Clintons is a go-to firm for clients active in the theatre industry, regularly advising on structuring deals and promotions, licensing, and financing of theatre productions in the West End. The group has been notably active in assisting producers looking to partner with known IP to create new stage shows and experimental productions featuring digital elements, and it is also well-equipped at assisting Broadway shows with transferring over to the UK and with their return back to the US. James Jones leads the practice and is an expert in all things theatre; he is well-known for advising established and emerging producers on the full range of theatre mandates. John Cohen is an expert in legal matters around theatre and represents creative team members, such as choreographers, designers, musical directors, and more. Stephen Pidcock focuses on commercial issues, representing writers and artists in the theatre industry.

Farrer & Co fields a leading publishing practice that acts for a wide range of industry players, from national and international newspaper groups and academic publishers, to online content distributors and B2B and B2C magazine publishers. The team also has key experience assisting publishing arms of museums and galleries, music publishers, digital media service providers, and member-focused publications. Practice head Henry Sainty is well-known for his work in the publishing sector, focusing on AI, digital strategy, and digital market regulation. Owen O’Rorke is sought out for his expertise in adtech, AI, digital data, and commercial agreements, and he is well-versed in copyright and data mining issues, as well as pre-publication, book publishing, and rights issues for publishers. Alan Baker advises on data protection issues for publishing clients while David Morgan often advises national newspapers and magazines. Peter Wienand retired in April 2024.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP is well-versed in both the theatre and publishing sectors. Its theatre-focused team has long-standing expertise advising on West End productions, advising producers, theatre owners, not-for-profit companies, venues, and other industry bodies. The group has advised on notable musicals and plays launching and continuing production on the West End, and it has assisted rights-holders and producers with theatre opportunities. The team has also continued to expand its overseas presence, advising on international theatre projects. Neil Adleman leads the theatre team and has aided numerous clients with opening productions on Broadway and the West End. Newly promoted partner Harry Bresslaw is key to assisting producers and rights holders. Turning to the publishing practice, it supports clients with the legal implications of AI and other commercial issues; its client roster includes authors, literary estates, brands, publishers, rights holders, and literary agents, and the practice advises on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Shireen Peermohamed heads up the publishing team as an expert in commercial issues, AI, brand protection, enforcement, and copyright matters. Zoey Forbes is noted for her work on publishing agreements, cross-media rights acquisition, and exploitation.

Lewis Silkin is highly adept at handling a range of publishing and live event matters. On the publishing side, it advises across print, digital, broadcast, podcast, and social media mediums, and is well-versed in assisting clients with commercial agreements, such as publishing, advertising, and sponsorship agreements. IP advice on copyright, trade marks, and brand protection, as well as media regulation, data privacy compliance, and content liability are all key focuses of the team. The theatre group is noted for its work on live entertainment, including fashion shows, festivals, live music, and exhibitions, and is a go-to for the live entertainment sphere, working with agents, promoters, producers, creatives, ticketing agents, and industry bodies. The practice boasts expertise at drafting and negotiating production documents, co-production agreements, rights acquisition, and venue and licensing agreements. The team is jointly led by IP expert Jeremy Summers and publishing specialist Simon Entwistle. Alan Hunt is well-versed in the exploitation and protection of IP rights and commercial agreements, while JJ Shaw assists publishers and podcast creators with commercial and regulatory matters.

RPC is a premier publishing firm known for its excellence in libel cases, acting for defendants, representing national newspapers and other publishers. Outside its defamation practice, the firm is well-versed in supporting media clients with publishing issues in the digital space, pre-publication, and novel media law issues. The practice is led by Rupert Cowper-Coles, an expert in SLAPPs, and he acts as a key adviser to news organisations, social media platforms, and journalists, advising on matters related to content liability, freedom of expression, defamation, privacy, and data protection. Keith Mathieson is an authority on defamation and privacy cases, while Alex Wilson assists with pre-publication issues, as well as defending clients in libel claims. They are supported by SLAPP litigation specialist Samantha Thompson, Mafruhdha Miah, who acts on defamation and data protection claims, and Nadia Tymkiw, who focuses on digital safety and regulation.

Simons Muirhead Burton centres its practice on publishing advice for traditional and digital media-based clients, and it often represents them in both contentious and non-contentious issues; this offering encompasses copyright litigation, media rights issues, and commercial mandates. The team advises on matters surrounding podcasts, docuseries, live television broadcasts, newspapers, books, and online content. Rights ownership matters, publishing, distribution, licensing agreements, and pre-publication advice also fall with the team's remit. Martin Soames spearheads the practice and leads on litigation and clearance issues for publications. Simon Goldberg advises publishing clients on IP, distribution and media deals, while IP specialist Maninder Gill is well-versed in magazine and newspaper sectors. Jeffrey Smele is noted for his work on pre-publication clearance, news-gathering issues, and handling regulatory complaints. Emma Linch is also a key name regarding clearance advice for book publishers, newspapers, podcasts, and social media companies.

Taylor Wessing LLP focuses on assisting media and entertainment companies with publishing matters. Adam Rendle leads the content and advertising practice, and he excels in copyright, advertising, publishing, and platform liability issues. Of recent note, he has advised on AI issues, such as licensing for training and product development, for clients active in the publishing sector. Timothy Pinto co-leads the team and is a go-to for pre-publication clearance advice, litigation, and ASA complaints. Xuyang Zhu centres her practice on advising digital content services and media rights holders; she is particularly knowledgeable on the legal implications of novel means of exploiting and monetising content and AI issues. Niri Shanmuganathan is an IP and media litigator who advises on copyright, defamation, and privacy issues. Giles Crown joined the practice from Lewis Silkin in 2024.

Wiggin LLP boasts a strong publishing litigation practice that specialises in commercial disputes surrounding contractual issues, shareholder disputes, libel, content protection, regulatory inquires, and fraud. The practice advises clients on pre-publication issues and acts for publishers and content creators across the UK. The team stands out for its work in online enforcement and intermediary liability matters, regularly assisting clients with multi-territory website blocking and enforcement actions. The group also excels in IP, assisting publishing clientele with copyright infringement claims. Litigator Rachel Alexander leads the team with a focus on IP rights litigation, while co-lead Matthew Dando litigates on libel and privacy disputes for publishers against public figures. Adelaide Lopez is active in libel claims for publishers.

Bates Wells has experience in assisting theatres, performance companies, and venues, as well as theatre individuals, with advertising, marketing, data protection, and privacy law issues. The team is also noted for its work with foundations and cultural organisations including charities. Erica Crump leads the practice and advises clients on media, brand, and charity law, as well as IP rights and commercial and production issues related to performances. Outside of its media, culture, and creative practice, clients also benefit from the firm’s full-service capabilities, advising on employment, immigration, corporate, and litigation matters where needed.

Bristows LLP fields an experienced publishing team which advises large publishers, broadcasting companies, and social media platforms on both contentious and non-contentious issues. The media disputes group is led by Julian Darrall, who has a strong background in the publishing sector, and Alex Keenlyside, who is a media and data protection litigation specialist. Mark Watts leads the IT team and is sought after for managing compliance projects and regulatory litigation. The team also supports clients with IP infringement complaints, pre-publication issues, and content regulation work.

CMS is adept at working across publishing, live events, and theatre, assisting with a wide range of corporate and commercial issues. The team regularly assists with financing productions, licensing issues, regulatory matters, and compliance-related mandates. It has also been active advising on AI matters affecting the publishing industry. Victoria Gaskell and Paul Guite co-lead the team and are well-known for their specialism in the media sector. Laurel O’Dell is noted for her focus on assisting news publishing clients.

Howard Kennedy LLP is noted for its work in the publishing sector, assisting newspapers, magazines, book publishers, and authors with pre-broadcast and pre-publication advice alongside litigation. The team also advises broadcasters and sports sector clients on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Practice head Mark Stephens acts for individuals and corporates in disputes involving IP, defamation, and privacy; he is an expert in international comparative media law and is also well-versed in collective licensing. Elizabeth Morley is a contentious media law specialist focused on freedom of speech issues.

Lee & Thompson LLP‘s theatre and live events practice is led by Sam Goodman, who specialises in assisting performing arts clients, including production companies, on theatre-related legal matters. Common mandates the team advises on include negotiating composer and lyricist agreements for musicals, talent contracts, advising authors on stage adaptations, and IP licenses for immersive experiences. Will Everitt frequently assists with live event and touring issues, and the team provides advice related to optioning of theatrical rights and the exploitation and creation of ancillary and related rights in theatre.

Russells Solicitors is highly adept at advising individual authors and their estates on deals with publishers and literary agencies. It also regularly advises on copyright infringement issues and the implications of third-party generative AI in publishing. On the theatre side, the team supports musical theatre composers on IP infringement claims and other contentious issues, and clients also turn to the firm for representation in film-to-stage adaptation disputes involving licensing and rights issues. Gavin Maude leads the team and is an expert in music law, while Steven Tregear and Henry Priestley both excel at representing clients in litigation.

Sheridans is a theatre-focused practice that has a wealth of experience advising on productions in the West End. The firm’s theatre group advises on licensing of rights to stage productions based on films, rights holder issues, and content acquisition. Claire Lewis spearheads the practice and acts for both producers and creatives in the theatre industry, advising on structuring, investments, contracts, and other key issues. Peter McInerney is also active in this space, advising producers, financiers, and broadcasters on adapting film and TV to stage.

 

Simkins LLP handles a mix of theatre, live events, and publishing work for clients active in the media and entertainment sector. This offering encompasses assisting theatre clients with agreements, performer contracts, venue leases, and sponsorship deals as well as representing clients in disputes. The team has deep knowledge of the theatre sector and can advise on protecting stage productions, scripts, music scores, and other creative works. For live events, it regularly supports music artists with issues related to concerts. On the publishing side, the group advises on contracts and sales, such as author agreements, digital distribution matters, and licensing. Euan Lawson leads the team and is known for his publishing and music expertise, while Ed Weidman handles commercial matters for live events, publishing, and theatre.