Gary Oliver
Senior Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7325
Ian Mill KC is a leading silk, who has appeared frequently in substantial, high profile contractual and intellectual property disputes in the Chancery Division, the Commercial Court, the Court of Appeal, offshore in the BVI, Bermuda and Cayman and in international and domestic arbitrations.
Ian also sits regularly as an arbitrator in relation to high value commercial and company disputes, including disputes in the areas of media and entertainment and sport, and in relation to regulatory and disciplinary actions brought domestically and internationally by various sporting Governing Bodies. In particular, since 2014 he has acted as an Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer for world tennis; he sits as a Steward of Appeal of the British Boxing Board of Control; he has chaired International Tennis Federation Anti-Doping cases, PGA Disciplinary Panels, WPBSA Disciplinary Commissions and ECB Child Protection appeals, as well as numerous FA Rule K and FA Premier League Panels.
Ian is a CEDR accredited Mediator - with a particular focus on resolving complex commercial, sports and intellectual property disputes and high value employment matters.
In December 2013, Ian was ranked as one of Chambers UK’s Top Silk Bar 100, in their inaugural listing of the top barristers practising at the Bar of England & Wales.
Ian has for many years been highly recommended in both the leading independent legal directories, Chambers UK and Legal 500, across a wide range of specialist disciplines: commercial litigation, civil fraud, intellectual property, international arbitration, media & entertainment and sport.
He was named The Lawyer's Barrister of the Week in February 2021.
Ian has established his position as a Leading Silk in this field through the clarity of his contractual analysis, and through his performance, in particular as a trial lawyer, in cases involving such diverse subjects as jurisdiction and conflicts of laws, commercial fraud, professional negligence, media & entertainment, intellectual property and sport.
“Outstanding at trial.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“He can pick up a case almost instantly and give insightful and meaningful advice about the merits and about strategy.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“A ferocious advocate, particularly in his cross-examination of witnesses.”
Legal 500, 2022
“Ian’s advice on strategy in the final weeks before trial is critical to his ultimate success in cases.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He is a heavyweight in cross-examination and extremely knowledgeable.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“An exceptional barrister, with a vast amount of experience and knowledge.”
Legal 500, 2021
“A class act: he's terrifying to be against.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“A forceful leader - authoritative, sharp and decisive.”
Legal 500, 2019
“An intellectual bruiser who's good fun to work with and fantastic with clients.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“Very responsive and gives sensible advice.”
Legal 500, 2018
“Ian is extremely user-friendly, has an excellent command of the detail, and is an outstanding advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“He demonstrates outstanding leadership, clear communication and superb advocacy.”
Legal 500, 2017
“A very powerful advocate with a really big presence. There is a lot of force in his cross-examination.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“He is extremely user-friendly, has an excellent command of the detail of the case and is an outstanding advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“An outstanding advocate with first-class cross-examination skills”
Legal 500, 2016
“A genuinely excellent advocate with a huge courtroom presence.”
Legal 500, 2015
“Ian is extremely user-friendly and has an excellent command of the detail.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
Acting for the claimant in an action seeking a declaration based on an issue of contractual construction.
Acting for the claimant in a claim for breach of contract relating to YouTube influencer boxing contests.
Acting for the members of Coldplay in proceedings brought by their former manager.
Acting for a respondent to a civil contempt application arising out of matrimonial proceedings.
Acting for the prospective claimant in an unlawful means conspiracy claim.
Acting for the defendants to a claim for damages arising from an alleged partnership agreement. Key issue of alleged fraudulent misrepresentation.
Advising a Member of the Royal Family on a contractual dispute.
Acted for the claimant in proceedings relating to ownership of a tribute band name. Settled shortly before trial.
Represented the defendant in his successful resistance to the claimants' appeal against the dismissal of the fraud claim against him at trial.
Acted for Betgenius/Genius in a breach of confidence/unlawful means conspiracy claim against Sportradar relating to data acquired during professional football matches. Sportradar counterclaimed alleging breach of competition rules. Case settled at trial.
Acted for the claimants in claim for breach of contract relating to modular home constructions. Settled before trial.
Acted for the Claimants in a claim relating to enforcement of an LCIA arbitral award against the Defendant. Hearing in July 2020 before Andrew Baker J concerned allegations of contempt and breach of contract relating to undertakings given by the Defendant.
Acted for the defendant to a claim seeking to recover sums on the basis of knowing or unconscionable receipt/unjust enrichment. Judgment of Griffiths J in June 2021. Claim dismissed.
Acted for the Claimants who were seeking to enforce an arbitral award for an amount in excess of US$ 1.5 billion. Appeared in the Cayman Court of Appeal in November 2019 resisting an appeal against a Norwich Pharmacal Order. Appeal dismissed.
Actied for the Claimant in application under Section 66 of the Arbitration Act 1996 to enforce a US$10 billion arbitral award against the Defendant. Succeeded before Butcher J in August 2019.
Acted for Nottingham Forest in its appeal against an adverse judgment at trial obtained by the Claimant arising out of his sale of the club (Ian did not appear below). Issues of contractual construction. Hearing before Court of Appeal in November 2019. Appeal allowed in part.
Acted for Claimants in an action against the Defendant bank for mis-selling financial products. Succeeded at trial before Andrew Baker J in 2017. The Defendant's application for permission to appeal was refused.
Acted for the Defendant in proceedings brought by an alleged former wife of King Saud of Saudi Arabia. The Claimant alleged an oral agreement made by the Defendant to provide financial assistance. Trial before Peter Smith J in July 2015. The Claimant succeeded in her claim. Permission to appeal granted on all five grounds (including apparent bias of the trial judge). Hearing before the Court of Appeal in May 2016. The Court ordered a re-trial. The Defendant succeeded at that re-trial before Arnold J in February 2018. Permission to appeal was refused.
Acted for the Respondent in an ICC Arbitration. The Claimant was seeking very substantial damages for breach of an alleged contractual obligation upon the Indian cricket team to undertake specified bipartite series. The Claimant's claim was dismissed.
Acted for the auction house, Bonhams, in four related pieces of litigation in the Commercial Court arising out of the sale of a very rare Ferrari motor car in June 2014. Multiple allegations of fraudulent conduct were made. Trial listed for April 2016 before Flaux J. Settled at the commencement of trial.
Acted for the former General Partner of a BVI LP which has very substantial assets formerly owned by a very wealthy (now deceased) Georgian. Participating in and advising on multiple foreign (BVI) and UK court proceedings and LCIA arbitrations involving and arising from disputes over Salford’s entitlement to share in the value of those assets following the termination of the partnership. The client was unsuccessful in its appeal to the Privy Council in June 2015 from a decision of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.
Acted for Defendants to Counterclaim in very substantial commercial fraud proceedings in the Commercial Court. Trial (14-16 weeks) fixed to commence in December 2016. Case settled beforehand.
Acted for the Claimant in Commercial Court proceedings arising out of the sale and purchase of parts of the Defendant’s business. Succeeded on trial of preliminary issues before Flaux J [2014] EWHC 1066 (Comm). Trial in May 2015 before Simon J. Obtained judgment for the Claimant for €25 million.
Succeeded in obtaining an Award, in an arbitration under Swiss International Arbitration Rules, in favour of the Formula 1 racing driver, Guy van der Garde, requiring the F1 team, Sauber, to honour its English law contractual obligation to nominate him as one of their two race drivers for the 2015 F1 Season. An order was made by an Australian Court (in advance of the first F1 race in Melbourne 14/15 March 2015) enforcing that Award as an order of that Court. This is, it is believed, the first time that a contract of service has been enforced specifically in such a context.
Acted for the ECB in its arbitral disciplinary proceedings against the Pakistani international cricketer, Danish Kaneria, over spot fixing allegations involving the English cricketer, Mervyn Westfield. Offences established before a Cricket Disciplinary Panel and an Appeal Tribunal. Kaneria was given a lifetime ban. Kaneria’s appeal against that ban to the Commercial Court was dismissed by Hamblen J [2014] EWHC 1348 (Comm). His application for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal was subsequently rejected. In 2013, Cooke J in the Commercial Court ruled that the disciplinary proceedings were arbitrations for the purposes of the 1996 Act. He laid down guidance on that issue [2013] EWHC 1074 (Comm).
Ian has a substantial practice in both domestic and international commercial arbitrations as an advocate, and in arbitrations in a largely sporting context both as an advocate and as a decision-maker. In 2023, Ian was elected as a judge to the FIA International Tribunal and International Court of Appeal.
“A consummate advocate and clever tactician who is prepared to roll his sleeves up and work with the team.”
Legal 500, 2022
“Highly intelligent and very experienced – he is such an impressive advocate.”
Legal 500, 2021
“Brings outstanding leadership, advocacy and clarity of thought.”
Legal 500, 2019
“Experienced, authoritative and as persuasive as ever.”
Legal 500, 2018
“A quick and clear-thinking barrister, a forceful advocate and decisive cross-examiner.”
Legal 500, 2017
“Superb – he provides clear leadership and his advocacy is simply unparalleled”
Legal 500, 2016
Successfully defended the Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, against an FA Misconduct Charge arising out of his post-match interview criticism, following Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle on 4 November 2023, of the VAR decision-making processes and system. Decision published on 14 December 2023.
Acting for the EFL in disciplinary arbitral proceedings against a Football League club and certain of its directors.
Regularly chairing anti-corruption disciplinary proceedings on behalf of the World Tennis Governing Bodies.
Chairing a Disciplinary Proceeding relating to child protection for British Gymnastics.
Acted as Steward of appeal of the British Boxing Board of Control to resolve a number of appeals from arbitral decisions of the Board.
Acted as the chair of the WPBSA arbitral panel which heard match-fixing allegations against 10 Chinese snooker players.
Arbitrating a dispute between a well known Premier League footballer and his former agent.
Actied for the Claimant in application under Section 66 of the Arbitration Act 1996 to enforce a US$10 billion arbitral award against the Defendant. Succeeded before Butcher J in August 2019.
Acted for the Claimants in a claim relating to enforcement of an LCIA arbitral award against the Defendant. Hearing in July 2020 before Andrew Baker J concerned allegations of contempt and breach of contract relating to undertakings given by the Defendant.
Acted for the Claimants who were seeking to enforce an arbitral award for an amount in excess of US$ 1.5 billion. Appeared in the Cayman Court of Appeal in November 2019 resisting an appeal against a Norwich Pharmacal Order. Appeal dismissed.
Acted for the club in substantial contract claims (featuring allegations of fraudulent conduct) against its former manager. Arbitration hearing took place in February 2016. Award made. Section 68 and enforcement proceeding were brought before the Commercial Court. The Section 68 challenge by Mr Pulis failed. The enforcement proceedings were successful.
Acted for the English Football League in an investigation over the submission to it by Watford FC of forged bank letters of guarantee, followed by disciplinary proceedings against the club. The club, in August 2017, agreed to pay a record fine. The club's former chairman was also banned for an indefinite period.
Acted for a driver facing disciplinary proceedings brought by the FIA.
Acted for the Respondent in an ICC Arbitration. The Claimant was seeking very substantial damages for breach of an alleged contractual obligation upon the Indian cricket team to undertake specified bipartite series. The Claimant's claim was dismissed.
Acted as chair of a number of International Tennis Federation Doping Tribunals.
Acted as member of panel to hear claims between the former Cardiff City Manager and the club.
Acted as chair of a PGA Disciplinary Panel which decided proceedings brought against the English golfer, Simon Dyson.
Acted as member of a panel to decide issues between the Football League and Watford FC.
Acted as chair of a panel to resolve issues between the former Southampton FC manager and the club.
Acted as member of a panel to resolve the appeal by London Welsh RFC against the RFU’s refusal to admit it to the Premiership.
Acted for a defendant to a claim alleging conspiracy against him and others. Section 9(4) application to stay for arbitration was successfully made.
Acted for Sunderland in a dispute as to the status of the player Ricardo Alvarez and the commercial rights as between Inter Milan and Sunderland under a loan agreement. Award of the FIFA Players’ Status Committee issued in April 2016. Both parties appealed to CAS. Award of CAS in 2017.
Acted for the former General Partner of a BVI LP which has very substantial assets formerly owned by a very wealthy (now deceased) Georgian. Participating in and advising on multiple foreign (BVI) and UK court proceedings and LCIA arbitrations involving and arising from disputes over Salford’s entitlement to share in the value of those assets following the termination of the partnership. The client was unsuccessful in its appeal to the Privy Council in June 2015 from a decision of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.
Succeeded in obtaining an Award, in an arbitration under Swiss International Arbitration Rules, in favour of the Formula 1 racing driver, Guy van der Garde, requiring the F1 team, Sauber, to honour its English law contractual obligation to nominate him as one of their two race drivers for the 2015 F1 Season. An order was made by an Australian Court (in advance of the first F1 race in Melbourne 14/15 March 2015) enforcing that Award as an order of that Court. This is, it is believed, the first time that a contract of service has been enforced specifically in such a context.
Acted for the Claimants in an application to enforce an ICDR arbitral award against a former employee threatening to join a competitor in breach of restrictive covenants. Settled before hearing.
Acted for the ECB in its arbitral disciplinary proceedings against the Pakistani international cricketer, Danish Kaneria, over spot fixing allegations involving the English cricketer, Mervyn Westfield. Offences established before a Cricket Disciplinary Panel and an Appeal Tribunal. Kaneria was given a lifetime ban. Kaneria’s appeal against that ban to the Commercial Court was dismissed by Hamblen J [2014] EWHC 1348 (Comm). His application for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal was subsequently rejected. In 2013, Cooke J in the Commercial Court ruled that the disciplinary proceedings were arbitrations for the purposes of the 1996 Act. He laid down guidance on that issue [2013] EWHC 1074 (Comm).
Acted successfully for the Premier League in an FAPL Rule S arbitration brought by a former Premiership football club manager who claimed to be a “Football Creditor” under the Premier League Rules.
Ian is a CEDR accredited Mediator - with a particular focus on resolving complex commercial, sports and intellectual property disputes and high value employment matters. Ian is able to draw upon his long experience of litigating significant disputes in each of these areas of his practice in order to add value as a mediator.
Ian is the standalone top rated silk in this area of practice in the latest editions of Chambers UK and The Legal 500. He has appeared in many of the major recent cases in this field (involving both contract and intellectual property issues). He has advised and acted for a large number of famous performers, as well as all the major record companies and music publishers, all the principal music industry trade bodies and collecting societies and numerous film, theatre, TV and radio companies, directors and producers.
Ian announced (at the PPL 2010 AGM) the establishment of the PPL Dispute Resolution Procedures, an arbitration and mediation service designed to achieve rapid and cost effective resolutions to music industry disputes. Ian drafted the arbitration rules and is the Chairman of the panel of arbitrators.
In addition to the work referred to below, Ian gives a great deal of advice to media rights owners, and their representative bodies, on an ongoing basis in relation to their attempts to combat infringing activities conducted through the use of the internet.
“A masterclass in advocacy; he's brilliant, faultless.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“He is top of his game. His performance in court is mind-blowing.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“He is phenomenally intelligent, creative in thinking of solutions and has real gravitas.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“He is by far the best silk at the media Bar, without question.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“He's the most outstanding barrister in media and entertainment.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“He is an excellent advocate and consistently delivers authoritative, considered advice.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“Ian remains a powerhouse of the contentious music industry.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“A forceful advocate and exceptionally good on his feet.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He is absolutely the standout media and entertainment silk.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He's phenomenal and it's a pleasure to work with him.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He's very good on the detail and very responsive - an exemplary modern silk.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“A highly experienced barrister who is able to turn around matters in a very short timeframe and gives advice that recognises the commercial realities his clients are working within.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He is an outstanding advocate – the man for the big occasion.”
Legal 500, 2019
“He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law around the music business and how the industry works.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“A leading player in the market and a very pugnacious litigator.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“An industry titan. Mill is a tremendous advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“An industry giant and outstanding leader in the field.”
Legal 500, 2018
“A runaway star of the Media and Entertainment Bar.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“Widely regarded as the leading silk for music industry clients.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“He is creative in approach and adept at finding interesting routes through complex problems”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“He is undoubtedly the go-to barrister for the entire music industry.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“A forceful advocate and the number-one silk”
Legal 500, 2016
Acting for the claimant in a claim for breach of contract relating to YouTube influencer boxing contests.
Acting for the members of Coldplay in proceedings brought by their former manager.
Advising on worldwide exploitation rights relating to a well known 1980s film.
Advising the promoter of a long running and well known festival.
Advising the operators of a famous entertainment venue in relation to payments to rights owners.
Advising a major record company on a dispute with a well known artist over asserted reversion of US copyrights.
Acting for two members of a well known pop group in a dispute with the third member over royalties.
Advising a well known songwriter on the value of his catalogue in the context of matrimonial proceedings.
Advising a well known impresario in relation to stage rights relating to a famous old film.
Acted for the claimant in proceedings relating to ownership of a tribute band name. Settled shortly before trial.
Acted for the claimant in its claim against the defendant record company for unpaid royalties.
Acted for the defendant in its successful resistance to a claim asserting ownership in a number of Bob Marley compositions. The claim was dismissed in 2022.
Advised on a dispute between two well known theatre companies.
Acted for Ed Sheeran and others, the co-writers and publishers of the song "Shape of You" in their successful claim for a declaration that they had not infringed any copyrights of the Defendants in writing and exploiting that song. Judgment of Zacaroli J in April 2022. Application for permission to appeal dismissed by Court of Appeal in June 2022.
Acted as the Duchess of Sussex's Leading Counsel on her copyright claim in one of The Lawyer's Top 20 Cases of 2020. The Duchess' dispute with Associated Newspapers concerned their misuse of private information, following their publication of a letter written by her to her father. Warby J granted her application for summary judgment in March 2021. The Court of Appeal dismissed the defendants appeal in December 2021.
Acted for Sir Bob Geldof in defence of a claim by the keyboard player of the Boomtown Rats that he had co-written "I Don't Like Mondays". Case settled on the eve of Trial in April 2018.
Acted for PPL in defending Copyright Tribunal proceedings brought by the hotel, pub and night club representatives. Case settled.
Acted for UK Music and other music representative bodies in a successful judicial review of the Government’s introduction of the private copying exception into UK law. Judgment of Nicholas Green J in July 2015. Regulation quashed.
Advised PRS in a dispute with concert and festival promoters over increases to PRS's Concerts and Festivals Tariff. Revised tariff implemented by the Copyright Tribunal.
Acted for the Claimant in proceedings against the members of Duran Duran in relation to the future rights to exploit those members’ musical compositions in the USA. Succeeded before Arnold J. Case settled before the Court of Appeal hearing.
Acted for the Defendant music publisher in relation to the ownership of copyright in 13 musical compositions written by Bob Marley, including “No Woman No Cry”. Trial before Richard Meade QC in the Chancery Division in May 2014. Successful on all issues.
Instructed by the Claimants (who are representative members of the entire UK record industry) to participate in and oversee multiple claims under Section 97A of the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act 1988 for orders against all the major UK internet service providers requiring them to block their subscribers’ access to the websites that serially infringe those members’ copyrights, including the world’s largest Bittorrent tracker site, The Pirate Bay.
Ian is rated as a leading practitioner in the field of intellectual property in the latest editions of both Chambers UK and The Legal 500. His work in this field is largely but not exclusively limited to soft IP (copyright, passing off, confidential information). However, he has also become increasingly involved in recent years in patent licensing disputes.
“Ian Mill is an excellent leader and strategist and a fearsome advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Ian is a great advocate who is very forceful in his arguments.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“He has a phenomenal brain; on the law he is brilliant and also on strategy and tactics.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“His direct, no-nonsense advocacy camouflages a beguiling subtlety and agility.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He has got a very comprehensive grasp of all aspects of intellectual property and is very quick to understand how it all fits together.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“He is a great team leader, clients love him and he has a real passion for his cases.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“An excellent advocate with top-class judgement – one to have in your corner.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He is a thoughtful leader who is authoritative, sharp and decisive.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He has tremendous experience and great judgement which clients trust.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“An industry stalwart who brings a level of gravitas to claims.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“He is incisive and has great focus on the points which really matter..”
Legal 500, 2019
“If you want a bulldog of a brief, he's your man.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“He is a commanding presence who cuts straight to the best solution and earns clients' confidence and respect swiftly.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“He is utterly dependable and deeply impressive on his feet.”
Legal 500, 2018
“He is an excellent and very authoritative barrister who you'd rather have on your team than against you”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“He is a very impressive advocate, who commands the courtroom.”
Legal 500, 2017
“A fantastic advocate who you want on your side.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“He has complete determination and very considerable intellect, and works tirelessly for his clients.”
Legal 500, 2016
“A great and forceful advocate”
Legal 500, 2016
Advising on worldwide exploitation rights relating to a well known 1980s film.
Advising the operators of a famous entertainment venue in relation to payments to rights owners.
Advising a major record company on a dispute with a well known artist over asserted reversion of US copyrights.
Advising a well known songwriter on the value of his catalogue in the context of matrimonial proceedings.
Acted for the claimant in proceedings relating to ownership of a tribute band name. Settled shortly before trial.
Advising a well known impresario in relation to stage rights relating to a famous old film.
Advising rights owners on tariffs.
Acted for the defendant in its successful resistance to a claim asserting ownership in a number of Bob Marley compositions. The claim was dismissed in 2022.
Acting for the claimant in claim relating to ownership of trademarks
Acted for Sir Bob Geldof in defence of a claim by the keyboard player of the Boomtown Rats that he had co-written "I Don't Like Mondays". Case settled on the eve of Trial in April 2018.
Acted for Ed Sheeran and others, the co-writers and publishers of the song "Shape of You" in their successful claim for a declaration that they had not infringed any copyrights of the Defendants in writing and exploiting that song. Judgment of Zacaroli J in April 2022. Application for permission to appeal dismissed by Court of Appeal in June 2022.
Acted for Betgenius/Genius in a breach of confidence/unlawful means conspiracy claim against Sportradar relating to data acquired during professional football matches. Sportradar counterclaimed alleging breach of competition rules. Case settled at trial.
Acting for the Claimants in breach of confidence/unlawful means conspiracy claim relating to betting shows and key race data. Succeeded in part at trial. Both parties appealed to the Court of Appeal. Appeal heard in July 2020. Judgment awaited.
Acted for PPL in defending Copyright Tribunal proceedings brought by the hotel, pub and night club representatives. Case settled.
Acted for UK Music and other music representative bodies in a successful judicial review of the Government’s introduction of the private copying exception into UK law. Judgment of Nicholas Green J in July 2015. Regulation quashed.
Acted for the Claimant in infringement proceedings against bookmakers in relation to music played by gaming machines in their premises. Case settled before trial.
Acted for the Defendant music publisher in relation to the ownership of copyright in 13 musical compositions written by Bob Marley, including “No Woman No Cry”. Trial before Richard Meade QC in the Chancery Division in May 2014. Successful on all issues.
Acted for the Claimant in proceedings against the members of Duran Duran in relation to the future rights to exploit those members’ musical compositions in the USA. Succeeded before Arnold J. Case settled before the Court of Appeal hearing.
Instructed by the Claimants (who are representative members of the entire UK record industry) to participate in and oversee multiple claims under Section 97A of the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act 1988 for orders against all the major UK internet service providers requiring them to block their subscribers’ access to the websites that serially infringe those members’ copyrights, including the world’s largest Bittorrent tracker site, The Pirate Bay.
Acted for the Claimant owner of copyrights in Lennon/McCartney songs over a documentary film of a Beatles concert which the Defendant sought to exploit in the US. Succeeded on all issues at trial before Arnold J in June 2015. Permission to appeal granted. Action settled prior to Court of Appeal hearing.
Acted for the Claimant in obtaining blocking orders in relation to websites unlawfully streaming Premier League football games into the UK.
Advised PRS in a dispute with concert and festival promoters over increases to PRS's Concerts and Festivals Tariff. Revised tariff implemented by the Copyright Tribunal.
Acted for the Defendant in expedited proceedings raising ip and contractual claims relating to their respective businesses. Trial in 2016, Court of Appeal in 2017.
Ian is rated as a leading silk in sports disputes by both Chambers UK and The Legal 500. He has specialist knowledge of a wide range of sporting issues, having acted for many individuals, teams, organisers, managers, governing bodies and sports broadcasters.
As well as acting for parties, Ian has established himself as an experienced decision-maker in sporting disputes. Since UK Athletics appointed him to sit as Chairman of its Disciplinary Committee to hear the so-called “nandrolone” doping cases involving 6 athletics (including Linford Christie, Dougie Walker and Mark Richardson) shortly after he took silk, he has developed a reputation for decision making across a wide range of sports and in a wide variety of contexts (including both disciplinary processes and contractual disputes). For example, the FA has appointed him to chair a number of appeals from FA Disciplinary Commissions; he has been appointed and has sat as an FA Premier League Panel Member, a Chairman of the Sport Resolution's Panel of Arbitrators, Chairman of an International Cricket Council Tribunal and of several ECB Child Protection Appeal Panels, Chairman of several International Tennis Federation Anti-Doping Tribunals, a Football Association Arbitrator, a Football League Arbitrator, an RFU Disciplinary Appeal Chairman and an Appeal Steward of the British Boxing Board of Control. In September 2010, he was appointed by the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association to hear its disciplinary proceedings against the snooker player, John Higgins. Very recently, he was appointed by Sports Resolutions as the chair of the WPBSA disciplinary panel that heard and decided the match-fixing allegations against 10 Chinese snooker players. He was appointed a Tennis Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer in 2014 and has since conducted a number of cases as such. In 2023, Ian was elected as a judge to the FIA International Tribunal and International Court of Appeal.
Recent decision-making experiences have included the following:
Ian was appointed to the Sports Advocacy Section of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Pro Bono Legal Advice and Representation Service.
He is also a consulting editor of the International Sports Law Review, the co-author of the Arbitration chapter in Sports Law (Lewis & Taylor, 4th Edition), and co-author of the Arbitration chapter in the forthcoming publication, The Law Relating to Football (2nd edition).
“He is a perfect cross-examiner.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“A masterclass in advocacy; he's brilliant, faultless.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“He is a leader in his field and brings a huge amount of knowledge and pragmatism to the table.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“The finest sports advocate; he is absolutely magisterial in court.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He has a brilliant mind and a huge ability to deal with complex matters and simplify them.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“An exceptional barrister, with a vast amount of experience and knowledge.”
Legal 500, 2021
“A formidable advocate with the gravitas clients are looking for.”
Legal 500, 2019
“Extremely bright and decisive.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“A heavyweight on football regulations.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“Outstanding leadership and advocacy.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“Diligent and creatively minded – a forceful advocate and a very impressive cross-examiner.”
Legal 500, 2018
“A pre-eminent sports counsel for commercial and regulatory disputes.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“The ideal choice for heavyweight contentious sporting disputes”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“He provides razor-sharp and effective advocacy, and has a great rapport with clients.”
Legal 500, 2017
“He is absolutely first class; a really, really tough opponent.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
Successfully defended the Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, against an FA Misconduct Charge arising out of his post-match interview criticism, following Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle on 4 November 2023, of the VAR decision-making processes and system. Decision published on 14 December 2023.
Acting for the EFL in disciplinary arbitral proceedings against a Football League club and certain of its directors.
Acting for the claimant in a claim for breach of contract relating to YouTube influencer boxing contests.
Chairing a Disciplinary Proceeding relating to child protection for British Gymnastics.
Regularly chairing anti-corruption disciplinary proceedings on behalf of the World Tennis Governing Bodies.
Advising on qualification issues for a potential purchaser.
Advising a participant as to her contractual rights.
Arbitrating a dispute between a well known Premier League footballer and his former agent.
Acted for the defendant agent in disciplinary proceedings brought by the FA.
Advised on the Premier League's acceptance of the takeover of a Premier League club.
Advised the DP World Tour on aspects of its dispute with LIV Golf and its relationship with the PGA Tour.
Acted for the claimants in breach of confidence/unlawful means conspiracy claim relating to distribution of data from racecourses to off-course bookmakers. Trial before Zacaroli J [2019] EWHC 1156 (Ch). Appeals to the Court of Appeal succeeded in part [2019] EXCA Civ 1300. The defendants' application for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court was granted. Case settled just before hearing in the Supreme Court.
Advised a major broadcaster in relation to certain of its sports related commercial contracts in the light of Covid 19
Acted for seven Premier League clubs in application relating to Man City's CAS appeal.
Advising a Premier League club on its commercial contracts in the light of Covid 19.
Acted for the Claimant club in an unsuccessful claim to set aside the FA decision to render the 2019/20 season in National League 3 null and void.
Advising ECB on certain regulatory issues relating to player eligibility.
Acted for Betgenius/Genius in a breach of confidence/unlawful means conspiracy claim against Sportradar relating to data acquired during professional football matches. Sportradar counterclaimed alleging breach of competition rules. Case settled at trial.
Acted for the Defendant in a professional negligence claim brought by a Premier League footballer. Settled shortly before hearing of preliminary issues.
Acted for the Leeds United goalkeeper who was charged with using racist language during a match. Hearing in January 2020.
Acted for Defendant (a professional racing driver) in a claim for management commission. Succeeded on reverse Part 24 and strike out application. Judgment in July 2019.
Acted for the Defendant to a claim for agent’s commission. Succeeded on reverse Part 24 and strike out application. Judgment in September 2019.
Acted for Nottingham Forest in its appeal against an adverse judgment at trial obtained by the Claimant arising out of his sale of the club (Ian did not appear below). Issues of contractual construction. Hearing before Court of Appeal in November 2019. Appeal allowed in part.
Acted for the English Football League in an investigation over the submission to it by Watford FC of forged bank letters of guarantee, followed by disciplinary proceedings against the club. The club, in August 2017, agreed to pay a record fine. The club's former chairman was also banned for an indefinite period.
Acted for a driver facing disciplinary proceedings brought by the FIA.
Acted for the Respondent in an ICC Arbitration. The Claimant was seeking very substantial damages for breach of an alleged contractual obligation upon the Indian cricket team to undertake specified bipartite series. The Claimant's claim was dismissed.
Acted for the Defendant in a commercial dispute relating to the Belgium international footballer, Marouane Fellaini. Claim succeeded in application to strike out claim.
Acted for a defendant to a claim alleging conspiracy against him and others. Section 9(4) application to stay for arbitration was successfully made.
Acted for the FA of Wales in its appeal to CAS against the imposition of financial penalties for the wearing and use of the red poppy symbol in international matches. FIFA have now changed their policy and rescinded those penalties.
Acted for Leeds and its owner, Massimo Cellino, on their appeal against the FA Regulatory Commission decision relating to the transfer of Ross McCormack from Leeds to Fulham in July 2014. Hearings before an FA Appeal Board and Rule K Arbitral Panel in 2017. Sanctions against both clients reduced.
Acted for the club in substantial contract claims (featuring allegations of fraudulent conduct) against its former manager. Arbitration hearing took place in February 2016. Award made. Section 68 and enforcement proceeding were brought before the Commercial Court. The Section 68 challenge by Mr Pulis failed. The enforcement proceedings were successful.
Succeeded in obtaining an Award, in an arbitration under Swiss International Arbitration Rules, in favour of the Formula 1 racing driver, Guy van der Garde, requiring the F1 team, Sauber, to honour its English law contractual obligation to nominate him as one of their two race drivers for the 2015 F1 Season. An order was made by an Australian Court (in advance of the first F1 race in Melbourne 14/15 March 2015) enforcing that Award as an order of that Court. This is, it is believed, the first time that a contract of service has been enforced specifically in such a context.
Acted for Sunderland in a dispute as to the status of the player Ricardo Alvarez and the commercial rights as between Inter Milan and Sunderland under a loan agreement. Award of the FIFA Players’ Status Committee issued in April 2016. Both parties appealed to CAS. Award of CAS in 2017.
Acted for the Claimant in Commercial Court proceedings alleging breach of contract against a very substantial Indian sports broadcaster. Obtained summary judgment.
Acted for the Claimant in obtaining blocking orders in relation to websites unlawfully streaming Premier League football games into the UK.
Acted for the Claimant, the well known boxing promoter and manager in his dispute with the boxer, Ricky Burns. Obtained judgment for the Claimant following a trial before Robin Knowles J in October 2014.
Acted for the ECB in its arbitral disciplinary proceedings against the Pakistani international cricketer, Danish Kaneria, over spot fixing allegations involving the English cricketer, Mervyn Westfield. Offences established before a Cricket Disciplinary Panel and an Appeal Tribunal. Kaneria was given a lifetime ban. Kaneria’s appeal against that ban to the Commercial Court was dismissed by Hamblen J [2014] EWHC 1348 (Comm). His application for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal was subsequently rejected. In 2013, Cooke J in the Commercial Court ruled that the disciplinary proceedings were arbitrations for the purposes of the 1996 Act. He laid down guidance on that issue [2013] EWHC 1074 (Comm).
Ian has for many years acted for claimants and defendants in substantial and often multi-jurisdictional fraud claims.
“Ian has huge gravitas. He is a great advocate and great at coming up with solutions.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“A very confident and strong advocate who is easy to work with and very hands on.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“A ferocious advocate, particularly in his cross-examination of witnesses.”
Legal 500, 2022
“An extremely strong advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“He is able to quickly digest a large amount of information and work with both lawyers and clients to develop and successfully implement trial strategies.”
Legal 500, 2021
“A strong advocate and a skilled cross-examiner.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“Has an excellent mind, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law.”
Legal 500, 2019
“A very skilled cross-examiner.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“He is extremely user-friendly and has an excellent command of the detail of the case. An outstanding advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“Very sure and clear in his advice, and a very good advocate.”
Legal 500, 2018
“He has an excellent command of the detail of the case and is an outstanding advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“Ian is undoubtedly one of the leading advocates of his generation in fraud work”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“He brings a smoothness to advice and advocacy that instils confidence in clients.”
Legal 500, 2017
“The quality and weight he brings to complex cases is backed up by his advocacy”
Legal 500, 2016
Acting for the defendants to a claim for damages arising from an alleged partnership agreement. Key issue of alleged fraudulent misrepresentation.
Represented the defendant in his successful resistance to the claimants' appeal against the dismissal of the fraud claim against him at trial.
Acted for the Claimants who were seeking to enforce an arbitral award for an amount in excess of US$ 1.5 billion. Appeared in the Cayman Court of Appeal in November 2019 resisting an appeal against a Norwich Pharmacal Order. Appeal dismissed.
Actied for the Claimant in application under Section 66 of the Arbitration Act 1996 to enforce a US$10 billion arbitral award against the Defendant. Succeeded before Butcher J in August 2019.
Acted for the English Football League in an investigation over the submission to it by Watford FC of forged bank letters of guarantee, followed by disciplinary proceedings against the club. The club, in August 2017, agreed to pay a record fine. The club's former chairman was also banned for an indefinite period.
Acted successfully for the Claimant in a fraud case against a former employee.
Acted for the auction house, Bonhams, in four related pieces of litigation in the Commercial Court arising out of the sale of a very rare Ferrari motor car in June 2014. Multiple allegations of fraudulent conduct were made. Trial listed for April 2016 before Flaux J. Settled at the commencement of trial.
Acted for Defendants to Counterclaim in very substantial commercial fraud proceedings in the Commercial Court. Trial (14-16 weeks) fixed to commence in December 2016. Case settled beforehand.
Acted for the Fourth Defendant to Chancery Division proceedings alleging fraudulent breaches of fiduciary duties in the operation of a corporate group. Trial fixed for June 2017. Case settled.
Acted for the club in substantial contract claims (featuring allegations of fraudulent conduct) against its former manager. Arbitration hearing took place in February 2016. Award made. Section 68 and enforcement proceeding were brought before the Commercial Court. The Section 68 challenge by Mr Pulis failed. The enforcement proceedings were successful.
Acted for the first Defendant to proceedings brought in the Commercial Court which claim some €500 million allegedly defrauded from the Claimant bank. Case currently stayed.
Ian has been instructed in substantial cases over the years dealing with professional negligence, for the most part involving the legal profession. In addition to the cases listed below, he has brought a successful claim by a commercial organisation against Slaughter & May, and successful claims for two Formula One racing teams against their respective solicitors, Linklaters and Baker & McKenzie. He also represented a barrister in defence of the most substantial claim brought against a member of the Bar, in relation to tax advice given by him.
“He gives absolute clarity of advice.”
Legal 500, 2018
“His ability to quickly digest complex information is incredible.”
Legal 500, 2017
“Superb”
Legal 500, 2016
Acted for the Defendant in a professional negligence claim brought by a Premier League footballer. Settled shortly before hearing of preliminary issues.
Acted for Claimants in an action against the Defendant bank for mis-selling financial products. Succeeded at trial before Andrew Baker J in 2017. The Defendant's application for permission to appeal was refused.
Advising a Premier League Club over possible proceedings for professional negligence against a major law firm.
Acted for the Claimant in proceedings against the Defendant firm of solicitors alleging negligence in advising on and drafting commercial agreement in the music industry. Settled prior to trial.
Acted for the Defendant solicitors before the Court of Appeal, successfully resisting the Claimant’s appeal against the striking out of his professional negligence claim against the firm.
Acted for the Claimant in a professional negligence action where the principal allegation was a failure on the part of the defendant accountants to unearth/disclose a serious fraud perpetrated by its client. Case settled prior to trial.
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