Litigation & Arbitration
Disputes are an inevitable feature of the sports business. We guide clients through available options for commencing, maintaining or defending a claim, whether it be via the courts or arbitration in the UK or internationally.We take a fearless, commercial and results-driven approach to litigation and manage our clients through the mechanics of dispute resolution on a cost-effective basis without ever compromising their ability to retain a firm control on the overall direction of the process.
We have particular experience in handling contract disputes, regulatory cases, and IP, anti-ambush and image rights protection issues.
Mediation and ADR
Courts and sports bodies are keener than ever to encourage the diversion of cases to professional mediators who can facilitate an early settlement on the basis of "Alternative Dispute Resolution" We advocate mediation where appropriate as a means to enable a dispute to be settled both quickly and relatively inexpensively.Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
Disputes over sports contracts and rules are routinely referred to the CAS, based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Our team is well versed in the procedures of the CAS and is equipped to manage CAS cases.Regulatory Advice and Representation
Many sports disputes which arise over the application of the commercial, disciplinary or doping rules of various sporting bodies never enter the courts or tribunals. Our team has considerable experience of handling such disputes in a wide variety of forums.Contacts: Fraser Reid
Recent cases include:
- Representation of former world record holding athlete, David Bedford, in his image rights dispute with the operators of the 118 118 service
- Representation of UK football club before FA disciplinary hearing to secure an unprecedented revocation of a points penalty
- High court litigation on behalf of sports rights licensor against a major video games publisher
- High court software copyright infringement action on behalf of a sports software company
- Representation of international footballer in proceedings against various infringers of image rights
- Representation of a Premiership international footballer in achieving reduction of a fine imposed by his club