First and Only in Taiwan: SU Law School Sets up Sports & Entertainment Law Research Center

The Law School of Soochow University recently established the “Center for Sports and Entertainment Law,” the first of its kind focusing on the laws related to the sports and entertainment industry in Taiwan, and announced that “P.league +,” Taiwan’s male professional basketball league, as its first partner for cooperation.

In the agreement signing ceremony on October 25^th, 2021, Dean of Law School Gung-Yeu Jeng and P.league+ Executive Director, Chien-Chou Charles ‘Blackie’ Chen, signed agreement in a press conference at Soochow’s Law School. During the meeting, Director Jiceh-Der Dong Fang of the Office of Physical Education, who has been a senior figure in the basketball circle, was invited as the special guest and had a warm conversation with Chen as they represent two different generations of those dedicated to basketball.

Chen said that in order to promote the integrity of the league's regulations and uphold the mutual benefits of the league and the players, he decided to rely on the expertise of Soochow’s Law School, which he believes would help create a sustainable environment for Taiwan’s sports industry.

The Legislative Yuan passed the “Sports Industry Development Act” and the “National Sports Act” as the basic laws of sports on the third reading in 2017, marking a milestone for Taiwan’s sports development. Due to the unclear relevant supporting sub laws and the cross-disciplinary nature of sports and entertainment business, it is necessary to invest resources for special research and cooperate with judicial professionals to assist in the integration of sports and entertainment law.

The Director of the new center Professor Chih-Feng Lee of Soochow’s Department of Law, who is a sports fan himself, knows well about matters in the field of sports just like professionals. It is hoped that the center can make great contributions under his leadership with his expertise.

This industry-academia collaboration is anticipated to bring more progress and development for the academic circle and the league, and to serve as a model or example for relevant industries in Taiwan.