stake.com
SBOTOP
Jockey Club Racecourses
Premiership Rugby
FootballCo
Two Circles
FIFA
William Hill
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP advises on advertising campaigns, sponsorships and marketing initiatives, with recent work encompassing intellectual property, disputes and content production agreements. Key names in the firm's Bristol base include Helen Scott-Lawler .
Howard Kennedy LLP
The key name for advertising and marketing at Howard Kennedy LLP is intellectual property partner Alex Watt - his recent work has included advising retailers and influencer marketing agencies on campaigns, contracts and disputes.
Northridge Law LLP
Northridge Law LLP houses a team of ‘real specialists‘ who exhibit ‘deep industry knowledge‘ when acting for well known clients, including Spotify, Puma, and AEG Worldwide. Practice head Jon Walters has broad knowledge spanning sponsorship deals and commercial issues, and is ‘friendly and commercially astute‘ when assisting clients with expansion of sponsorship programmes and naming rights deals. Paul Shapiro predominantly advising brands and athletes on licensing and merchandising matters, ensuring regulatory compliance is observed; and associate George Willis has a great deal of expertise in data protection, often negotiating endorsement deals between sporting clubs and media platforms.
Practice head(s):
Jon Walters
Other key lawyers:
Paul Shapiro; George Willis
Testimonials
‘The team has deep domain expertise and networks within the European sporting fraternity.’
‘Jon Walters is friendly and commercially astute.’
‘Great and really helpful.’
‘Great attitude and experience, they are real specialists in their field.’
‘Superior client service, agility, and execution.’
‘Deep industry knowledge paired with ability to apply it to legal framework; they can explain how a piece of the industry works in a particular manner, and the legal theory behind it.’
Key clients
Spotify
Betway
LIV Golf
AEG Worldwide
Thierry Henry
TGI Sport
Two Circles / Bruin Capital
PUMA
E20 / London Stadium
Found Entertainment
DesignScene
Heaps + Stacks
GenMove
Blueprintx
KIN
Blink Productions
Creative Control Ventures
CSM
Work highlights
- Acted for Spotify on a sponsorship agreement with FC Barcelona.
- Advising Betway on the significant expansion of its global sponsorship programme, notably its expansion into the US.
Simkins LLP
Simkins LLP advises a variety of clients, including influencers, brand owners, and talent on the full gamut of issues, including agency appointments and brand management. Practice head Caroline Copeland handles a broad range of matters, including relationship agreements, in addition to media buying and production issues. Nick Eziefula has a great deal of experience in the music and technology industries, and assists a number of media investment companies, supported by associate Helena Franklin, who is adept at the negotiation of commercial contracts.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Copeland
Other key lawyers:
Nick Eziefula; Helena Franklin
Testimonials
‘Simkins understand the the way the media works – they become an advisory partner and are able to judge the context and the delicate handling required when dealing with a reputation issue. They work alongside us, ensuring a smoother outcome.’
Key clients
The International Olympic Committee
Soga World
Work highlights
- Advised the International Olympic Committee on various brand partnerships with TV stations and sports bodies.
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs advises a diverse client roster consisting of media owners and content producers on both contentious and non-contentious matters relating to ad tracking and payments to influencers. Carlton Daniel leads the team with his expertise in the protection of IP rights and the drafting of product placement contracts.
Practice head(s):
Carlton Daniel
Testimonials
‘Carlton Daniel is the best TMT lawyer in London, hands down. No one compares to Carlton. In-house lawyers love him and his practice is the envy of the City.’
‘The openness and innovation in the team, their ability to think problems through with you in a collaborative way and the speed and ingenuity of their solutions makes me want to use the team again and again’
‘The team’s overall stability makes retention of knowledge easy. Carlton Daniels leads a great team and is both in the real detail and can be a blue sky thinker.’
Key clients
BGF / Komi Group
Supadu
Supponor
Eastman Studios
E Vision / Playco
Marketing VF Ltd
Kantar
MiQ
Aston Martin
Salesforce
Bacardi
Roche
The British Standards Institute
DataCore
Datasite
Tessian
Work highlights
- Advised on an investment of BGF through funds managed or advised by BGF Investment Management Limited in Komi Group Ltd.
- Advised leading virtual advertising technology provider Supponor on its game changing deal with the National Hockey League, the leading North American ice hockey league.
- Advised Eastman Studios on its template studio hire arrangements for its new UK film studios, both as part of its wider arrangements with Amazon.