Sport

Sport is an integral part of the fabric of life in the UK and a significant contributor to UK GDP.

The UK family of nations are passionate about sport and the UK is a sports powerhouse boasting many of the leading global sports brands (The Premier League, Wimbledon, Formula One to name but three) and exerting unique and probably unrivalled influence over the global sports events market and sports value chain.

The very public profile, commercial risk position and dynamic nature of this sector demand that athletes, clubs, associations and sports rights holders require access to expert legal advice from lawyers who know their game.

Expertise

Mike Townley leads the specialist sports team at Moore Law. Known for his work in anti-doping, broadcasting and sponsorship agreements, he also has experience as in-house counsel to the International Paralympic Committee.

More generally, the firm is known for its work with sports federations, organisations and athletes. This includes advising on rules and regulations, discipline, competition law and trademarking/IP.

In addition, it increasingly represents social media influencers who have broadcasting interests in e-sports, gaming and celebrity events. In this regard, founder Tris Moore and Head of Digital, Scott Appleton are recommended.

solicitors for footballers

Services

  • Playing contracts, players’ name, brand and image rights, endorsement and sponsorship
  • Business formation, shareholders agreements and investment and exit and strategies
  • Commercial Contracts, terms and conditions of supply, distribution and joint venture, subcontracting, maintenance and licensing agreements
  • Advice on club constitution, membership and rules, charitable status and incorporation
  • Sports event management contracts
  • Negotiation and settlement of disputes, international arbitration and doping and disciplinary hearings
  • Prosecution and defence of civil and defence of criminal actions (working with leading barristers)
  • Athlete representation
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Testimonials
In the 14 years that I have known Mike Townley, apart from his obvious and deep experience, he understands the strengths and weaknesses of a given case, from both sides, and therefore knows how to position the strategy to maximise the effectiveness of the case. He is not afraid of giving an honest appraisal, which is invaluable in avoiding lost causes and so keeping costs to a minimum. Whilst giving the process the opportunity to be resolved before further escalation is necessary, so providing an exit if required, if needs be Mike is very capable of resolutely pursuing the case to its conclusion. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Mike Townley is a great lawyer, a very nice person, extremely committed to client matters. A wonderful combination of knowledge and passion.
Highlights for Moore Law included advising Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club on a pouring and sponsorship rights agreement with major Sussex brewer Harveys; and acting for Fontwell Park Steeplechase on its hosting of the Mutiny Festival, a matter involving negotiation with festival organisers and festival landowners to protect the Fontwell facilities and track. It also advised Technogym UK on various new media, communication and privacy initiatives. Tristram Moore heads the boutique sports practice, and ‘continues to increase the firm’s relationships with sports clients through his sector knowledge and his ability to get the job done’. Other notable clients include The Sidemen, Trainerspotter and Joe Weller.   Legal 500
Mike Townley has a unique background, having worked for years as General Counsel of the International Paralympic Committee.
Commercial London
Commercial
Specialises in providing niche commercial legal services
employment services
Employment
Contract drafting and negotiation
intellectual Property
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property rights protection and exploitation
football player case study
Case Study | Football Tournament
Acting for two well-known international footballers in connection with...  read more>>>
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Olympic Village Supply Contract Case Study
Moore Law acted for a key supplier to the multinational company (and Olympic Sponsor) responsible for the installation of mobile trauma units into the Athletes Village at the London Olympics. Advising such a client involved protracted negotiations with a number of key stakeholders and managing exposure to risk at a very high public profile event.

Clients

Lewes FC
Lewes FC
Image
British Bobsleigh Skeleton Association
Image
Technogym

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