Osborne Clarke LLP is noted for its expertise in advising streaming services, film studios and TV networks, UK broadcasters, and production and post-production companies on a range of media matters. The team has been notably active in assisting clients with establishing and running global streaming services and new TV/FAST channels. It has also been involved in M&A, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions for clients active in the film and TV industry. Advertising and marketing for film and TV clients is also a key feature of the practice. Practice co-head John Davidson-Kelly is a digital media law specialist; he excels in advising on regulatory issues and launching new products or services. Media specialist Nick Johnson also co-leads the team, and he is ably supported by Ken Wilkinson, a go-to for transactions for broadcasters and post-production clients, and Jamie Heatly, who has assisted with commercial agreements related to the creation and exploitation of content.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team has significant knowledge in the digital services industry, particularly in streaming and gaming.'

  • 'Many of those in the team have been on secondment to multiple businesses gaining invaluable insights on how to deliver legal work in a practical and digestible way making in-house counselling much easier.’

  • ‘We have worked with Osborne Clarke for many years. We love how consistent the support is. People stay at Osborne Clarke and grow from associates to partners, they grow with their clients and the services they support. Having that historical knowledge in outside counsel as well as in your team in-house is invaluable as we all try to navigate new laws and new features of the digital services world.’

  • 'Amazing depth of knowledge and experience, accompanied by first rate client service.'

  • 'Ken Wilkinson is a fantastic lawyer. He is super thoughtful about client needs and remains positive throughout.'

Key clients

  • Warner Brothers Discovery
  • Netflix
  • NBC Universal
  • SkyShowtime
  • ITV
  • ITV Studios
  • Paramount
  • Hayu
  • DAZN
  • Coffee&TV

Work highlights

Advised Warner Bros. Discovery on the design and launch of the Max streaming service across EMEA.
Advised ITV Studios Global Distribution on the innovative acquisition of the 'River Monsters' IP catalogue from Icon Films.
Advised ITV AdVentures on four separate 'Media for Equity' investments into Purple Bricks, Tryp.com, uFurnish, and My Nest Egg.

Practice head

Nick Johnson; John Davidson-Kelly

Other key lawyers

Ken Wilkinson; Jamie Heatly