Stibbe boasts a substantial client base across the media, entertainment, sports, culture and leisure sectors. Its multidisciplinary team handles complex matters with strong expertise in technology, regulatory and IP issues. Co-head Erik Valgaeren is recognised for his TMT and IT contracting expertise; Elisabeth Matthys advises sports federations and manages high-stakes disputes; Ignace Vernimme focuses on patents, designs, trademarks and media; and Philippe Campolini specialises in IP litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They have strong expertise in the field, with the chops of a big, sophisticated and well-resourced firm.’
- ‘I have worked with Elisabeth Matthys from the Brussels office in several sports-related matters. She is excellent.’
Key clients
- TikTok Technologies Limited
- Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.
- The Royal Belgian Football Association
- HASBRO
- Infront Sports & Media AG
Work highlights
Assisted TikTok Technologies Limited with the review of the template licensing agreement that it uses in relation to artists who upload their music directly to the platform. The agreement grants TikTok global distribution and marketing rights in exchange for the payment of royalties.
Representing the Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB/URBSFA) in a claim brought by former Chelsea and Arsenal midfield player Lassana Diarra before the CJEU challenging the rules governing contractual relations between players and clubs.
Assisting HASBRO with various matters related to the protection and enforcement of its renowned MONOPOLY brands. The advice concerns, among other things, potential infringement claims based on Hasbro’s European trademarks for the word MONOPOLY and related board designs and mascot, as well as in relation to potential copyright claims to a the game and the game format.
Practice head
Erik Valgaeren; Elisabeth Matthys; Ignace Vernimme; Philippe Campolini