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Sponsorship lawyers
A prestigious deal that you can feel proud of… an opportunity to raise your profile… a lucrative chance to align with a brand you admire. Sponsorship agreements can be highly beneficial to both parties’ interests. But how do you find ‘The One’?
In our long experience of acting in sponsorship and endorsement deals, we have had the pleasure of uniting stars from the world of sport and entertainment with prestigious commercial brands whose values they share. We’ve also negotiated game-changing sponsorship for charities. Many of these relationships have lasted for years, but the fit needs to be right from the start.
The perfect partnership
Whichever side of the deal you are on, it’s important to find the right partner. For a company to sponsor a sports personality, they must have the right kind of reach; from the individual’s perspective, the brand needs to send the right message to their followers. Charities are governed by strict rules as to what they can accept and from whom.
Sometimes we are able to spot occasions when our clients’ interests align and connect them with each other. Or we act as trusted advisers, considering whether a sponsorship or endorsement deal is truly in your interests and what the details should be. From vetting contracts to negotiating on your behalf, we are there every step of the way.
Global presence
A key benefit of sponsorship deals is that they speak to people around the world, regardless of nationality or even language spoken. As a truly global law firm, we are well placed to offer joined-up international advice.
How we can help
With experience advising some of the world’s best-known brands, we can help you to devise brand guidelines, protect your brand identity and monitor your portfolio – enforcing your rights as needed.
Commercial agreementsProperly structured agreements will protect and advance your interests. With knowledge across sectors such as luxury brands, sport and the arts, we draft contracts that work for the long term.
Copyright and designGroundbreaking creators should be rewarded. Our copyright and design team advises fashion designers, artists, sports stars, manufacturers and others on ways to protect and monetize their work.
Fees for bringing and defending claims for unfair and wrongful dismissal in the employment tribunal
Global mobilityGetting talent in the right place at the right time has never been more important. Whether you are seeking to transfer employees abroad or set up operations in a new country, our global mobility lawyers will work with your HR team to handle the whole process seamlessly.
Joint ventures and strategic alliancesJoining with a partner can help to advance your ambition, but the venture must be set up appropriately. Our lawyers will discuss your goals, advise on suitable structures and negotiate agreements.
The publication of private or inaccurate information can seriously damage reputations. Should the worst happen, our media law team will quickly advise on how to mitigate any potential impact.
TaxWith a team of more than 150 specialist tax lawyers, who are qualified in jurisdictions around the world, we are perfectly placed to handle even the most complex, cross-border tax issues.
VisasWe have extensive experience helping individuals and businesses to get temporary and permanent visas. With lawyers across the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific, we can explain options and help with applications.
Clients include
Track record
Cancer Research UK
We advised Cancer Research UK on the 'Stand Up to Cancer' campaign broadcast on Channel 4.
SSAFA
We advised SSAFA – the Armed Forces Charity on its sponsorship agreement with BT.
AC Milan on the sponsorship by Emirates airline
AC Milan, an Italian Serie A football club, on the sponsorship by Emirates airline, which included the San Siro stadium and the Milanello sporting complex.
Acted for World Sports Group in relation to commercial rights disputes
We acted for World Sports Group, Asia’s largest sports marketing, media and event management company, in relation to disputes pertaining to an agreement relating to the exploitation of commercial rights.
Acted for World Sports Group in relation to commercial rights disputes
We acted for World Sports Group, Asia’s largest sports marketing, media and event management company, in relation to disputes pertaining to an agreement relating to the exploitation of commercial rights.
Cancer Research UK
We advised Cancer Research UK on the 'Stand Up to Cancer' campaign broadcast on Channel 4.
SSAFA
We advised SSAFA – the Armed Forces Charity on its sponsorship agreement with BT.
AC Milan on the sponsorship by Emirates airline
AC Milan, an Italian Serie A football club, on the sponsorship by Emirates airline, which included the San Siro stadium and the Milanello sporting complex.
Our team
Luca Ferrari
Partner | Milan
Michael A. Rueda
Partner | Head of US Sports and Entertainment | New York
Ceri Vokes
Partner | London
Libby Payne
Partner | London
Charles S. Kolstad
Partner | New York
Amy Stephen
Paralegal | New Haven
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Typical clients and industries include
Luxury brands
Our global team has helped many of the world's finest luxury brands build their businesses and maintain their credibility long-term. Find Out MoreSports, talent and entertainment
Withers’ global multidisciplinary sports, talent & entertainment practice focuses on representing the interests of professional athletes, artists, entertainers, sports and entertainment businesses, investors, and organizations on a full range of legal services. Find Out MoreGet in touch
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