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Sports Law
"Sports Law" consists of a body of work that touches on nearly every aspect of law, especially within intellectual property (copyright, trademark, and "right of publicity"), labor law, contract law, antitrust law, property law, & tort law or personal injury. It stands out as a unique area within the law and as an industry, though, because special rules apply courtesy of state & federal legislation as well as court rulings.
This is Miettinen Law's niche.
We would love to help set you up on your way to success, to protect your right to your value, & to advise you on and look over your various transactions.
We handle much of the behind-the-scenes work for you to make sure your best interests are protected as you grow & develop relationships across the sports industry. Some of the most frequent needs our clients in the sports industry may come across are:
Name, Image, & Likeness (“NIL”) / Right of publicity
Understanding college sports association rules, regulations, policies, & best practice guidelines (NCAA, NAIA, etc.)
Understanding college sports conference rules, regulations, policies, & best practice guidelines
Understanding specific high school or college rules, regulations, policies, & best practice guidelines
Licensing rights & agreements
Endorsement & sponsorship agreements
Player, team, & league agreements
Collective bargaining agreements for a players' or coaches' union
Copyright & trademark registration or protection
Venue agreements & licenses
Various contest & race participation agreements
Business formation & registration
Who may be affected by special laws and legal needs within the sports industry?
Athletes at any level - "amateur" (recreational, youth travel, grade school, college) & professional
Coaches, owners, & staff
Officials, referees, & umpires
Fans - in attendance & via broadcasts
Consumers of the sports product & merchandise
Fantasy sports participants & businesses
E-Sports players, teams, organizations, & fans
Fitness professionals
Race participants - runners, cyclists, triathletes, obstacle course racers, & drivers
Extreme sports participants
Businesses entering into contracts with teams or leagues for licensing, construction, financing, supplying, etc.
Nearby residents & taxpayers