Practice Areas & Industries: Akerman Senterfitt

Practice/Industry Group Overview

Akerman Senterfitt has attorneys with significant experience in providing legal services to all segments of the entertainment industry. We have production and distribution clients operating in the fields of music, television, and film. Our attorneys who practice in this sector negotiate and prepare contracts governing distribution, licensing, management, performance, publishing, and recording. We represent recording artists, groups, producers, and production companies. We also represent book authors, playwrights, and screenwriters in the licensing of television and film rights, and we render advice and counsel with respect to the selection and registration of trademarks and copyrights. In the specialized area of production and distribution, the firm offers clients a rare advantage: a complete understanding of the complex legalities affecting business and financial transactions, coupled with an in-depth knowledge of the day-to-day workings of the entertainment business. With regard to the sports industry, Akerman Senterfitt is one of a few firms in the country to have represented purchasers or sellers of franchises in a multiplicity of professional sports leagues: the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, the National Basketball Association, the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (minor league baseball), NASCAR, the Roller Hockey International League, the Canadian Football League, and the Continental Basketball Association. We also have represented several applicants for expansion franchises offered by the National Football League, the National Hockey League, and Major League Baseball. In addition to our work in advising clients who are buying, selling, or financing professional sports franchises, we have extensive experience in serving as legal counsel to team owners and facility management on a day-to-day basis. Akerman presently serves as general counsel to the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Panthers. We also serve as general counsel to numerous professional sports facilities, including Pro Player Stadium (home of the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins), the National Car Rental Center (home of the Florida Panthers), and the Miami Arena.

Services Available

Our practice in the sports industry includes a wide range of contract negotiations, the review and development of endorsement opportunities, and the licensing of products and personalities. Our attorneys have experience serving as business representatives and contract advisors to professional athletes. We also have handled numerous litigation matters involving sports teams, facilities, sponsors, broadcasters, and athletes. Our attorneys who practice in this sector include members of the Sports Lawyers Association and regular speakers at sports industry conferences.

Clients:
Miami Dolphins