Leading Individuals

Media and entertainment in North

Mincoffs Solicitors LLP

Whilst advising organisations involved in traditional media, Mincoffs Solicitors LLP’s media team has developed its expertise in emerging forms of digital media including online advertising, e-sports, online streaming, online gambling, and social media advertising. Antony Hall leads the team advising clients from the Interactive media, computer games and creative industries with a portfolio including brand agencies and videogame studios as well as board game manufacturers, video game studios and social media personalities. As head of the firm’s commercial dispute resolution team, litigator Stewart Irvine is the key contact for all contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Antony Hall


Other key lawyers:

Stewart Irvine


Testimonials

‘A clear understanding of our business at a granular level which helps build strong connections when opportunities arise.’

‘Antony Hall- strong support network and easy access for contact.’

 

Key clients

Coatsink Software Limited


Steamforged Games Limited


Generator North East Limited


North East Screen Limited


Goodboy Digital Ltd


Big Thursday Creative Limited


The TV Agency


Work highlights


  • Advising Steamforged on the launch of Elden Ring: The Board Game.
  • Advising Generator North East on contractual arrangements with various music venues, recording studios and musicians, we have also provided one-on-one support for emerging talent.
  • Supporting regional screen agency North East Screen with various initiatives connected with the new North East Screen Industries Development Programme.

Muckle LLP

With new practice head George Festing, Muckle LLP has become a specialist music and media litigation team with particular focus handling sensitive and high-profile reputational damage and defamation matters. Clients have praised Festing for being ‘tremendously astute’. His cross-disciplinary intellectual property, media, and technology practice includes press and reputation management, rights infringement, and sponsorship expertise. Alex Craig, practice head of the commercial team, has a wealth of experience in advising on non-contentious IP matters including licensing deals, media rights agreements, and IP reviews. Associate Alex Speirs is an experienced litigator in relation to breach of warranty claims and negligent advice. Associate Tom Justice focuses on the sports sector, notably currently advising the Caribbean Premier League.

Practice head(s):

George Festing


Other key lawyers:

Alex Craig; Alex Speirs; Tom Justice


Testimonials

‘I have worked closely with George Festing, a partner in the Muckle Media and Entertainment team. George is tremendously astute – and has a depth of knowledge relating to contentious music matters, in particular, which is on a par with any of the London firms operating in that market sector.’

‘George Festing is the stand-out partner. In addition to my comments above, George is a real pleasure to work with. He is extremely bright, personable and charming. George’s advice is considered, commercial and pragmatic. A real star.’

 

Key clients

A County Football Association


MRI Software Limited


Parkrun Limited


Atomos Investments Limited


Caribbean Premier League


Work highlights


  • Acting for a gaming plc in dealing with allegations of copyright infringement in relation to the use of sound recordings in foreign language poker footage available on-line.
  • Advising a television production company on the negotiation of an option agreement for exploitation of rights in a series of novels based in the North East.
  • Advising a university in relation to ongoing defamation proceedings in relation to which it is claimed the University is vicariously liable for the actions of an employee.