Nick Johnson > Osborne Clarke LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Osborne Clarke LLP assists a wide array of clients – including broadcasters, streamers, publishers, production companies and social media platforms – with film and TV-related matters. Technology and regulatory matters are at the core of the practice, which continues to advise on content and channel distribution deals, AdTech, media rights agreements and mid-market M&A transactions. Nick Johnson and John Davidson-Kelly jointly lead the team, with Davidson-Kelly leading on matters relating to digital media regulation. Ken Wilkinson handles corporate matters as well as post-production and broadcasting issues. Jamie Heatly is well versed in advising on the launch of new streaming services and TV channels.

Lauded for its ‘unrivalled‘ expertise in advertising and marketing matters, Osborne Clarke LLP stands out for its work in AdTech and data-driven advertising, most notably issues related to the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Digital Markets Act and GDPR requirements for advertising and marketing campaigns. The team also advises on emerging issues in the sector, such as the regulatory risks and contractual issues associated with the use of AI in the creation and targeting of ad content. Greenwashing has also been a key area of focus for the practice, which has recently advised on green claims related to advertising campaigns. Nick Johnson leads the team alongside John Davidson-Kelly; Johnson advises on data-driven marketing issues and digital regulation, while Davidson-Kelly focuses on international media and entertainment agreements. Anna Williams centres her practice on advertising and sponsorships, often advising on IP licensing, promotions and digital marketing. Ben Dunham is a name to note for advertising, consumer, digital and platform regulations. Jamie Heatly and Chloe Deng are also noted for their work on regulatory matters.

Working with a number of blue-chip clients including entertainment conglomerates, telecoms companies, television broadcasters and video game companies, Osborne Clarke LLP‘s broad offering covers disputes, regulatory compliance, product rollout and strategic M&A. Practice co-chair Nick Johnson advises on advertising and marketing law, with a focus on data-driven marketing and expertise in e-commerce and gambling-related work. Fellow co-chair John Davidson-Kelly co-heads the team, advising on digital media regulation, consumer law and media and technology agreements. Jon Fell is an expert on telecommunications and internet-related law issues, while Sara Valentine is noted for her experience in technology-related corporate transactions, covering M&A, management buyouts, and investment – both domestic and cross-border.

Social media giants, streaming services, online platforms and media companies recurrently turn to Osborne Clarke LLP for its expertise in digital regulation, disputes, mid-market M&A and IP matters. This broad focus and service offering allows the group to advise on a wide range of digital content and social media mandates, including issues pertaining to the Digital Services Act, online safety and AI. The team is particularly well versed in new product launches and expansions, and matters concerning over-the-top media service (OTT), live streaming services, production regulations and data protection. The team is jointly overseen by advertising and marking specialist Nick Johnson and digital expert John Davidson-Kelly; both practitioners have recently advised a number of clients on digital regulation mandates. Tom Harding is the go-to name for commercial transactions and regulatory issues, while Ben Dunham advises on digital advertising. Chloe Deng assists digital media and technology platforms on protecting end users, and Jamie Heatly is experienced in handling streaming services and digital media products launches.