Sports and Entertainment Law

At Darrin Johnson Law, we specialize in sports and entertainment law, providing personalized legal counsel for athletes, entertainers, and artists in Tampa Bay. We protect your professional interests, ensuring your career thrives with comprehensive legal support.

An attorney in Lakeland, donning a denim shirt and yellow tie, confidently holds a basketball with both hands.

Sports & Entertainment Law Services

Legal Representation for Creatives, Athletes, and Industry Professionals

In the world of entertainment and sports, your brand, your rights, and your reputation are everything. At Darrin Johnson Law, we offer strategic, forward-thinking legal support for athletes, artists, content creators, and other professionals navigating the complex legal terrain of the entertainment industry.

Whether you’re negotiating a deal, protecting your intellectual property, or resolving a contractual dispute, we help ensure you stay protected—and stay in control.

Who We Represent

Our sports & entertainment law services are tailored for:

  • Musicians, producers, and recording artists

  • Athletes, agents, and team personnel

  • Influencers, content creators, and digital personalities

  • Actors, filmmakers, and on-screen talent

  • Event organizers, brand owners, and media companies

We understand the nuances of both the creative and legal sides of these industries.

Types of Sports & Entertainment Cases We Handle

Contract Review & Negotiation

We review and draft clear, enforceable contracts that protect your rights, income, and creative control—whether it’s a performance agreement, endorsement, recording deal, or NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) contract.

Licensing & Brand Agreements

From merchandise deals to royalty-sharing, we help ensure your intellectual property is used correctly and fairly—and that your brand grows on your terms.

Legal Disputes & Representation

We handle disputes over royalties, breached contracts, defamation, misrepresentation, and more. Whether the issue is behind the scenes or in the spotlight, we’re ready to protect your interests.

Intellectual Property Protection

Trademark registration, copyright enforcement, content ownership—your creative work is valuable, and we make sure it's legally safeguarded.

Why Work with Darrin Johnson Law?

  • Industry Understanding: We speak the language of both contracts and creativity.

  • Direct Access to Your Attorney: You work directly with Darrin—not passed off to paralegals.

  • Custom-Tailored Legal Strategy: We adjust to your goals, career stage, and business model.

Frequently Asked Sports & Entertainment Law Questions

What legal protections do I have as an independent artist or creator?

You have rights to your intellectual property, including copyrights and trademarks. A lawyer can help register and enforce these rights to protect your work from unauthorized use.

Can I use a contract template I found online?

It's risky. Templates may not reflect your specific needs or local laws and could leave gaps in protection. Custom contracts reviewed by an attorney offer stronger legal backing.

 

What is a licensing agreement, and why do I need one?

A licensing agreement lets others use your work, brand, or content under specific terms. It ensures you're compensated fairly and prevents unauthorized use.

 

Do athletes need legal help for endorsement deals?

Yes. Endorsements often involve complex terms that can affect image rights, payment structures, and exclusivity. Legal review protects your brand and income.

 

How can a lawyer help in a contract dispute?

We evaluate the terms, assess potential breaches, and negotiate or litigate to resolve the issue. Our goal is to protect your interests and limit financial damage.