Key Skills

• Private equity investment
• Created electronic infrastructure documentation for IFAs and blue-chip Insurance companies, including AVIVA; Friends Provident International.
• E-commerce terms and conditions drafting.
• Data Protection Advice.
• Patent registration of digital code and algorithm.
• Trademark registration and infringement proceedings (managing over 400 trademarks and straplines registered to Friends Provident).
• contractual negotiations and agreements related to all cryptocurrency and blockchain-related matters. Focusing on financial and crypto regulations, including regulations for token distribution and for NFTs.
• commercial contracts in esports and gaming for Forzilla Ford Motor Company of America eSports brand, including drafting and reviewing licensing agreements, team player and captain agreements, sponsorship agreements, influencer agreements, business visa applications (multiple entries), end-user agreements, and user terms.
• commercial contracts and cross-border analysis of new markets related to website and mobile app projects, including drafting a wide range of terms and conditions and privacy policies for over one hundred different types of website and mobile apps, negotiating a broad range of affiliate, joint venture, and partnership contracts, and assisting with the rollout of new products, processes, and promotions.
• Acting for claimant or defendant in over 112 hardware or software disputes in the technology courts.

Intellectual Property

• Defending or prosecuting more than 150 cases in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court.
• Acting in over 450 trademark oppositions.
• Advising on all aspects of IP such as brand and copyright clearance, brand protection and enforcement, IP aspects of new ventures, marketing campaigns, and products.
• Merger & Acquisition specialist IP support, including working with other lawyers on IP due diligence and managing post-acquisition IP integration.
• Handles IP infringement issues, including online takedowns, drafting and sending or responding to cease-and-desist letters, and preparing settlement agreements.
• Drafting IP assignments and licenses.
• Providing IP training to the client business

Corporate Finance

• Advising on private equity finance, shareholder agreements, and subscription rights.
• Asset-based lending and loan agreements.

Richard's Expertise in IP and Business Law

Richard practices in the areas of intellectual property law and business law, and represents clients within the media, entertainment, technology, action sports, and lifestyle brands spaces. He began his legal career working at Virgin Records America, Inc. in its legal and business affairs department.

Entertainment and Sports Law Career

Thereafter he held associate positions at McDermott, Will & Emory and a boutique entertainment and sports firm. In early 2003 he co-founded M.E.T.A.L. Law Group, LLP.Mr. Jefferson has extensive experience in putting together ventures, negotiating deals, managing intellectual property portfolios, and protecting brands within many different fields, including music, television, film, fashion/apparel, animation, e-commerce, video gaming, beverage, and interactive entertainment.

From Ohio State to Legal Expert

Mr. Jefferson earned a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from The Ohio State University and received his Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School where he participated in the prestigious accelerated two-year SCALE program.