Alex Cole

Alex joined Russells in 2018 and has established three main areas of focus:

1. The convergence of technology and entertainment including:

• Web 3.0 (blockchain, crypto, NFTs and DAOs);
• Metaverse(s);
• Artificial intelligence;
• Deepfakes and synthetic media
• Virtual and augmented reality;
• Digital content licensing in the music and audiovisual industries;
• Gaming and esports;
• Branded entertainment
• Influencers and the influencer economy;
• Social media;
• E-commerce;
• Copyright;
• Trade marks;
• Data protection / GDPR / ePrivacy;
• Website and app terms;
• Software development and licensing;
• Intermediary liability;
• Regulatory matters including OFCOM and ASA regulations;
• Online advertising; and
• Lotteries and prize promotions.

Alex’s recent work in this area has included advising on a number of web 3.0 projects for major record labels which have been reported in the press.  He frequently gives talks and training to entertainment industry bodies on technology-related matters and he is an actively involved member of the Society of Computers & Law.

2. Corporate and company law matters including:

• Catalogue and company sales and acquisitions;
• Joint ventures and shareholders’ arrangements;
• Fundraising and investments;
• Partnership and LLP arrangements;
• Employee incentives / share option schemes; and
• Day-to-day company law and corporate governance advice.

3. Non-contentious entertainment matters including:

• Recording, publishing, distribution, management and band arrangements for music industry clients;
• Development, production, financing and distribution arrangements for film and TV industry clients;
• Branding, sponsorship and endorsement matters;
• Merchandising; and
• Live events.

“People were still booing him when we were on stage.”

– David St. Hubbins (Spinal Tap)