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Jim Dudukovich

Jim Dudukovich

Partner and Co-Chair of the Advertising, Marketing, Sponsorship & Promotions Industry Group

Atlantic Station
201 17th Street NW
Suite 1700
Atlanta, GA 30363
T 404.322.6002
jim.dudukovich@nelsonmullins.com
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Jim has spent three decades carving out a distinguished legal career focused on marketing, advertising, social and digital media, entertainment, music, and sports, and is Co-Chair of the firm's Advertising, Marketing, Sponsorship & Promotions Industry Group. Known for his collaborative approach in all client matters, Jim is particularly adept in identifying and assessing risks, and offering...

Jim has spent three decades carving out a distinguished legal career focused on marketing, advertising, social and digital media, entertainment, music, and sports, and is Co-Chair of the firm's Advertising, Marketing, Sponsorship & Promotions Industry Group. Known for his collaborative approach in all client matters, Jim is particularly adept in identifying and assessing risks, and offering practical and effective solutions in an ever-changing media landscape. He is a recognized thought leader and unflinching pioneer willing to assist clients with new and emerging technologies, digital platforms, and strategic brand positioning. 

With 22 years of in-house experience, Jim has provided support across all aspects of marketing and advertising for billion-dollar leading brands, entrepreneurial start-ups, and mission-driven private companies, helping each of them successfully navigate through cultural and economic headwinds.  

In addition to providing full-service legal support throughout the ideation, production, and placement of marketing and advertising content, Jim also has deep experience assisting clients with a wide array of promotional tactics and campaigns, including sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways, loyalty and rewards programs, cause marketing and charitable donation campaigns, and autorenewal subscription programs. Jim utilizes these skills and more when collaborating with the firm's gaming industry group. He is also a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) who regularly advises clients on data privacy issues related to digital and social media marketing.

Jim has successfully drafted, negotiated, and managed sponsorship and endorsement agreements with celebrities, musical artists, athletes, influencers, venues, sports teams, and leagues at every level, and has been instrumental in interpreting and advising on compliance with the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract.

With a unique and extensive background spanning a multitude of legal matters, Jim has developed industry guidelines, crafted and implemented social media policies, provided trainings, and led dozens of panel discussions for industry conferences both domestic and abroad. 

Jim Dudukovich

practical and effective solutions in an ever-changing media landscape. He is a recognized thought leader and unflinching pioneer willing to assist clients with new and emerging technologies, digital platforms, and strategic brand positioning. 

With 22 years of in-house experience, Jim has provided support across all aspects of marketing and advertising for billion-dollar leading brands, entrepreneurial start-ups, and mission-driven private companies, helping each of them successfully navigate through cultural and economic headwinds.  

In addition to providing full-service legal support throughout the ideation, production, and placement of marketing and advertising content, Jim also has deep experience assisting clients with a wide array of promotional tactics and campaigns, including sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways, loyalty and rewards programs, cause marketing and charitable donation campaigns, and autorenewal subscription programs. Jim utilizes these skills and more when collaborating with the firm's gaming industry group. He is also a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) who regularly advises clients on data privacy issues related to digital and social media marketing.

Jim has successfully drafted, negotiated, and managed sponsorship and endorsement agreements with celebrities, musical artists, athletes, influencers, venues, sports teams, and leagues at every level, and has been instrumental in interpreting and advising on compliance with the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract.

With a unique and extensive background spanning a multitude of legal matters, Jim has developed industry guidelines, crafted and implemented social media policies, provided trainings, and led dozens of panel discussions for industry conferences both domestic and abroad. 

Experience

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Previous Professional Experience 

  • Partner, Atlanta office of international law firm (2024)
  • Counsel, Atlanta office of international law firm (2020-2024)
  • Of Counsel, Atlanta office of national law firm (2019-2020)
  • Associate General Counsel, Chobani (2018-2019)
  • Marketing, Product, and Privacy Counsel, Blue Apron (2017-2018)
  • Senior Marketing, Digital and Social Media Counsel, The Coca-Cola Company (1998-2016)
  • Associate Commercial Counsel, MCI Telecommunications Corp. (1997-1998)
  • Associate, Atlanta office of national law firm (1993-1997)

Representative Matters 

  • Provided full spectrum of support for countless contests, sweepstakes, giveaways, and other promotional activities, both online and offline, large and small, including writing rules, developing messaging, working with external agencies and partners, compliance with platform requirements, administration, and fulfillment
  • Serve as outside general counsel for one of the fastest-growing advertising agencies in the U.S.
  • Provide legal support for all types of media buys, online and offline, including native advertising/sponsored content, targeted advertising campaigns, and value-added/enhanced media buys
  • Assisted multiple clients in implementing cause marketing campaigns, charitable promotions, and commercial co-venture arrangements
  • Provided full-service legal guidance to national retailer in revising and re-deploying its customer loyalty program
  • Successfully represented clients in bringing challenges and defending claims before the BBB National Programs (National Advertising Division)
  • Developed comprehensive playbook and training materials implemented by major publisher to comply with ROSCA and state autorenewal subscription laws and to otherwise address potential “dark patterns”
  • Provided primary counsel to major media corporation in the development and launch of new subscription-based content platform
  • Negotiated wide array of brand sponsorships and integrations with TV programs (American Idol, MasterChef, Portlandia, Top Chef), films (Battleship, Quantum of Solace), video games (Activision, EA, Nintendo, Sony), and online programming (Mark Burnett Productions)
  • Negotiated endorsement deals on behalf of brands with multiple high-profile celebrities, athletes, and personalities, including Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, LeBron James, Michael Phelps, Nick Saban, and Deion Sanders
  • Negotiated and managed all aspects of national advertising program for retailer based on 1980’s television property, including licensing intellectual property and music and securing an endorsement deal with program’s star character
  • Negotiated for commissioning of original music by multiple high-profile artists, including Mark Ronson, Common, Jason DeRulo, Taio Cruz, G. Love, and Train, as well as lesser-known artists and music houses
  • Licensed music from every major label and publisher, including tracks by Taylor Swift, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Natasha Bedingfield, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Gap Band, and Sugar Hill Gang
  • Regularly assist clients in interpreting, complying with, and resolving claims under the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract
  • Led negotiations and legal relations with numerous sports organizations, including:
    • Motorsports properties (NASCAR, NHRA, Indy Racing League, and dozens of tracks, teams, and drivers)
    • NHL
    • Multiple NHL, NBA, MLB, and NFL teams
    • United States Olympic Committee
    • NCAA and several NCAA Division I teams
  • Partnered with regulatory team to audit and overhaul labels and advertising claims for entire beverage portfolio (30+ SKUs) following its acquisition by client
  • Wrote and implemented social media policies and delivered accompanying organization-wide training for multiple clients
  • Tapped by the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) as the sole industry representative at the FTC’s public workshop entitled In Short: Advertising & Privacy Disclosures in a Digital World. This event was instrumental in shaping the FTC’s views, practices, and subsequent guidance regarding application of its Endorsement Guides in the social and digital space (e.g., in influencer and affiliate marketing)
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Previous Professional Experience 

  • Partner, Atlanta office of international law firm (2024)
  • Counsel, Atlanta office of international law firm (2020-2024)
  • Of Counsel, Atlanta office of national law firm (2019-2020)
  • Associate General Counsel, Chobani (2018-2019)
  • Marketing, Product, and Privacy Counsel, Blue Apron (2017-2018)
  • Senior Marketing, Digital and Social Media Counsel, The Coca-Cola Company (1998-2016)
  • Associate Commercial Counsel, MCI Telecommunications Corp. (1997-1998)
  • Associate, Atlanta office of national law firm (1993-1997)

Representative Matters 

  • Provided full spectrum of support for countless contests, sweepstakes, giveaways, and other promotional activities, both online and offline, large and small, including writing rules, developing messaging, working with external agencies and partners, compliance with platform requirements, administration, and fulfillment
  • Serve as outside general counsel for one of the fastest-growing advertising agencies in the U.S.
  • Provide legal support for all types of media buys, online and offline, including native advertising/sponsored content, targeted advertising campaigns, and value-added/enhanced media buys
  • Assisted multiple clients in implementing cause marketing campaigns, charitable promotions, and commercial co-venture arrangements
  • Provided full-service legal guidance to national retailer in revising and re-deploying its customer loyalty program
  • Successfully represented clients in bringing challenges and defending claims before the BBB National Programs (National Advertising Division)
  • Developed comprehensive playbook and training materials implemented by major publisher to comply with ROSCA and state autorenewal subscription laws and to otherwise address potential “dark patterns”
  • Provided primary counsel to major media corporation in the development and launch of new subscription-based content platform
  • Negotiated wide array of brand sponsorships and integrations with TV programs (American Idol, MasterChef, Portlandia, Top Chef), films (Battleship, Quantum of Solace), video games (Activision, EA, Nintendo, Sony), and online programming (Mark Burnett Productions)
  • Negotiated endorsement deals on behalf of brands with multiple high-profile celebrities, athletes, and personalities, including Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, LeBron James, Michael Phelps, Nick Saban, and Deion Sanders
  • Negotiated and managed all aspects of national advertising program for retailer based on 1980’s television property, including licensing intellectual property and music and securing an endorsement deal with program’s star character
  • Negotiated for commissioning of original music by multiple high-profile artists, including Mark Ronson, Common, Jason DeRulo, Taio Cruz, G. Love, and Train, as well as lesser-known artists and music houses
  • Licensed music from every major label and publisher, including tracks by Taylor Swift, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Natasha Bedingfield, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Gap Band, and Sugar Hill Gang
  • Regularly assist clients in interpreting, complying with, and resolving claims under the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract
  • Led negotiations and legal relations with numerous sports organizations, including:
    • Motorsports properties (NASCAR, NHRA, Indy Racing League, and dozens of tracks, teams, and drivers)
    • NHL
    • Multiple NHL, NBA, MLB, and NFL teams
    • United States Olympic Committee
    • NCAA and several NCAA Division I teams
  • Partnered with regulatory team to audit and overhaul labels and advertising claims for entire beverage portfolio (30+ SKUs) following its acquisition by client
  • Wrote and implemented social media policies and delivered accompanying organization-wide training for multiple clients
  • Tapped by the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) as the sole industry representative at the FTC’s public workshop entitled In Short: Advertising & Privacy Disclosures in a Digital World. This event was instrumental in shaping the FTC’s views, practices, and subsequent guidance regarding application of its Endorsement Guides in the social and digital space (e.g., in influencer and affiliate marketing)

Media

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Recognitions

The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.

  • Best Lawyers in America®, Advertising Law (2021-2025)
    • Best Lawyers in America®,  “Lawyer of the Year,” Advertising Law in Atlanta (2023)
  • Sole legal counsel for in-house creative agency named “In-House Agency of the Year,” Ad Age (2019)

Professional Activities

  • Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
  • Founder and leader, Social Media Attorneys Round Table
  • Former director, Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA)
  • Former co-chair, WOMMA Legal Affairs Committee
  • Former member, Association of National Advertisers Legal Affairs Committee
  • Former member, ANA/AAAA Joint Policy Committee

Community

  • Board of Directors, True Colors Theatre Company
  • Former director, Georgia Lawyers for the Arts

Jim has spent three decades carving out a distinguished legal career focused on marketing, advertising, social and digital media, entertainment, music, and sports, and is Co-Chair of the firm's Advertising, Marketing, Sponsorship & Promotions Industry Group. Known for his collaborative approach in all client matters, Jim is particularly adept in identifying and assessing risks, and offering... practical and effective solutions in an ever-changing media landscape. He is a recognized thought leader and unflinching pioneer willing to assist clients with new and emerging technologies, digital platforms, and strategic brand positioning. 

With 22 years of in-house experience, Jim has provided support across all aspects of marketing and advertising for billion-dollar leading brands, entrepreneurial start-ups, and mission-driven private companies, helping each of them successfully navigate through cultural and economic headwinds.  

In addition to providing full-service legal support throughout the ideation, production, and placement of marketing and advertising content, Jim also has deep experience assisting clients with a wide array of promotional tactics and campaigns, including sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways, loyalty and rewards programs, cause marketing and charitable donation campaigns, and autorenewal subscription programs. Jim utilizes these skills and more when collaborating with the firm's gaming industry group. He is also a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) who regularly advises clients on data privacy issues related to digital and social media marketing.

Jim has successfully drafted, negotiated, and managed sponsorship and endorsement agreements with celebrities, musical artists, athletes, influencers, venues, sports teams, and leagues at every level, and has been instrumental in interpreting and advising on compliance with the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract.

With a unique and extensive background spanning a multitude of legal matters, Jim has developed industry guidelines, crafted and implemented social media policies, provided trainings, and led dozens of panel discussions for industry conferences both domestic and abroad. 

Experience

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Previous Professional Experience 

  • Partner, Atlanta office of international law firm (2024)
  • Counsel, Atlanta office of international law firm (2020-2024)
  • Of Counsel, Atlanta office of national law firm (2019-2020)
  • Associate General Counsel, Chobani (2018-2019)
  • Marketing, Product, and Privacy Counsel, Blue Apron (2017-2018)
  • Senior Marketing, Digital and Social Media Counsel, The Coca-Cola Company (1998-2016)
  • Associate Commercial Counsel, MCI Telecommunications Corp. (1997-1998)
  • Associate, Atlanta office of national law firm (1993-1997)

Representative Matters 

  • Provided full spectrum of support for countless contests, sweepstakes, giveaways, and other promotional activities, both online and offline, large and small, including writing rules, developing messaging, working with external agencies and partners, compliance with platform requirements, administration, and fulfillment
  • Serve as outside general counsel for one of the fastest-growing advertising agencies in the U.S.
  • Provide legal support for all types of media buys, online and offline, including native advertising/sponsored content, targeted advertising campaigns, and value-added/enhanced media buys
  • Assisted multiple clients in implementing cause marketing campaigns, charitable promotions, and commercial co-venture arrangements
  • Provided full-service legal guidance to national retailer in revising and re-deploying its customer loyalty program
  • Successfully represented clients in bringing challenges and defending claims before the BBB National Programs (National Advertising Division)
  • Developed comprehensive playbook and training materials implemented by major publisher to comply with ROSCA and state autorenewal subscription laws and to otherwise address potential “dark patterns”
  • Provided primary counsel to major media corporation in the development and launch of new subscription-based content platform
  • Negotiated wide array of brand sponsorships and integrations with TV programs (American Idol, MasterChef, Portlandia, Top Chef), films (Battleship, Quantum of Solace), video games (Activision, EA, Nintendo, Sony), and online programming (Mark Burnett Productions)
  • Negotiated endorsement deals on behalf of brands with multiple high-profile celebrities, athletes, and personalities, including Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, LeBron James, Michael Phelps, Nick Saban, and Deion Sanders
  • Negotiated and managed all aspects of national advertising program for retailer based on 1980’s television property, including licensing intellectual property and music and securing an endorsement deal with program’s star character
  • Negotiated for commissioning of original music by multiple high-profile artists, including Mark Ronson, Common, Jason DeRulo, Taio Cruz, G. Love, and Train, as well as lesser-known artists and music houses
  • Licensed music from every major label and publisher, including tracks by Taylor Swift, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Natasha Bedingfield, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Gap Band, and Sugar Hill Gang
  • Regularly assist clients in interpreting, complying with, and resolving claims under the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract
  • Led negotiations and legal relations with numerous sports organizations, including:
    • Motorsports properties (NASCAR, NHRA, Indy Racing League, and dozens of tracks, teams, and drivers)
    • NHL
    • Multiple NHL, NBA, MLB, and NFL teams
    • United States Olympic Committee
    • NCAA and several NCAA Division I teams
  • Partnered with regulatory team to audit and overhaul labels and advertising claims for entire beverage portfolio (30+ SKUs) following its acquisition by client
  • Wrote and implemented social media policies and delivered accompanying organization-wide training for multiple clients
  • Tapped by the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) as the sole industry representative at the FTC’s public workshop entitled In Short: Advertising & Privacy Disclosures in a Digital World. This event was instrumental in shaping the FTC’s views, practices, and subsequent guidance regarding application of its Endorsement Guides in the social and digital space (e.g., in influencer and affiliate marketing)

Education

  • University of Michigan Law School, JD, cum laude (1992)
  • Case Western Reserve University, BS, high honors (1990)

Admissions

  • Georgia

Practice Areas

Industries

The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.

  • Best Lawyers in America®, Advertising Law (2021-2025)
    • Best Lawyers in America®,  “Lawyer of the Year,” Advertising Law in Atlanta (2023)
  • Sole legal counsel for in-house creative agency named “In-House Agency of the Year,” Ad Age (2019)
  • Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
  • Founder and leader, Social Media Attorneys Round Table
  • Former director, Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA)
  • Former co-chair, WOMMA Legal Affairs Committee
  • Former member, Association of National Advertisers Legal Affairs Committee
  • Former member, ANA/AAAA Joint Policy Committee
  • Board of Directors, True Colors Theatre Company
  • Former director, Georgia Lawyers for the Arts