Legal advice for members of the Professional Darts Players Association

Hello professional darts player! As a proud partner of the PDPA, we, at Cohen Davis Solicitors are here to make sure you can focus on the board while we handle the "off-darts" headaches. Rising to the top of the PDC could happen fast. One day you’re practicing in your spare room, and the next, you’re a household name with thousands of followers. While that’s exciting, it can also make you a target. Here is how we help you stay protected:

Protecting your name and image

When you become a star, your face and name become your brand. Sometimes, people try to cash in on your hard work without asking.

• Unauthorised merch: If someone is selling t-shirts or flights with your face on them without your permission, we can stop them.
• Fake accounts: We deal with "impersonators" who pretend to be you on social media to trick your fans.
• Trademarks: We help you own your name, nickname or logo legally so nobody else can steal, misuse of financially abuse it.

Handling the press and misleading stories

It is a great feeling to see your name in the headlines for a big win. However, sometimes journalists might try to dig into your private life or publish stories that are misleading or unfair.

• Pess intrusion: If newspapers are digging into your private life or showing up at your house, we can act as your shield to keep your private business privat
• Don't "go it alone": Many professionals are experts at their sport but can be naive about how the press really works. A common mistake is trying to handle reporters yourself. When you’re stressed, it’s far too easy to say something that actually makes the story worse.
• Avoid the trap: You don’t have to reply to that "urgent" DM or text from a journalist. In fact, it’s usually better if you don't.
• We "kill" stories: Because we are media law experts, we speak directly to editors and press organisations. We know their usual tricks and "shticks," which means we can often step in promptly to fix lies or stop an unfair story from being published at all. We act as your shield, dealing with the editors so you can stay focused on the match.

Handling online bullying and harassment

The darts community is amazing, but the internet can be a cruel place, especially after a tough loss. You don't have to just "deal with it."

• Trolls: If someone is obsessively hounding you or your family online, it might be illegal harassment.
• Lies (Defamation): If someone spreads serious lies about you that could hurt your career or sponsorships, we can help set the record straight and get those posts removed.

Privacy and blackmail

Being a star in the PDC means you are in the public eye, which can unfortunately make you a target for "sextortion" or blackmail. This usually happens when someone threatens to leak a private photo, video, or message unless you pay them money.

• Never pay the blackmailer: It might be tempting to pay just to make it stop, but this almost always leads to them asking for more.
• Same-day action: We are experts at handling these situations with extreme speed. In most cases, we can step in and handle the matter the very same day you contact us.
• Total privacy: Our goal is to make the problem go away quietly.
• We work behind the scenes to stop the threat and ensure there is no publicity, so your fans and the media never even know there was an issue.
• Don't panic: If someone is threatening you, stay calm and don't delete the messages as they are evidence. Just give us a call, and we will take the weight off your shoulders.

Why we are here

We know you’ve worked hard to get your Tour Card and build your reputation. We are here to make sure a single mistake or a bitter person online doesn't ruin it. Think of us as your legal "double-top", we're the finish you need when things get complicated.

Contact us

Contact us for free initial advice as a PDPA member. Call 0800 612 7211 or ask us to call you and we will get back to you as soon as possible.