Media: Theatre, publishing and other media in London

Clintons

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Jones


Autres avocats clés:

John Cohen; Stephen Pidcock


Les références

‘They just understand the theatre industry inside and out and are practical.’

‘Common sense and string integrity.’

‘Personable and authentic.’

Principaux clients

Showstopper Productions Limited


Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss


Pete Townshend


Diamonds and Dust London Limited


Police Cops theatre company


Fiery Angel


Smith and Brant Theatricals


AK Theatricals Limited


Ambassador Theatre Group


Bill Kenwright Limited


Breda Cashe


Crossroads Live


Don Black


Dramatic Events Limited


George Stiles and Anthony Drewe


Immersive Everywhere Limited


Jamie Wilson Productions Limited


Michael Grandage Company


Michael Harrison Entertainment Limited


Mischief Worldwide Limited


New Adventures Limited


Path Entertainment Group


Second Half Productions Limited


Sherman Theatrical Entertainment Limited


Spitlip Ltd


Stardanced Productions Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised four writers on the Broadway transfer of their musical ‘Operation Mincemeat’.
  • Advised Glass Half Full Productions as production counsel on a series of high-profile West End productions.

Farrer & Co

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Henry Sainty


Autres avocats clés:

Owen O’Rorke; Alex Baker; David Morgan; Thomas Rudkin; Paul Jones; Natalie Rimmer


Les références

‘The team provides top-notch, well thought-out, nuanced and practical support on IP matters.’

‘A winning combination of knowledge, brains and client-centric.’

‘I find the advice provided was clear and actionable and utilises industry knowledge. The advice provided is also to the point, which is appreciated.’

Principaux clients

Telegraph Media Group


BMJ Publishing Group


Sage Publishing Limited


Sage Publishing Inc.


Macmillan Publishers International Limited


Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music


The Economist Group


Yell


British Library


The Royal Society of Chemistry


Principaux dossiers


Harbottle & Lewis LLP

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Neil Adleman; Shireen Peermohamed


Autres avocats clés:

Harry Bresslaw; Daniel Prim; Sam Purkiss; Zoey Forbes; Rosie Marston; Ed Lane


Les références

‘The team were excellent communicators — we were kept fully in the loop about progress at all times and never had to chase for information. All our queries were responded to promptly and in full. All work was produced to a very high standard and turned around according to tight deadlines.’

‘Shireen Peermohamed stood out for her commercial understanding, her level-headed assessment of the situation and the clarity with which she communicated her opinions/advice. She was willing to adapt her approach to best suit our needs and we had full confidence that the situation was being handled in the best possible way under her supervision. Daniel Prim handled the day-to-day work professionally and was responsible for much of the excellent communication on behalf of the team.’

‘The practice was efficient and helpful, and dealt with my requirements thoroughly and with meticulous attention to detail. Their advice was invaluable. I am entirely satisfied with my experience of Harbottle & Lewis.’

Principaux clients

National Theatre


Sonia Friedman Productions


The Old Vic


Donmar Warehouse


Punchdrunk


Sadler’s Wells


Playful Productions


Michael Cassel Group


Gorgeous Entertainment


Wessex Grove


Hachette UK


#Merky Books Limited


Rebellion Publishing


The Publishers Association


The Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers


The Association of Authors Agents


The Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett


Fyshe


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Dunmanifestin with issues related to the publishing rights in the works of Sir Terry Pratchett.
  • Advised Cameron Mackintosh Limited on its revival production of Oliver! which ran originally in Chichester in Summer 2024 and opened in the West End in January 2025.
  • Advised Hachette on a range of commercial and IP matters, disputes, and commercial arrangements.

Lewis Silkin

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Simon Entwistle; Jeremy Summers


Autres avocats clés:

Alan Hunt; Adam Glass; JJ Shaw


Les références

‘The team are passionate about what we do. They understand the commercial realities we face, and know what they can do that really adds value.’

‘Their input is always focused on value-add. Everyone at Lewis Silkin is lovely to work with!’

‘Passion, empathy, intelligence, great listeners, humble and confident.’

Principaux clients

Daaci


AKA Promotions


Superstruct Entertainment


VEVO


Royal Albert Hall


Bradford Culture Company Limited


Tiny Dragon Productions Limited


Daily Mail Group


Arc Media


Haymarket Media


Tortoise Media


Bandlab


OpenOrigins


Sky


Immediate Media


RegalPress


NMA


PPA


AOP


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Hyve Group on a range of corporate, commercial, and data privacy matters.
  • Assisted Haymarket Media Group with a number of commercial deals, as well as on a series of other IP, AI, consumer, and regulatory matters.
  • Advised Tortoise on a major freelance contributor project in the context of The Observer deal, whereby Tortoise have re-contracted with 40 freelance contributors to The Observer publication.

RPC

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rupert Cowper-Coles


Autres avocats clés:

Keith Mathieson; Alex Wilson; Samantha Thompson; Mafruhdha Miah; Megan Grew; Thomas Otter; Alexander Pollock; Nadia Tymkiw


Les références

‘RPC are the pre-eminent defendant firm in the field of defamation and privacy.’

‘Rupert Cowper-Coles, Alex Wilson and Samantha Thompson have all instructed me on difficult defamation claims where legal knowledge, good judgement and strategic thinking were key. They demonstrated excellence in all those fields.’

‘RPC has exceptional depth at all levels. They come prepared with a practical mindset and clear instructions. As counsel, they are always a pleasure to work with.’

Principaux clients

Associated Newspapers Limited


The BBC


Guardian News & Media


ITN


News Group Newspapers


Telegraph Media Group


Times Media


Reach Plc


MGN Limited


Associated Newspapers Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented eight members of the national news media in successfully applying for the disclosure and publication of material before the court in historic Family Court proceedings concerning Sara Sharif and her siblings.
  • Represented MGN Limited in the civil claims relating to alleged voicemail interception and other unlawful information gathering activities.
  • Represented Associated Newspapers Limited in defending the GDPR claim brought by Dale Vince over an article published on 9 June 2023.

Simons Muirhead Burton

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martin Soames


Autres avocats clés:

Jeffrey Smele; Simon Goldberg; Maninder Gill; Raoul Lumb; Gordon Clough; Emma Linch


Les références

‘Very professional and helpful. Our legal requirements have always been met with the utmost professionalism and expertise.’

‘Martin Soames always responds in a timely and professional manner and his advice is excellent.’

Principaux clients

Penguin Random House Immediate Media


Immediate Media Atlantic Books


Atlantic Books Penguin Random House


Simon & Schuster UK, Simon & Schuster LLC


Quarto


Faber & Faber


News UK


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Penguin Random House on commercial matters and litigation.
  • Advised Immediate Media on the regulatory position regarding the publisher’s existing and planned video-on-demand services.
  • Assisted Atlantic Books with pre-publication advice with regards to numerous titles.

Taylor Wessing LLP

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adam Rendle; Timothy Pinto


Autres avocats clés:

Xuyang Zhu; Niri Shanmuganathan; Giles Crown


Les références

‘One of the most important things I found with Taylor Wessing was the clear and concise help that I received regarding various requests.’

Xuyang Zhu came back to me in a very short space of time with everything I needed to know. She is always so friendly and kind in her dealings, particularly as she knew that I was more or less a one-man band! Her patience in explaining things was exemplary!’

‘Deep sector-specific knowledge combined with legal expertise. Excellent client management, ensuring appropriate level of staffing at each level to provide advice promptly in line with our business’s demands.’

Principaux clients

Dotdash Meredith


Daily Mail


MailOnline


Margaret Lynn Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Dotdash Meredith on possible licensing structures, strategies, risks, and other considerations relating to its publishing business.
  • Advised Daily Mail and MailOnline on advertising, promotion, intellectual property, and commercial matters in UK and Northern Ireland.
  • Advised Margaret Lynn Limited on the licensing of her performances for use in various films and TV programmes and other exploitation of her rights and image.

Wiggin LLP

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. Robin Shaw has notable experience in representing magazines, newspapers, and book publishers in defamation and data privacy cases, and Adelaide Lopez is also active in libel claims for publishers.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew Dando; Rachel Alexander


Autres avocats clés:

Lizzie Greene; Robin Shaw; Adelaide Lopez


Les références

‘Excellent reputation and willingness to engage.’

‘Matthew Dando is a hugely knowledgeable, practical, approachable and user-friendly lawyer. A safe pair if hands and an expert in the media field.’

‘Special mention for Lizzie Greene. Lizzie is a real star in the making. Her time spent in-house has put her in excellent stead to advise media clients in this field. Lizzie is extremely bright, hard-working and an excellent strategic thinker. She’ll be a leader in the industry one day.’

Principaux clients

Associated Newspapers


Centaur Media


DG Publishing


Disney


Dow Jones


Elsevier


HarperCollins


Immediate Media


National Geographic


News Group Newspapers


Ocean Media


Oxford University Press


Penguin Random House


Private Eye


Publishers Association


Springer Nature


The Guardian


The Telegraph


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented The Guardian in a High Court libel claim by Noel Clarke.
  • Represented Baby Cow Productions in a claim alleging that the television series Live at the Moth Club infringed format rights arising in another programme, successfully defending the client.
  • Assisting Wiggin major academic publishers, including Elsevier, Springer Nature, Wiley, and the American Chemical Society with multi-territory site blocking and enforcement actions.

Bates Wells

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Erica Crump


Autres avocats clés:

Olivia Woodward


Les références

‘The diversity of expertise, particularly around charities, royalties and creative contracts, is impressive.’

‘Erica Crump is an expert listener and provides clarity on how she can advise and help in a way that will work for me and my company. This gives us as clients confidence.’

‘The lawyers I have worked with in the team have an excellent grasp of both the legal background and the practical ways of solving problems in the regulated charity world.’

Principaux clients

Landmark Theatres


Eclipse Theatre


KOKO Foundation


EarthPercent


Dream Awake Productions


Independent Venue Community


Elba Hope Foundation


ENO


Shakespeare’s Globe


Booker Prize


Javaad Alipoor Theatre Company


Co-Gas Safety


Vodafone Foundation


Impact Theatre


Science Museum Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the KOKO Foundation on structure, commercial, charity, brand usage and corporate partnerships, talent partnerships, and fundraising and production events.
  • Advised Landmark Theatres across venues in the South-West on structuring, commercial negotiations, charity and governance work, funding, and stakeholder relationships.
  • Assisted Booker Prize with sponsorship, partnerships, and charity advice, including in respect of brand partnerships.

Bird & Bird LLP

Bird & Bird LLP handles a range of publishing matters for book publishers, online publishers, and gaming clients. Issues the firm advises on include negotiating publishing deals, advising on adtech partnerships, and copyright infringement matters. The team is led by Alex Dixie, who regularly assists with on a mix of commercial and regulatory advertising matters, data privacy and data protection issues, and adtech-related mandates. Phil Sherell is a go-to litigator for disputes involving the publishing sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alex Dixie


Autres avocats clés:

Phil Sherrell


Principaux clients

Waterstones Booksellers Limited


Associated Newspapers Limited


Wikimedia Foundation, Inc


Glassdoor


Mainframe Industries


Korean Association of Game Industry


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Waterstones with managing its global IP portfolio.
  • Advised Mainframe Industries on an innovative co-publishing agreement with New Tales for the development and publication of a new video game, Pax Dei.
  • Advised Associated Newspapers Limited on one of their first major commercial disputes.

Bristows LLP

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Julian Darrall; Alex Keenlyside; Mark Watts


Les références

‘They are extremely knowledgeable about the nuances of the changing media and technology landscape.’

‘Bristows are extremely responsive, professional, and thorough while also being pragmatic in how they advise a small organisation with limited capacity and capability. Their advice is always clear and specific to the problem we’re tackling.’

Principaux clients

Guardian News and Media


Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain


LADbible


World Book Day


Full Fact


DropBox


The Financial Times


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Guardian News & Media with end-to-end support across its commercial contracts, including specialist adtech and broader technology procurement deals.
  • Advised LADbible on disputes, content clearance, promotional activities and regulatory compliance.
  • Assisted World Book Day with brand protection support and advice following a review of its portfolio.

CMS

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Victoria Gaskell; Paul Guite


Autres avocats clés:

Laurel O’Dell


Les références

‘This was the first time we’d used CMS for this work and we were happy to find that the support and expertise was just as stellar as for the the traditional media work we’ve relied on them for previously.’

‘The quality of the firm’s juniors was excellent: intuitive, eager, efficient and endlessly affable. All qualities we have come to expect and value from CMS.’

‘Victoria Gaskell shines in her field, is smart as a whip and endlessly helpful.’

Principaux clients

Cameron Mackintosh Limited


Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Limited


The Really Useful Group


Stage Entertainment


Esports World Cup Foundation


Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport


AEG Presents


Viagogo


Eventim


Paramount Global


BBC


Scottish Events Campus


XIX Entertainment


Advance


News UK


Reach Plc


Hearst Magazines group


Media Concierge


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Paramount Global with the MTV European Music Awards 2024, held in Manchester.
  • Advised the Esports World Cup Foundation on all aspects of the inaugural Esports World Cup in 2024.
  • Advised Cameron Mackintosh on the international licensing of some of its well-known shows, including Les Miserables and Miss Saigon.

Howard Kennedy LLP

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Stephens


Autres avocats clés:

Elizabeth Morley


Principaux dossiers


Lee & Thompson LLP

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sam Goodman


Autres avocats clés:

Will Everitt; Lee Stone


Les références

‘Very knowledgeable of the business practices and structures in our field, so they have also been able to advise us on best commercial terms and made introductions, besides just legal work.’

‘Sam Goodman and Lee Stone are exceptional at communication and representing our interest.’

‘The media team has a very good grasp of the industry and is very proactive in helping assist on deals, large or small.’

Principaux clients

Tony Marion


Willowrow Entertainment


The Path Entertainment Group


People Entertainment Group


Broadway Licensing


Penguin Random House


Selladoor Productions


Ink Light Productions


Ringside Media


Bruno Major


Done + Dusted


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Tony Marion and his production company Willowrow Entertainment on the production of a brand-new stage play, « Sherlock Holmes: A New Adventure ».
  • Advised Gamepath on its international expansion of the existing « Monopoly Lifesized » experience.
  • Advising Penguin Random House on its new stage rights licence agreement.

Russells Solicitors

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gavin Maude


Autres avocats clés:

Steven Tregear; Henry Priestley; Elizabeth Scandrett; Alex Cole; Sebastian Davey


Les références

‘The pre-eminent entertainment firm. Well known for music and (increasingly) sport, but also very strong in theatre etc. It is s go-to firm in this area.’

‘Henry Priestley is very knowledgeable in this area and an absolute pleasure to work with. A fine mind who will always go the extra yard for his clients.’

‘Having worked with this firm for over 30 years, I can confidently say they are unique in the legal services they provide. Their deep knowledge and consistent guidance across all areas of law—including copyright and intellectual property—have been invaluable to me and my business.’

Principaux clients

Estate of Wilbur Smith


Andrew Lloyd Webber


Paul Roberts Productions


Entertainers Co. Limited


S2BN Entertainment Corporation


Bella Mackie


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber with securing the summary dismissal of a copyright infringement claim brought against him.
  • Advised the Estate of Wilbur Smith on all literary publishing matters as well as arrangements relating to the sale of film/TV rights in his works.
  • Advised S2BN Entertainment Corp on an ongoing UK litigation relating to CoComelon, the most watched children’s YouTube channel in the world.

Sheridans

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.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Claire Lewis


Autres avocats clés:

Peter McInerney


Principaux dossiers


Simkins LLP

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Euan Lawson


Autres avocats clés:

Ed Weidman; Paddy Gardiner


Les références

‘Excellent understanding of our business and the wider music industry sector. Simkins can provide advice on extremely specialist questions for our organisation, where law and business come together.’

‘Paddy Gardiner is our go-to partner for both commercial disputes and for advice on challenging legal issues faced within our complex business.’

‘The team are professional, listen and get straight to work. Great company to work with.’

Principaux clients

The Blair Partnership LLP


J.K. Rowling


Luke Agbaimoni


P!NK


International Olympic Committee


Becky Hill


Performing Right Society Limited


PPL PRS Limited


Chorus TM


Universal Music Group


Ginger Owl Productions (Events) Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented The Blair Partnership LLP in defending a High Court copyright infringement and breach of confidence claim against it and others.
  • Advised Luke Agbaimoni on his Tube Mapper photography project and his publishing arrangements with The History Press Ltd.
  • Advised Chorus TM on the UK launch of their financial management platform, powered by Equals Money.