Mr John Enser > CMS > London, England > Lawyer Profile

CMS is known for its strong work in the technology and music spheres, where it assists major record labels and social media companies on commercial and corporate mandates. The wider media practice is led by Victoria Gaskell and Paul Guite who handle regulatory and corporate work, respectively, for media and tech clients. The go-to name for music-related matters, John Enser is routinely engaged by platform operators and clients offering audio and audiovisual content via digital platforms in relation to regulatory, commercial and copyright mandates.

Drawing upon the firm’s ‘strength in depth’ across its media, commercial and IP divisions, CMS offers bespoke advice to governing bodies, sports broadcasters and major sports teams on all aspects of regulatory, transactional and litigious proceedings. David Zeffman leads the group, predominantly focusing upon the gambling and television sectors in a sporting context; John Cloke represents large sports competitions and sponsors; and the ‘always approachable’ Tom Scourfield is knowledgeable on content protection and anti-counterfeiting strategy. John Enser is a copyright law expert, assisting rights holders and broadband companies, while Neeraj Thomas and Oliver Kichenside are also singled out as key ports of call.

CMS provides ‘highly practical advice on all manner of commercial contracts‘, with particularly deep knowledge of sectors including retail and technology, handling contracts and manufacturing arrangements for leading FTSE 100 companies. At the helm is commercial law veteran John Enser. Other notable members of the practice are Matthew Bennett, who can advise on an array of strategic commercial contracts relating to outsourcing, offshoring and shared services; Laurence Kalman, who counts the technology sector as an area of strength; Dominic Dryden, who is key to the group’s technology and sourcing mandates; Sam Oustayiannis, who was promoted to partner in 2024 and handles commercial arrangements in the media and technology sectors; Ian Stevens, who plays an important role in the group’s matters in the telecommunications sector; and Suparna Bhattacharjee.

The media practice at CMS acts for major streaming clients and leading sporting organisations in a wide range of contentious and non-contentious issues. The team as a whole works across multiple media segments, combining its digital content and social expertise with substantial experience in the audiovisual, gaming and sports sectors. The firm has strong international ties, allowing it to advise clients on cross-border mandates, including M&A. John Cloake is especially active in transactional matters involving commercial rights in the sports sector. Co-head Victoria Gaskell, a key contact for production companies, platforms and channels, focuses on content and digital media mandates. Fellow co-leader Paul Guite handles international and UK-based transactions for media and technology clients. Sam Oustayiannis, who was promoted to partner in May 2024, advises on content distribution issues and on the launch of new media technology products and platforms. Selina Potter leads on broadcasting and technology matters, while John Enser is a strong performer in mandates involving the distribution of audio and audiovisual content via digital platforms.