Led by Dan Smith, the team at Gowling WLG is skilled at handling international advertising and marketing matters for major global brands and advertisers across a number of key sectors, from automotive to fashion. The team is adept at advising on advertising issues related to major product launches, and has been active in ESG claims, copy clearance, and mandates involving the use of AI in advertising. Additionally, the group stands out for its strong regulatory capabilities and proficiency in sponsorship and sports marketing deals. Practice head Smith advises major brands, rights holder and agencies on the full scope of matters, from greenwashing, to promotions, sponsorships, ASA complaints, and ambush marketing. IP specialist Kate Swaine handles brands and advertising clearance and enforcement mandates. Other noteworthy practitioners include Kate Hawkins and Zoe Pearman, who assist retail, food and beverage, and automotive clients with a range of advertising and marketing matters.

Lewis Silkin is a go-to firm for advertisers, advertising agencies, technology companies and tech platforms seeking advice on regulatory, compliance and commercial work - including client, agency, influencer and talent agreements, as well as sponsorships and AdTech vendor agreements. Due to its regular dealings with the ASA and Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the team is well versed in defending clients in complaints from regulators and challenging regulatory decisions through appeal procedures and litigation. Noted for its 'deep bench, incredible expertise, extensive experience', the practice is co-led by advertising and marketing experts Brinsley Dresden and Geraint Lloyd-Taylor. Brinsley, a reference for major brands and advertising agencies on regulatory issues, is seen handling a growing number of greenwashing and advertising law claims, while Lloyd-Taylor is recognised for his work with global brands, platforms and media owners as well as influencers, defending their campaigns and branded content from investigation by regulators. A specialist in media buying contracts, Jo Farmer often advises brands and agencies on negotiations. Giles Crown recently left the practice.

Oliver Bray leads the advertising and marketing practice at RPC, which attracts instructions from various high-profile global brands and social media platforms. The team works closely with regulators such as the ASA and CMA, and excels in related investigations and regulatory issues. It is also well versed in advertising campaigns, influencer marketing campaigns and promotions. With over 25 years of experience in the advertising space, Bray is a key name to note for regulatory investigations and proceedings, commercial contracts, data protection and IP work. Ciara Cullen works with brands on the protection and enforcement of their IP rights, while Hettie Homewood focuses on advertising and marketing matters, utilising her former in-house experience in the entertainment and consumer goods sector to advise retailers, brands, online marketplaces, and creative agencies.

Bird & Bird LLP‘s advertising and marketing practice is notable for its work in adtech and comparative advertising matters. The adtech arm of the department is led by Alex Dixie, a go-to for mandates at the intersection of technology and advertising, who often advises on procurement, appointment and use of adtech platforms as well as media buying arrangements and data protection issues. The practice draws on its strong IP group to advise on potential IP infringements, and also showcases strength in sponsorships. Craig Giles, who focuses on sports media rights, co-leads the marketing practice, and handles pricing requirements and complaints before regulators. Will Deller is a key contact for advertising regulations related to the video games industry.

Sitting within the wider commercial IP and brands practice, the advertising and marketing team at Bristows LLP is retained by notable brands, advertising agencies and industry associations in a wide range of mandates. The team leverages its strength in IP to advise on copyright and trade mark issues related to advertising, and is also skilled in brand endorsement deals and regulatory compliance.  Practice head Paul Jordan focuses on content acquisitions, campaign clearance, marketing campaigns and IP protection. Commercial transactions are handled by Richard Dickinson, while Tim Heaps concentrates on soft IP rights, covering marketing and online brand protection.

CMS advises multinational brands and corporations on both contentious and non-contentious advertising and marketing matters, including transactions and regulatory issues. The practice showcases particular strength in dealings with the ASA, where it often acts for advertisers in late stage complaints. Stuart Helmer oversees the advertising and marketing group, and is noted for his expertise in advertising disputes and compliance. Victoria Gaskell and Paul Guite lead the wider media and entertainment group.

Nick Fitzpatrick leads the media and entertainment practice at DLA Piper which has a strong advertising and marketing team that stands out for its sponsorships work in the sports sector. The team also handles regulatory compliance, campaign clearance, promotions issues and investigations for its multinational client base. John Wilks advises on a range of matters, from IP, to advertising, marketing and data protection. Claire Sng assists clients with brand protection issues and also provides clearance advice.

Singled out for its expertise in media planning and buying, Fieldfisher acts for a diverse client roster in compliance matters, contractual work - including sponsorships, co-branding and influencer contracts - and promotional activities. The team is skilled at assisting companies with B2B marketing concerning products and services sold to other businesses, and is also a strong performer in ASA complaints and adtech matters. Practice head David Bond specialises in media planning and buying agreements, while Sonal Patel Oliva is key to social media and influencer matters. Vicky Reinhardt advises media agencies on commercial contracts.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP has a broad advertising and marketing practice which is particularly knowledgeable of advertising production issues as well as adtech, brand safety and online fraud. A key destination for advertising agencies and brands alike, the group also demonstrates considerable expertise in media buying contracts. Department leader Sacha Wilson - 'an outstanding partner' - regularly advises on advertising contracts and regulatory compliance. Sponsorship deals, brand ambassador and endorsement matters are among Michael Lister's core areas of activity. Andrew Terry is active in advertising disputes, while Shayna-Radhika Patel advises on matters at the intersection of advertising and technology.

Lee & Thompson LLP advises global brands, advertising agencies and communications agencies on a slew of advertising and marketing issues. The team is co-led by advertising and marketing experts Huw Morris and Dominic Bray; Morris is trusted by several leading brands in commercial issues, including talent and influencer contracts, while disputes and IP specialist Bray is a key contact for advertising and communications agencies. Recent highlights for the practice have included advising clients on major sponsorship agreements, brand partnerships, talent agreements and marketing campaigns. Nick Swimer, who joined from Reed Smith LLP in March 2024, brings a wealth of experience in media buying.

Bates Wells‘ advertising and marketing practice is led by Rupert Earle, who maintains a strong reputation in the market for his ‘wealth of knowledge and experience‘ in the advertising sector. Noted for its work with the ASA, the firm is a popular choice for clients requiring assistance with regulatory investigations and the challenging of decisions by the regulators. It also advises major brands and charities with advertising campaigns, promotions and direct marketing. Erica Crump mainly advises charities and cultural institutions on marketing and advertising issues.

The consumer technology and content team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP focuses on assisting high-profile domestic and global brands, such as sports brands, on advertising and marketing issues. Typical matters handled by the team include sponsorship agreements, brand partnerships, ASA clearance and influencer campaigns. Jason Saiban leads the team and is a specialist in commercial contracts for brand marketing within the sport and retail sectors. Richard Davies is known for his work on broadcast and media rights matters, while Nick White advises governing bodies and notable individuals on IP issues, including brand protection.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s advertising and marketing team is led by Hayley Brady, an expert in digital commercial, transactional and regulatory matters. Clients of the practice range from advertising agencies to global brands and technology companies. The team is known for its skills in the structuring and negotiation of global advertising deals, sponsorship and commercial agreements. James Balfour is a key team member, and assists with advertising and marketing arrangements as well as sponsorship deals. Rachel Kane is another contact for sponsorships, influencer marketing and ad agency deals agreements.

Turned to by tech companies, mobile network providers, and consumer goods manufacturers, among others, Purdy Smith‘s capabilities span prize draws, direct marketing, and product placement-related issues, working with both domestic and international clients. Mark Smith, the firm’s founder and CEO, is the key contact.

Reed Smith LLP‘s media and entertainment group is led by Elle Todd, who focuses on the digital advertising space. The firm advises multiple major brands on adtech and advertising agreements. Nick Breen leads the advertising and marketing team and focuses on sponsorship deals, use of AI-related issues and cross-border licensing matters. Nick Swimer recently left the firm.

Taylor Wessing LLP‘s advertising and marketing practice has been steadily growing over the last few years, recently welcoming advertising expert Giles Crown, who joined from Lewis Silkin in January 2024. The team undertakes a mix of regulatory, commercial and contentious work in consumer-facing technology sectors. IP issues, data protection and consumer law matters are also core areas of activity for the practice. Co-head Adam Rendle focuses on advertising regulations, sponsorship agreements and disputes, while fellow co-leader Simon Jupp primarily assists brands with advertising campaigns and sales promotions.

The advertising, marketing and sponsorship practice at Wiggin LLP mainly focuses on assisting rights holders and brands with sponsorship agreements, but also advises content creators and platforms on commercial partnerships. Regulatory issues pertaining to the advertising sector is a key area of expertise for the team, which is particularly well versed in advising sports rights holders and buyers of commercial rights. Practice head Sarah MacDonald excels in complex regulatory issues as well as content marketing and distribution matters. Bethan Lloyd is noted for her work in the betting and gaming sectors.

Major brands routinely turn to Browne Jacobson LLP for assistance with brand protection and enforcement matters. In addition to its solid credentials in IP-related advertising issues, the group is also well positioned to advise clients on their engagement with influencers and social media. Declan Cushley leads the technology and IP group, and is well versed in protecting and enforcing brand portfolios. Giles Parsons is noted for his expertise in R&D agreements, while Bonita Trimmer leads on regulatory matters in the advertising space. Faye McConnell advises fashion, beauty and media clients on brand strategy and portfolio management.

Mishcon de Reya LLP assists betting, gaming and sports clients with an array of advertising and marketing matters, including sponsorships and influencer marketing. In addition to commercial agreements, the group is also adept in adtech, regulatory issues, ASA investigations and compliance matters concerning the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP). IP specialist Stuart Lester leads the marketing and advertising team, while Jeremy Hertzog oversees the wider innovation practice.

Northridge Law LLP handles a mix of commercial agreements - including sponsorship and promotion deals - for brands and rights holders. Sports is a key area of focus for the practice, which assists notable sporting teams - most notably UK football clubs - as well as individuals with advertising and marketing matters. Founding partner Jon Walters oversees the department and takes the lead on media and entertainment sponsorships and commercial deals. Paul Shapiro advises brands on advertising and compliance issues.

The commercial advertising practice at Simkins LLP assists global brands, multinational companies and advertising agencies with media buying, agency appointments, brand management and marketing mandates. Particularly well-versed in compliance issues related to promotional campaigns, the team also advises on talent and influencer marketing agreements. Commercial expert Euan Lawson and advertising specialist Caroline Copeland, whose broad expertise covers sponsorships, licensing, brand deals and other advertising and marketing agreements, jointly manage the practice. Ed Baden-Powell handles IP as well as advertising and clearance matters, while Ed Weidman advises talent on advertising issues.

Squire Patton Boggs‘ advertising and marketing team is led by Carlton Daniel, who handles a mix of IP rights, commercial contracts and regulatory issues. The team assists notable corporations, brands and social media platforms with marketing and advertising matters, including compliance issues and agency agreements. The team also handles a number of corporate mandates, including M&A transactions, for marketing clients.