Leveraging its global footprint and ‘deep bench’ of specialised lawyers, CMS demonstrates significant strength in advising on complex sponsorship and advertising rights arrangements, alongside data protection disputes. Glasgow-based practice head Neeraj Thomas is a specialist in contentious IP litigation, while Edinburgh-based Duncan Turner notably focuses on M&A within the media space, as well as exploitation of image rights cases. Also based in Glasgow, the ’pragmatic’ Kimberley Cross stands out for assisting clients with their digital media and branding strategy requirements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very responsive with access to great depth of knowledge.’
‘Kimberley Cross provided excellent support in a number of matters. Very knowledgeable but pragmatic and realistic from a commercial perspective.’
‘The CMS Media and Entertainment practice has a deep bench of expertise, particularly in the tech sector. CMS's lawyers are commercially savvy and provide practical, risk-calibrated advice.’
‘I've been using CMS on behalf of my client for four years now. The really help pick through media-based contracts in a straightforward and simple manner. I can't fault them.’
‘My standout this year is Victoria Guild. She always has a smile on her face and explains everything in a logical manner. Victoria is personable and explains everything in layman's terms.'
Key clients
- Scottish Event Campus (“SEC”)
- ITV
- Discovery Corporate Services (“TNT”)
- National Museums Scotland
- Warner Bros
- Meta (Facebook Technologies Limited)
- Disney
- Gleneagles Hotel Ltd and its subsidiary, Gleneagles Townhouse Edinburgh Ltd
- St James Quarter (GP) Limited
- MoonBug Entertainment Ltd
Work highlights
- Advise the Scottish Event Campus, Scotland’s home of live entertainment, on the full spectrum of matters in relation to the OVO Hydro arena (formerly called The SSE Hydro).
- Instructed to act in relation to the enforcement of TNT Sports’ IP rights in Scotland where owners and operators of licensed premises in Scotland show TNT Sports without having the requisite commercial subscription agreement.
- Advised National Museums Scotland on the agreements supporting the loan of artefacts and exhibits from its award-winning collection.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Neeraj Thomas
Other key lawyers
Duncan Turner; Kimberley Cross