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.
Media: Theatre, publishing and other media in London
Clintons
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.