Entertainment andSports
When it comes to legal counsel for the entertainment and sports industry, understanding the landscape is critical. Taylor English’s Entertainment and Sports group brings decades of experience advising artists, actors, authors, athletes and companies on a variety of litigation and transactional matters.
With seasoned attorneys representing clients across the country, we offer a dynamic mix of professionals with extensive behind-the-scenes knowledge. We provide holistic counsel, including supporting clients with legal aspects tied to financial matters, employee relations, intellectual property, marketing, digital distribution, data security, promotions and contests. Removing the guesswork on business and legal matters means clients can focus on what matters most–their artistry and career.
Entertainment
At Taylor English, we take a client-first approach to all entertainment business matters. Our process hinges on proactive advisement that considers risks and benefits to develop a roadmap for success. The career of an actor, screenwriter, producer, director and other TV and film professionals is nuanced and requires a level of understanding that our tenured team can provide. With intimate behind-the-scenes knowledge, we are able to give guidance that recognizes the fluid nature of the industry.
Finance is a driving force for the entertainment industry and can be a challenging topic to navigate. From early stage funding with investors to stock options and compensation incentives for employees, having a pulse on capital is critical. We provide counsel on a variety of financial aspects, including venture capital and private equity/debt transactions, tax credit financing, transferring credits, managing ancillary credit matters, strategic acquisitions and company reorganizations.
Another foundational part of the entertainment business is contracts. We support a range of agreements that cover topics such as co-publishing, joint ventures, distribution, label, life story rights, script purchase, marketing, licensing, merchandising, endorsements and sponsorships. The goal is to be proactive and protect clients across all aspects of business, extending to matters of copyrighting, piracy and trademarks. Should litigation be on the table, we stand prepared to advise clients with long-term outcomes in mind.
One of the unique aspects of TV and film is the ability to showcase the collective talents of many individuals. Managing that artistry requires an intentional balance of employer and employee relations, which is a cornerstone practice for Taylor English. We support clients on a number of employee relations topics, including labor issues, sexual harassment and workplace training, performing rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI, labor issues and union contract grievances, arbitrations and negotiations.
Sports
With decades of experience in the sports industry, the Taylor English team works with an array of athletes, sports teams, leagues, license manufacturers and sports agents in the NCAA, MLB, NBA and NHL. Working with the above entities, the goal is to explore and advise on business opportunities that can yield long-term success.
Our services extend from college athletes to partnerships with marquis players and future hall of fame veteran players. The formula with each client remains the same: pairing a foundation of communication with strategy to help athletes revolutionize their careers. To support unique client needs, we broker deals tied to intellectual property support, brand protection and growth, financial and investment management, estate planning, retirement planning, deferred compensation and licensing.
The intrinsic talent of an athlete is something to be celebrated and protected. With so many factors at play during an athlete’s journey, having the right legal and business representation is critical to a successful career evolution.
Insights
insights
“To be or not to be, that is the question.” – William Shakespeare
July 24th, 2023
This famous quote by Shakespeare in Hamlet is the opening phrase given by Hamlet in the famous play Hamlet, where the prince contemplates…
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Are College Athletes Employees?
May 23rd, 2023
The Los Angeles Regional Office of the NLRB has issued a complaint against the University of Southern California, the NCAA and the PAC-12…
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Taylor English Receives Recognition in U.S. News & Best Lawyers 2023 “Best Law Firms” Rankings
November 3rd, 2022
ATLANTA, November 3, 2022 – Taylor English Duma LLP is pleased to announce the firm’s recognition in the 2023 edition of the U.S. News &…
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Taylor English Receives Recognition in U.S. News & Best Lawyers 2022 “Best Law Firms” Rankings
November 5th, 2021
Taylor English Duma LLP is pleased to announce the firm’s recognition in the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & Best Lawyers “Best Law…
Read MoreAbout Taylor English
Taylor English Duma LLP was built from the ground up to provide highest-quality legal services for optimal value. The firm combines the best aspects of a traditional law firm with seasoned attorneys throughout the United States. Together, our attorneys work each day to provide timely, creative, and cost-effective counsel to help clients solve problems and achieve goals. Taylor English clients run the gamut from Fortune 500 companies to middle market businesses to start ups and entrepreneurs. The firm is the Georgia law firm member of GGI Global Alliance AG, the leading worldwide alliance of accounting and law firms, giving our clients access to a trusted stable of high-quality professional services organizations around the globe.