Bray & Krais

Partner Udo Onwere was recently interviewed by City AM where he discussed his career in law. The interview was published on 25 November 2024 by City AM and can be read in full here: https://lnkd.in/ez54dbxC

It’s been a great week at Bray & Krais! We are delighted to share that we have been named in The Times’ “Best Law Firms 2025”, being commended in both the Entertainment and Sports sectors.   A huge congratulations to the team – we thank you for all of your continued hard work. To read more: https://lnkd.in/e7bCgq4R https://lnkd.in/eVxTxTdX

We are immensely proud of Mark Krais for being awarded the inaugural Artist Lawyer of the Year by Music Business Worldwide (MBW)  at the Music Business UK Awards, 2024! Mark has been recognised as “providing crucial direct services to talent, both domestically and around the world.” In his speech, Mark thanked the clients for their trust and loyal support. He also referenced Ed Sheeran’s (pictured below with Mark at the Awards) copyright cases ‘Shape of You’ and ‘Thinking Out Loud’ as being career defining moments. A fantastic accolade that is hugely well deserved. Well done, Mark! https://lnkd.in/eGW2jNdt https://lnkd.in/eRkxtG7s

Partner Udo Onwere has commented on the Football Governance Bill which has been reintroduced by the government. Udo’s comments were published in City AM on Friday 25th October 2024 and the full article can be read here: https://lnkd.in/e2-VS6SP

Partner Dorothea (Dot) Thompson has written on the recent public tussle between Morrissey and Johnny Marr over THE SMITHS name and trade mark, with some wider / ongoing TM considerations and best practice for artists and their teams. The article was published by Complete Music Update (CMU) on 23rd October 2024 and can be read in full here: https://lnkd.in/edUNE2zZ

We are extremely proud to announce that Chambers and Partners have recognised our firm as Band 1 for Music & Entertainment: Music for their 2025 UK Guide! Richard Bray and Mark Krais are once again recognised as Band 1 lawyers for their non-contentious work. Simon Dixon has deservedly been recognised as a Band 3 lawyer and Jonny Petch has earned his well-deserved Band 4 recognition (previously Up & Coming). Simon Goodbody has been recognised in Band 2 for his contentious work. Congratulations to our team who have been recognised and thank you to the whole firm for all their continued hard work.

Partner Udo Onwere has recently discussed Manchester City’s legal case against the Premier League and the PR surrounding it. Udo’s comments were published in The i Paper on the 10th October 2024 and can be viewed here: https://lnkd.in/etjC5Qux

Udo Onwere will be speaking at the Westminster Media Forum policy conference: The way forward for football governance in England. The conference will be taking place online on Tuesday 14th January 2025.   The conference will be bringing together stakeholders and policymakers to discuss priorities and next steps in light of the Government reintroducing the Football Governance Bill, which aims to establish an Independent Football Regulator (IFR) and support the financial sustainability of football clubs in England’s top five leagues.   You can book your place here: https://lnkd.in/eXRpsBQj

We are delighted that Bray & Krais has been ranked in the Top Tier for Music by the Legal 500 UK 2025! The Legal 500 also highlighting the following team members: Richard Bray has once again been recognised as part of the Hall of Fame for Music Mark Krais has been highlighted as a Leading Partner in Music Jonny Petch and Simon Goodbody have both been noted as Next Generation Partners in Music Kelvin Nana has been recognised as a Leading Associate in Music Simon Dixon and Dorothea (Dot) Thompson are both noted as a Recommended Lawyers in Music Udo Onwere, Mark Krais, Richard Bray and Simon Goodbody are also all named as Recommended Lawyers in Sport Please find a link to the firm's rankings in full here: https://lnkd.in/eQTRUK5C Congratulations to the whole team for their continued hard work.

Associate Jonathan Coote explores the defences submitted by AI music companies Suno and Udio in their ongoing lawsuits brought by the Recording Industry Association Of America, and discusses whether 'fair use' defences can be successfully be applied in relation to the training of generative AI software on copyrighted works, in Complete Music Update. Read Jonathan's article here: https://lnkd.in/gjiTftUz #AI #IP #IntellectualProperty #MusicLaw #MusicAI #CopyrightLaw #Suno #Udio