Entertainment & Sports Law

Overview

Whether it's music, television, film, theatre, fine art, book publishing, video games, sports, e-sports or the metaverse/NFTs, we know what it takes to protect and market your talent and content in a field that's full of competition and opportunity. By leveraging the experience of our top-ranked professionals, we help entertainment and sports businesses and talent achieve their desired outcomes – from securing the best deals to winning contentious disputes.

Maximizing the value of your creative works and talent

Because Gowling WLG is a global leader in intellectual property (IP) law, we'll work with you to defend your IP protected works and ensure you're well-positioned to commercialize your rights. Our reputation as the trusted ESL law firm is supported by our experience working internationally with musicians, actors, professional athletes, sports teams and organisations, record labels, film and television producers, production companies, managers, agents, publishers and charities across all entertainment and sports media.

Growing your business and commercializing your content

We serve as key advisers to our clients, applying our talent and connections to help them grow and succeed in the ever-changing entertainment and sports markets. Understanding that your goals and needs are unique, we can assist on a diverse array of legal matters, including commercial transactions such as negotiating and drafting production agreements, talent agreements, licensing agreements, record deals and merchandising arrangements; finance and investments; employment issues; sponsorship negotiation; real estate transactions; estate planning; personality rights; and more.

Resolving your complex disputes

From arbitration and litigation to negotiation and mediation, we have the high-level experience needed to resolve – and help you avoid – even the most contentious disputes in the entertainment and sports worlds. Our lawyers have appeared before all levels of courts and tribunals, representing clients on numerous cases ranging from civil and commercial disputes for large entertainment and sports organizations to litigation relating to licensing and sponsorship.

Team Canada

We are proud to have served as the official legal adviser to Commonwealth Games Canada during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK.