A go-to firm for writers, producers, creatives and other theatre-related entities, Clintons‘ theatre practice excels in the structuring of deals and productions, and related issues such as rights acquisitions, financings and licensing matters. Practice head James Jones provides assistance to both well-established production companies, and smaller producers. A longstanding reference in the theatre sector, John Cohen handles major theatre productions, and often advises creative team members - such as set, lighting and costume designers as well as choreographers - on potential issues. Stephen Pidcock, who has previously worked as a publicist in the performing arts industry, provides key commercial insight in sector-related mandates.

Farrer & Co advises a slew of print and digital publishers - including leading newspapers, academic publishers, book publishers, B2C and B2B magazines, and online content distributors - as well as authors and agents on traditional and emerging issues, such as the use of AI and exploitation of content for training AI models. The team is also adept at acting for other players across the media sector, including international broadcast production and rights companies, music publishers and estates, and radio broadcasters. Practice head Henry Sainty advises a number of key print, digital, consumer and academic publishing clients; he is sought after for his expertise in AI, digital market regulations, commercial joint ventures and data protection issues. Paul Jones is the go-to name for commercial contracts work; Owen O’Rorke focuses on AdTech, AI, digital data and commercial agreements; and Alan Baker assists major newspapers, magazines and directory publishers with the use of data and IP rights as business assets. David Morgan is active in print, digital and radio matters. Peter Wienand retired in April 2024.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP is home to a prominent theatre practice that advises a mix of producers, theatre owners, subsidised companies, individual writers, directors and composers on a host of sector-related matters, including award-winning West End productions. Led by international theatre expert Neil Adleman, the team is also well versed in advising rights holders, an area in which Harry Bresslaw stands out. The firm fields an equally strong publishing practice - overseen by publishing specialist Shireen Peermohamed - which works with a number of blue-chip clients, living authors, literary estates and brands on commercial issues. Zoey Forbes is an up-and-coming specialist in this segment, and advises on publishing agreements and cross-media rights acquisitions.

Lewis Silkin handles both theatre and publishing matters across a number of sub-sectors, from live music and theatre, to print, digital, broadcast and social media. On the publishing front, the firm handles a mix of commercial, IP, data protection and defamation matters, while on the performing arts side, its advice centres on live events, such as fashion shows and festivals, and related contractual mandates, including agreements with talent and sponsors, and disputes. IP expert Jeremy Summers handles both contentious and non-contentious matters concerning productions and major live events, while deputy head of the media and entertainment practice Alan Hunt specialises in commercial and IP matters for the entertainment, fashion and media sectors. Adam Glass leads on media litigation matters and Simon Entwistle advises on a range of publishing issues. JJ Shaw has recently assisted with podcast development and talent deals, image rights, and IP licensing.

Led by Rupert Cowper-Coles, RPC‘s publishing practice handles a large number of defamation, commercial litigation and content disputes for media heavyweights. Focused on acting for defendants, the team is active in all publishing sub-sectors - from print and digital, to broadcast journalism - and, in addition to contentious work, also assists with pre-publication and publishing agreements. Cowper-Coles is a well-known media and content litigator and key relationship partner for several media organisations, NGOs, journalists and social media platforms. Keith Mathieson has a wealth of experience in representing large news organisations in defamation and privacy cases. Alex Wilson handles litigation in the media sector and advises on pre-publication issues; Alex Vakil is also noted for his media disputes work. Lindsay Warwick, who specialises in defamation, privacy, data and other media claims, joined the team from Associated Newspapers Limited in January 2024.

Simons Muirhead Burton fields an experienced and specialist publishing team led by Martin Soames, who is well-known in the industry for his work with editors, journalists, publishers and content providers. Covering both contentious and non-contentious matters, the practice has placed a recent emphasis on growing its IP, non-contentious technology and data capabilities to advise industry players on emerging issues such as AI. Regulatory matters involving IPSO, Ofcom and ICO also feature on the team's workload. Key names to note in the practice include: publishing specialist Simon Goldberg; Maninder Gill, who draws on his former experience as a legal director of a newspaper to assist publishers with commercial and IP issues; media disputes specialist Jeffrey Smele, who also advises on pre-publication clearance; Raoul Lumb, who focuses on digital content and distribution matters; and Stephen Shortnes, who concentrates on pre-publication issues.

Taylor Wessing LLP has ‘great sector knowledge‘ in the publishing and media industries, assisting local and international news publishers, digital media and entertainment clients with media, IP, consumer and data protection mandates. The team, which seamlessly combines its expertise in print and digital media, also advises on pre-publication and post-publication matters, rights acquisitions and AI-related issues. Practice head Adam Rendle, a key contact for publishers, collecting societies, broadcasters and digital media services, focuses on copyright, publishing and platform liability issues. Niri Shan leads on IP and media litigation matters involving the publishing sector, while newly promoted partner Xuyang Zhu - an expert in the legal implications of generative AI and novel means of exploiting and monetising content - handles a mix of contentious and non-contentious work. Timothy Pinto offers support with pre-publication clearance and content litigation.

A ‘top-drawer defendant practice‘, Wiggin LLP is known for its market-leading expertise in publishing matters, including pre-publication issues and high-profile litigation. Noted for its well-rounded view of the industry, the firm acts for publishers, content creators and media insurers in commercial disputes, contractual matters, boardroom fallouts, joint venture disputes and free speech cases. The practice also possesses a strong track record in litigation involving copyright infringement, and website blocking as a remedy for content and brand owners. The team is co-led by publishing experts Matthew Dando, Alexander Ross, Rachel Alexander and Ted Shapiro: Alexander leads on cases involving online content enforcement matters, while Dando focuses on libel and privacy cases disputes, and Ross advises on podcasting deals and publishing acquisitions. Robin Shaw represents magazines, newspapers and book publishers in defamation and privacy cases, and Adelaide Lopez - 'a highly skilled litigator on film and TV matters' - assists with contentious issues related to the production and distribution of content.

Bates Wells acts for an impressive and diverse client roster, made up of theatres, performance venues, touring performing companies, charitable groups and cultural organisations. Bringing together expertise in data protection and information law, the group is well placed to provide well-rounded advice to a wide range of industry heavyweights. Practice head Rupert Earle stands out for his advertising and marketing expertise, while co-head Erica Crump oversees the cultural and creative team, advising on mandates concerning IP law, governance and branding. Molly Carew-Jones is also well versed in commercial contracts, governance, IP and fundraising matters in these spaces.

Standing out for its strong presence in the live events segment, DLA Piper assists clients with IP licensing, talent and brand agreements. Focused on the publishing sector, Duncan Calow provides legal support in pre-publication clearance, copyright issues and litigation. John Wilks is an IP specialist that is trusted by national broadcasters, newspapers and major sports leagues.

Broadcasting and publishing matters are a key pillar of the media and entertainment practice at Howard Kennedy LLP, which is well positioned to handle an array of mandates - from contractual issues to IP law and disputes - on behalf of magazines, newspapers, book publishers and authors. Practice head Mark Stephens, a specialist in international comparative media law, leads on disputes. Robert Lands assists publishing and broadcasting clients with IP matters, while Colin Sawdy focuses on copyright and design issues. With extensive experience in litigation involving freedom of speech and the media, Elizabeth Morley handles defence strategies for media organisations, journalists, bloggers and publications. Matthew Gill is noted for his work with publishers and broadcasters.

The publishing team at Russells Solicitors centres its practice on advising individuals - such as authors - on the negotiation of deals with publishers and literary agencies. The team draws on the firm’s wider expertise in IP and the music industry to assist with copyright infringement issues, and is also prepared to handle book public agreements for music and TV celebrities. On the theatre front, the firm is skilled in commercial issues and disputes related to screen- and music-to-stage adaptations. Leading the department, Gavin Maude assists independent music publishers, producers and digital start-ups with a range of legal issues. Litigation specialist Steven Tregear is a strong performer in copyright infringement cases.

Showcasing a strong presence in the theatre segment, Sheridans acts for both talent and producers in an array of mandates, with a particular focus on West End productions. The team draws on its film and TV expertise to advise on licensing rights for stage productions based on films. The practice is led by Claire Lewis, a reference for theatre production companies, creatives and live events clients. Peter McInerney advises a mix of producers, rights owners, broadcasters and writers with the creation, financing and exploitation of on-stage content.

Encompassing theatre and live events work, the practice at Simkins LLP is routinely instructed by major music clients, international event organisations and live production venues. The team handles various  commercial agreements – from performer contracts to venue leasing – and litigation matters related to cancelled performances, tour disputes or contractual breaches. Publishing is another key pillar of the team, which advises on e-publication and digital distribution issues, as well as traditional publishing contracts and sales. Music specialist Euan Lawson focuses on live events and theatre-related issues. James Harman assists a number of literary agent clients on transactions and agreements.