These inherently intellectual property-rich industries are a natural fit for Bristows’ expertise.

Our media, entertainment and sporting clients range from major publishing houses to television companies; from production studios to sports clubs, championships and governing bodies; from major household brands to creative agencies; and from development houses to leading players in the interactive entertainment and gaming industry.

They seek our advice on a broad range of issues - both contentious and non-contentious - often with intellectual property at the heart of the matter, enabling them to protect and capitalise on what are often their most significant assets.

We bring our extensive knowledge and passion for these sectors to offer end-to-end support for our clients on all aspects of the registration, protection and exploitation of their brands and intellectual property rights. This includes, by way of example, supporting on sponsorship or talent endorsement deals, product collaborations, film and TV production and distribution, talent agreements, influencer marketing, advertising compliance and clearance, publishing agreements, the acquisition and licensing of content, IP infringement, pre-publication rights clearance and associated brand, defamation and IP issues.

Key contact

Paul Jordan

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Richard Dickinson

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Experience

Long standing advisor to one of the UK’s largest and most well respected media organisations on all aspects of its commercial legal operations, including the provision of advertising clearance, brand protection and commercial sponsorship advice as well as supporting on contracts for the delivery of programmatic advertising across its properties.

Advising countless household brand names on their engagement of various talent brand partnership deals – ranging from the use of influencer marketing to long-standing brand ambassador roles, from product collaborations and appearances to full co-investments and joint ventures, we have supported on all types of celebrity brand partnerships.

Advising a production company on the development, financing and release of major TV & film titles, including supporting on all talent, production, distribution and merchandising agreements as well as fundraising, tax and financial structuring matters.

Advising one of the world’s largest and most well-known drinks brands on its global partner sponsorship of some of the most viewed sporting events on earth, supporting on all aspects of the deal including commercial structuring, activation management and contract negotiations.

Advising major film studios and global streaming platforms on various elements of their operations, including distribution agreements, content licensing, merchandising and global privacy law compliance.

Advising a global motor racing championship on all aspects of its broadcasting operations for the delivery of high-quality outside broadcast programming, including supporting on all technical supplier agreements, content licensing and brand and reputational protection issues. 

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What others say

“Bristows has a widely experienced team providing support to their clients on complex matters. Their ability to provide support on sophisticated matters is exquisite.”

Chambers and Partners 2024

“They are knowledgeable and up to date with the fast-changing laws related to social media and the various platforms, and able to appropriately and adeptly guide clients in this industry.”

Chambers and Partners 2024

“They run their cases like a boutique firm, but with the resources and strategic thinking of a larger firm. Their approach is continuously mindful of the specific needs of the case.”

Legal 500 2024

“Excellent knowledge of trade mark law and how that applies to practical commercial situations.”

Legal 500 2023

“The team has demonstrable capability across a range of sectors, including the publishing, food and beverage, health, hospitality, fashion and retail industries.”

Legal 500 2023

Recent rankings and awards

Intellectual Property - Band 1
Chambers and Partners UK 2024

Intellectual Property: Trade Marks, Copyright and Design - Tier 1
Legal 500 2024

Media: Digital content & social - Tier 1
Legal 500 2024