Services for Individuals & Their Advisors
- Image Rights
- Personal Endorsements
- Regulatory Matters
- Dispute Resolution & Representation before Tribunals
- Contract Negotiations
- Reputation Management
- Tax Planning
- Sports Related Injuries
- VISAs
- Personal Legal Requirements
We have a long and established tradition for supplying high profile legal services to major sports personalities and the sports business from our office in Manchester.
Whether you are just starting out or have already made a name for yourself in the world of sport, our dedicated Sports Department can provide you with legal support, advice and most importantly – peace of mind.
To ensure our undivided attention, you will be assigned a personal lawyer to oversee your affairs and liaise with any other department in the practice. So whenever you are in need of help and advice or simply want a chat, you will know there is somebody ready and willing to listen and advise.
Then, when the time comes to hang up your boots or trainers you can rest assured that we will continue to look after your best interests by providing you with all the legal advice you need for the entirety of your retirement.
We endeavour to keep you up to date with the latest sports news and changes in legislation that could possibly affect you/your clients. For further information please see our Sports Focus newsletters which can be found in the News section of this site. If you wish to sign up for the monthly updates please follow the instructions provided in the E-News section.
Image Rights
In modern sports, famous names have the chance to become famous brands, giving you the opportunity, not only to protect your image but also to capitalise on your success. Our Sports team has many years of experience in dealing with image rights for professional sportspeople and we have acted for a number of household-name sports stars as they sought to develop their personal brands.
Examples of how we will support you in the legal aspects of making the most of your image include:
- Portfolio management and advice on how to exploit your brand in the right way for you, your sport and your reputation
- Creation of an “image rights” company as an effective vehicle for your interests
- Advice on clearance searches and the filing of trade mark applications in relevant markets
- Advice on the acquisition of rights in trade names, unregistered trademarks and logos
- Advice on agreements to license, sell or purchase trademarks
- Support in dealing with anti-counterfeiting issues and preventing others trading on your name.
Whether you have plans for a sports clothing brand or need help on making the most of overseas trade mark licensing, our Sports team will give you the clear guidance and advice that you need to make the right decisions.
Personal Endorsements
We provide comprehensive advice with regards to all merchandise issues including sportswear, book deals, TV deals, computer games, etc.
As an example we have acted for David Seaman for over a twenty year period covering his football career and retirement.
Whenever I have a legal document that needs to be signed, I fax it to George Davies and they give me instant feedback. They’re available any time. They’re direct and to the point. A very impressive team.
Regulatory Matters
Drugs have long created problems in the sports world and with so many prescription drugs containing banned substances, it can be a minefield. We know this aspect of the sports world inside out and understand the legal implications from all sides. Our Sports team has represented sportspeople at drugs-related tribunals, we have drafted governing body rules and we have also advised on the implications of new regulations.
We understand the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency and have ensured that the systems of several governing bodies, sports organisations and individuals reflect the rules and disciplinary procedures that WADA requires.
We have also acted for Olympic athletes and professional rugby players who had fallen foul of the regulations or needed representation to ensure that their sport’s authorities heard and considered the details of their case.
Whatever your involvement in anti-doping regulations and practice, our team has the expertise to advise you well.
Dispute Resolution & Representation before Tribunals
We have many years experience in representing sportspeople before governing body internal hearings and tribunals as well as advising on the legal implications of criminal or civil proceedings.
We have acted for players and clubs in proceedings before sports governing bodies including The Football Association and FIFA.
We have expert knowledge of the proceedings of the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber, FIFA Players’ Status Committee and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in all matters. Our Managing Partner, Mark Hovell, has several years experience as a CAS arbitrator and Walter Nicholls, a consultant in our sports team is a member of Sports Resolutions Panel (formerly UK Sports Dispute Resolution Panel) and has extensive experience of chairing sports disciplinary panels.
Your personal lawyer will assist you in solving any arguments or disputes that may occur inside or outside your sporting career.
George Davies has been a constant source of reassurance with their clear and concise advice during some difficult times. I have no hesitation in recommending George Davies.
Contract Negotiations
We are known for our experience across the diverse areas where sports meet the law. Our team has an excellent reputation for providing clear, concise advice on all sports and media rights issues and other aspects of contractual law.
A good contract can help you to make the most of any deal – commercial or professional – and we have extensive experience in drafting and negotiating contracts across a range of sports and purposes:
- TV and media broadcasting agreements – we negotiated the UK rights for the Ricky Hatton v Floyd Mayweather fight
- Publishing agreements
- Major events management
- Sponsorship, sports marketing and merchandising
- Computer and mobile games endorsement
- Agency agreements and negotiations.
Through our work in boxing, we have an extensive network of contacts inside the key UK and American broadcasters and we can bring those contacts to bear in negotiations on your behalf.
Reputation Management
Reputation in the sports world is priceless. Maintaining and protecting your good reputation is crucial to both professional and commercial success.
We have acted for a number of well-known sports personalities – and sports organisations – and we have extensive experience of protecting our clients’ interests and reputations. Our Sports team has detailed knowledge of the various media codes as well as practical experience of working on defamation, privacy and confidentiality cases.
We are keen to share our experience so that you can avoid the threats associated with being in the public eye and also create opportunities to reinforce the positive aspects of your reputation.
Tax Planning
From testimonials to contract payments, there are a range of tax efficient products we can introduce to you – and flag potential issues!
We have acted for a number of professional sportsmen in relation to their testimonials including Tony Adams and David Seaman.
We can advise on image rights structures which have a number of advantages. Image rights companies can also be a tax efficient method of passing wealth and income on to the next generation (or as a general saving scheme to provide funds after retirement by spreading the shareholding amongst spouses or children) by which significant savings can be made.
Sports Related Injuries
Should you be unfortunate enough to suffer from an injury, you will be in safe hands with us. With over 50 years’ experience in dealing with sports related and other personal injuries, we possess the expertise to successfully deal with injuries of any type.
We offer specialist bespoke advice ensuring that your needs, wishes and best interests are met at all times. Should an injury prematurely end your career, preventing you from fulfilling your sporting potential, we will advise you on relevant insurance policies as well as considering potential legal claims.
VISAs
The regulations surrounding VISA applications can be complicated and daunting. We have experience of the regulatory framework relating to the employment of non European Economic Area nationals. We can advise on the new UK Border Agency points-based system which replaced the former work permit application procedure for professional sports people. We will discuss with you the significant changes that this system has introduced and also how they will impact on your application.
If you require any advice on the new points based system or advice on VISA issues for your dependants then please contact us.
Personal Legal Requirements
As an athlete your career may be shorter than most so it's important that you are able to concentrate on being the best you can be. George Davies can remove some of the stresses of daily life, leaving you to concentrate on your career. As well as dealing with sports related issues we offer support, advice and solutions in many areas including:
- Property
Whether you are moving house, starting a business or buying an investment, you can leave all the legal aspects to us while you get on with your career.
- Family matters
Upset, worried, distracted? Let us put your mind at rest with helpful advice and support.
- Business set-up and Corporate advice
If you are coming to the end of your sporting career and are considering starting a new career in business, we have vast experience in business start ups for retired sportsmen and can set you up on a sound legal footing and work with you as trusted business advisers to help you achieve your new goals.
- Motoring offences
From speeding to more serious offences, we can take care of your problems.
- Preparation of Wills, Trusts and IHT planning
Make the time and effort to make a will. After all you have achieved you owe it to yourself and your family.
- Personal Charities
We have experience in establishing charities for sports personalities so that you can make donations in a tax efficient way and dictate where the money is spent.
- Wealth management
We work closely with a number of specialist Independent Financial Advisers who can provide you with the best advice.
George Davies provide excellent customer service. All my wishes have been dealt with in a professional manner and extremely efficiently. The staff are experienced, trustworthy and knowledgeable and I would be pleased to recommend George Davies Solicitors.
James Milner, Manchester City & England International Footballer
Our Services & Sectors
- Dr Schacht, Dres Schacht & Kollegen, Germany