Alex Cole > Russells Solicitors > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Russells Solicitors
YALDING HOUSE
152-156 GREAT PORTLAND STREET
LONDON
W1W 5QA
England
Alex Cole photo

Work Department

Digital Media, Entertainment & Technology

Position

Partner

Career

Alex joined Russells in 2018 and has established three main areas of focus:

1. The convergence of technology and entertainment including:

  • Web 3.0 (blockchain, crypto, NFTs and DAOs);
  • Metaverse(s);
  • Artificial intelligence;
  • Deepfakes and synthetic media
  • Virtual and augmented reality;
  • Digital content licensing in the music and audiovisual industries;
  • Gaming and esports;
  • Branded entertainment
  • Influencers and the influencer economy;
  • Social media;
  • E-commerce;
  • Copyright;
  • Trade marks;
  • Data protection / GDPR / ePrivacy;
  • Website and app terms;
  • Software development and licensing;
  • Intermediary liability;
  • Regulatory matters including OFCOM and ASA regulations;
  • Online advertising; and
  • Lotteries and prize promotions.

Alex’s recent work in this area has included advising on a number of web 3.0 projects for major record labels which have been reported in the press.  He frequently gives talks and training to entertainment industry bodies on technology-related matters and he is an actively involved member of the Society of Computers & Law.

2. Corporate and company law matters including:

  • Catalogue and company sales and acquisitions;
  • Joint ventures and shareholders’ arrangements;
  • Fundraising and investments;
  • Partnership and LLP arrangements;
  • Employee incentives / share option schemes; and
  • Day-to-day company law and corporate governance advice.

3. Non-contentious entertainment matters including:

  • Recording, publishing, distribution, management and band arrangements for music industry clients;
  • Development, production, financing and distribution arrangements for film and TV industry clients;
  • Branding, sponsorship and endorsement matters;
  • Merchandising; and
  • Live events.

Lawyer Rankings

London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV

Music specialist firm Russells Solicitors is home to a growing film and TV practice which acts for notable talent, presenters, broadcasters, producers and directors. The team has considerable experience in commercial transactions, an area in which co-head Gavin Maude stands out, while Simon Esplen focuses on music-related biopics and documentaries. The team is also a strong performer in litigation proceedings in this space, with litigation specialist Steven Tregear taking the lead on this type of work. Alex Cole handles development, production, financing and distribution arrangements, and Anna Ling assists directors, production companies and financiers with commercial matters.

London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Digital content & social

Best known for its expertise in the music industry, Russells Solicitors is home to a digital and technology practice that attracts frequent instructions from rights holders, emerging digital platforms and individual talent. The team is led by Alex Cole, who advises start-ups and individuals on AI, digital rights licensing, web3 and other key digital issues. Henry Priestley is active in disputes involving digital issues. This is also a key area of expertise for Alice Rudge, whose performance in AI and digital royalties-related claims is noteworthy.