Technology and digitalisation are creating new opportunities – and new legal challenges – in the sports and entertainment industries. We offer legal support to, amongst others, performers, artists, content creators, companies, organisations and investors with legal advice that ensures control, flexibility and room to navigate in an industry that is constantly evolving.
With extensive experience in contract negotiations, rights management and the commercialisation of IP, we assist in protecting value and unlocking new opportunities – in Norway and internationally.
Gaming and E-sports
The gaming industry is experiencing significant growth, with a rising number of players involved in development, publishing, distribution and e-sports. Key focus areas include rights protection, technology partnerships and international licensing.
We can assist with
- Structuring and negotiating development and licence agreements
- Protection and commercialisation of IP (game universes, characters, branding)
- Agreements involving AI and game engines
- E-sports contracts, sponsorship agreements and media rights
- Marketing and user relations, including terms of use, purchase flows and virtual currencies
- Legal issues relating to children, including data protection, advertising and age restrictions
- Navigating platform requirements and international terms
Art and Visual Culture
The art sector is increasingly shaped by commercialisation and digitalisation. At the same time, the need for control over rights and dissemination has never been more critical.
We can assist with
- Advice on copyright and resale rights
- Agreements for galleries, museums, collectors and artists
- Structuring of collaboration and exhibition agreements
- Tax and corporate advice for artists and collectors
- Dispute resolution involving reproductions, NFTs and reuse
Music
The music industry is in constant flux, characterized by complex rights structures, new distribution models, AI, and cross-border use.
We can assist with
- Advice and negotiations for artists, songwriters, record labels, copyright societies, music publishers and managers on matters such as licensing, distribution, production, featuring, publishing, sampling, management agreements
- Advice and negotiations in connection with catalogue sales, including pitches and rights transfer agreements
- Tax and corporate advice tailored to music industry stakeholders
- Advice and negotiations on the use of music in advertising, film and games (sync agreements on both master and publishing side)
- Sponsorship agreements, including endorsements
- Dispute resolution in cases of contract breaches or rights infringements
Entertainment, Film and TV
Film and TV production and distribution require careful handling of rights, contracts and regulatory matters – both nationally and internationally.
We can assist with
- Production and co-production agreements
- Agreements with actors, directors and other rights holders
- Clearance of music (sync), scripts and archival materials
- Advice on marketing, including product placement and sponsorships, platforms and distribution
- Support in applying for public funding and incentive schemes
Sports
The sports industry is becoming increasingly professional and commercial. This requires clear agreements, robust structures, and effective rights management.
We can assist with
- Contracts for athletes, coaches and clubs
- Sponsorship agreements, media rights arrangements and licensing deals
- Advice on governance and structure of sports organisations
- Tax and corporate structuring for professional athletes
- Resolving disputes relating to contracts or regulatory issues
We look forward to working with you
Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about how we can help strengthen your legal and commercial position – whether you're just starting out, scaling up, or facing new opportunities.
Camilla Vislie
PARTNER, ADVOKAT (H)
Christoffer Sparre-Enger Clausen
PARTNER, ADVOKAT
Jørgen Keiserud
SPECIALIST COUNCEL, ADVOKAT
Julie Rasmussen Solli
SPECIALIST COUNCEL, ADVOKAT
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
Oslo
Ruseløkkveien 38 0251 Oslo Postboks 1484 Vika NO-0116 Oslo
Bergen
Vestre Strømkaien 7 5008 Bergen Postboks 43 Nygårdstangen NO-5838 Bergen
Stavanger
Knud Holms gate 8 NO-4005 Stavanger
London
Level 19C – Tower 42 25 Old Broad Street 65 St Paul’s Churchyard GB-London EC2N 1HQ
This publication is provided by Thommessen solely as an information service and is not intended to replace legal advice. Readers should not rely solely on this information, but should always seek professional legal advice. Thommessen accepts no liability for any information in the publication that may prove to be inaccurate, incomplete or incorrect.
Portrait photographs of Thommessen staff: Sturlason