Media and entertainment

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

Our media and entertainment 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.

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. 

What others say

“Bristows understood the context and the conditions the client was operating under in other jurisdictions. They have a knack for getting into clients’ shoes and understanding the situation.”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“Their approach is grounded in a solid understanding of legal and regulatory issues, undergirded by pragmatism.”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“I really like working with Bristows. They are responsive and pragmatic. It has been a very positive experience.”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“They have that rare combination of deep sector expertise, commercial pragmatism, and client-focused service. They provide strategic guidance tailored to the evolving challenges of the industry.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“The team are able to bring a range of expertise to take a rounded approach to our issues. They are timely and clear in their responses.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2026

Recent rankings and awards

Media: film & TV

Media: theatre, publishing and other media - Tier 2

Media: digital content & social - Tier 2

Media: advertising & marketing - Tier 2

Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media

Interactive Entertainment & Social Media Chambers and Partners UK 2025

Key contacts

Paul Jordan
Paul Jordan
Partner – Trade mark, designs & copyright
Nellie Jackson headshot
Nellie Jackson
Partner – Trade mark, designs & copyright
Jeremy Blum
Jeremy Blum
Partner, Co-Head of IP Litigation
Ian Gruselle headshot
Ian Gruselle
Partner – Trade mark, designs & copyright
Simon Clark's headshot
Simon Clark
Partner – Trade mark, designs & copyright

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