Areas of Practice

Sports

The Ussery Law Group has participated in Sports at every level: negotiating ownership stakes; representing sports owners and athletes at various times both in the United States and Europe; developing and hosting an array of live sporting events; overseeing several design charrettes for the design, development and construction of sports venues and other real estate projects both here and abroad; and overseeing the management of various sports properties.  Most recently, the new Name, Image and Likeness rules (“NIL”) governing high school and collegiate sports has shaken amateur sports as we know it.  The Ussery Law Group is participating in that change, representing “amateur” athletes and consulting leagues and governing bodies as they seek to navigate the new sports landscape.  In sum, the firm has expertise in every aspect of sports at every level, amateur, minor league and the majors.

Television, Film & Theater

The way people consume entertainment is ever evolving.  As the platforms for consumption multiply and morph into more dynamic and accessible products so too must the entertainers and their ancillary revenue streams adopt to maximize the value to the audience and the artist. We draft and negotiate development, production, financing, content and sales & distribution agreements specifically for television and motion pictures. Tailoring each contract according to a project’s scope, size, and budget, we strive to secure and protect the appropriate creative rights for all parties involved. Our experience includes doing content and distribution deals (terrestrial, cable and satellite).

Music

The digitization of Music continues to disrupt the industry in terms of rights, revenue streams, touring and IP ownership.  The evolution of varying revenue streams; the multiplicity of distinct and ever expanding distribution channels; the evolving notions around ownership in the digital world; and the burgeoning field of AI means that the pace of change isn't going to slow down anytime soon. We take pride in clearly explaining and navigating the hazy landscape of music law and its relationship to music industry professionals of all types. We help our clients draft and negotiate contracts relating to recording, publishing, licensing, performing, distribution, sponsorship and merchandising.

Gaming, E-Sports & Technology

The introduction of nascent Web3 applications, rapidly evolving hardware and software innovations, and the acceleration in the application of physics to the entertainment space are so pervasive that it is difficult to clearly define what the future portends. What we do know for sure is that the pace of change that technology has ignited is only going to accelerate over time.  Nicholas Negropnte, of MIT Media Lab fame, predicted in the 90’s that we’d carry our music libraries in our pockets.  Unthinkable at the time but so too today, is the idea of vinyl albums as the only medium upon which to consume music.  While these advances are seamless to consumers, behind the scenes herculean disruptions are continuing with no end in sight.  We have consulted or otherwise assisted participants in all aspects of the digital universe from engineers, inventors, gaming startups and “Gamers” in protecting, licensing, selling and owning their creations.  We are now representing Esports gamers who are becoming the new global athletes of the digital age.

Real Estate

In the areas of real estate, the Ussery Law Group has focused its practice on the design and development of various properties including sports venues, various commercial spaces and mixed use retail and residential developments.  Irrespective of the project, the objective is always the same, i.e. to maximize every square inch of revenue out of a project while building something that is a value add to the neighborhood in which it resides.  While seemingly mutually exclusive, we have found that a collaborative approach from the very beginning, inviting all potential stakeholders in the process to have a voice, where reasonable, has often mitigated and expedited the timelines that are required to go from design to approvals to development and construction.  Our ongoing relationships with various state, regional and local agencies have been an enormous value add for our clients.  Although our real estate practice focuses most often on domestic projects, we have represented and/or are representing clients from as far away Japan, Singapore and England in various matters.

Mass Torts

The Ussery Law Group has expanded into the area of  Mass Torts where we have become co-counsel with Levin Papantonio Rafferty Buchanan O’Brien Barr & Mougey, P.A., one of the world’s leading Mass law Torts firms.  The Levin law firm has secured over 30 Billion dollars in settlements in its 50+ years of existence. They are one of the nations best Mass Tort litigation law firms. They founded and operate the “Mass Torts Made Perfect Conference” twice annually in Las Vegas. For further information on existing litigation, please see the tab below.