Clintons is the first port of call to leading writers, producers and creatives thanks to its expertise in structuring deals and productions, including rights acquisitions, financing and licensing of shows to overseas producers. Specialising in advising producers, from small start-ups and mid-scale operators to some of the biggest names in the sector, James Jones heads up the theatre practice; it also includes John Cohen, who focuses on representing artists and creatives. Senior associate Stephen Pidcock is adept in all areas of theatre and live performance, including commercial, licensing and IP issues.
Media: Theatre, publishing and other media in London
Clintons
Responsables de la pratique:
James Jones
Autres avocats clés:
John Cohen; Stephen Pidcock; Tom Frederikson
Les références
‘Their contractual work is very strong.’
‘A practical understanding of the theatre and entertainment sector which helps in drafting pragmatic and useable documents.’
‘James Jones is efficient, pragmatic, and has a deep knowledge of the entertainment sector.’
Principaux clients
Green Room Entertainment Limited
Swamp Motel Limited
Les Enfants Terribles
Screensleeves Limited
Breda Cashe
Glynis Henderson Productions Limited
Immersive Everywhere Limited
Second Half Productions Limited
Path Entertainment Group
AK Theatricals Limited
Dramatic Events Limited
Michael Grandage Company
SGA Productions
Sony Music
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Tim Rice
George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Don Black
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss
Spitlip
Bill Kenwright Limited
Crossroads Live (formerly David Ian Productions Limited)
Michael Harrison Entertainment Limited
Mischief Worldwide Limited
New Adventures Limited
Talent Artistic Group Limited
TC Beech
Jamie Wilson Productions Limited
The Lionel Bart Estate
The Anthology Group
Sherman Theatrical Entertainment Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Ian Shaw on the production of the play ‘The Shark is Broken.’
- Advised Kate Prince as choreographer and co-creator of the new Sting show ‘Message in a Bottle.’
- Advised Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss on the general progression within their careers.
Farrer & Co
Farrer & Co demonstrates deep expertise in publishing matters and is a go-to advisor for leading news organisations such as the Telegraph Media Group, and academic publishers like SAGE publications, among other print and digital publishers. Practice head Paul Jones is the main contact for commercial matters, handling digitisation and contractual matters; the latter is an area in which IP and commercial expert David Morgan further excels, in addition to his broadcasting and advertising acumen. Also an established individual, Henry Sainty focuses on digital strategy and digital market regulation, commercial partnerships and data protection issues; he also assists clients in the sports sector with media issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul Jones
Autres avocats clés:
Henry Sainty; Owen O’Rorke; David Morgan; Natalie Rimmer
Les références
‘The Farrers team are extremely supportive of in-house teams. For instance, their programme of live webinars and knowledge updates to assist in-house legal teams is excellent.’
‘Each of the individuals I have worked with has shown a willingness to go above and beyond in order to support me and my team. They are extremely accommodating when we are subject to tight deadlines.’
Principaux clients
Bauer Media
The Economist Group
Telegraph Media Group
Yell
SAGE Publications
BMJ Publishing Group
British Library
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Guardian News and Media
BAFTA
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for the Telegraph Media Group in a comprehensive review of business-critical commercial contracts covering the operations and infrastructure for the organisation.
- Advising The Economist on pre-publication content issues across its print editions, as well as in connection with Economist Radio and Economist Films.
- Advising the British Library on strategic and operational matters including the digitisation of its newspaper collections.
Harbottle & Lewis LLP
With Neil Adleman, Harbottle & Lewis LLP is renowned for its strong international theatre practice and is a regular fixture on West End and Broadway productions, with a particular specialism in financing structures. Other clients include subsidised theatres and fringe producers, dance and immersive theatre production companies, drama schools, investors and charities. With Shireen Peermohamed, the firm is also known for its wide-ranging publishing expertise; she has extensive experience in IP and contractual disputes, related advisory work, and publishing agreements. The team acts for blue-chip clients like Hachette, academic publishers and rights holders, in addition to brands, bands and high-profile individuals.
Responsables de la pratique:
Neil Adleman; Shireen Peermohamed
Autres avocats clés:
Harry Bresslaw; Zoey Forbes; Georgina Long
Les références
‘Always impressed with the excellent service from this firm.’
‘Excellent service and attention from Neil Adleman.’
‘Always offer practical advice with our business objectives in mind.’
Principaux clients
National Theatre
Sonia Friedman Productions
The Old Vic
Donmar Warehouse
Punchdrunk
Sadler’s Wells
Playful Productions
Michael Cassel Group
Fictionhouse
Ed Mirvish Enterprises
Neal Street Productions
Elliott & Harper Productions
Colin Ingram Limited
Fiery Angel Limited
Hachette UK
#Merky Books Limited
Rebellion Publishing
The Publishers Association
The Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers
The British Journal of Anaesthesia
Dazed Group Ltd
The Association of Authors Agents
The Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett
Xena Knox
Principaux dossiers
- Acted as production counsel to various West End producers on shows including The Lehman Trilogy, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Jerusalem, among others.
- Advising #Merky Books Limited on its publishing arrangements.
- Advising Hachette on a range of commercial and IP matters.
Lewis Silkin
Commercial and IP expert Alan Hunt heads up Lewis Silkin‘s practice, which has extensive experience across both the live entertainment and publishing industries. In the former space, the team’s workload ranges from live music to theatre, fashion shows to festivals, and exhibitions to one-off global events; clients include agents and promoters, creatives and artists, broadcasters and content suppliers, and venue owners and operators, among others. In an equal manner, the group is reputed for its advice to leading publishers and corporates on regulations, commercial contracts, brand protection and IP issues – where Simon Entwistle and managing associate JJ Shaw further excel. Consultant Jeremy Summers has wide-ranging IP expertise on both contentious and non-contentious matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alan Hunt
Autres avocats clés:
Jeremy Summers; Simon Entwistle; Giles Crown; Adam Glass; JJ Shaw
Les références
‘The team is always knowledgeable, helpful and professional. I always feel reassured by their input and support. They have a fantastic breadth of media law knowledge which provides a high level of security and insight.’
‘They are always diligent and professional, and able to give expert advice and support on a number of different contractual and legal issues – including copyright, standard commercial or supplier terms, and IP.’
‘They have a fantastic breadth of media knowledge that means we get great insight and perspective on a number of issues. I always feel they have understood the issue we are dealing with.’
Principaux clients
Oxford University Press
Associated Press
Haymarket Media
Professional Publishers Association
Newsweek Publishing
Ozone
Association of Online Publishers
Think Publishing Limited
Redwood Publishing
News Media Association
Fashion Freak Show
Royal National Theatre
Gainsbury & Whiting
59 Productions
British Fashion Council (Fashion shows)
Annerin Productions
RG Media
Nullarbor Productions Limited
LarMac Group
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Haymarket on a series of procurement and IP licensing deals.
- Advising Gainsbury & Whiting on Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2023 collection show in London including the negotiations of the production contract.
- Advising 59 Productions on a joint venture for a major new exhibition space in Kings Cross, London.
RPC
RPC is a regular advisor to leading national and local newspapers, web and book publishers, broadcasters, magazines, tech and freelance journalists, and media liability insurers. Team head Keith Mathieson is an expert in defamation and privacy claims; he has notable expertise with regards to press regulation, having acted for Associated Newspapers throughout the Leveson Inquiry. Experienced litigator Rupert Cowper-Coles specialises in data protection disputes. Promoted to partner in mid-2022 alongside solicitor-advocate Alex Vakil, Alex Wilson is often instructed to provide pre-publication advice and has represented clients in cases before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Responsables de la pratique:
Keith Mathieson
Autres avocats clés:
Rupert Cowper-Coles; Alex Wilson; Alex Vakil; Samantha Thompson; Nadia Tymkiw; Mafruhdha Miah; Alex Pollock
Les références
‘Strong media defence practice, particularly with regard to newspapers.’
‘Keith Mathieson has enormous experience and is an extremely able lawyer.’
‘Rupert Cowper Coles is highly recommended.’
Principaux clients
Associated Newspapers Limited
Times Newspapers Limited
News Group Newspapers Limited
Reach plc (Mirror Group Newspapers)
Bloomberg L.P.
Peter McCormack
Channel 4
Realtid Media AB
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
Carole Cadwalladr
Principaux dossiers
- Defending Associated Newspapers in an ongoing libel claim brought by the Duke of Sussex.
- Advising MGN on the long-running and high-profile phone hacking litigation.
- Defending Carole Cadwalladr in a libel claim brought by Arron Banks which was subject to a Court of Appeal decision.
Simons Muirhead Burton
Simons Muirhead Burton handles both contentious and non-contentious publishing work, ranging from books to social media, across to national and international news and content providers, such as ITN and Channel 4. An expert in all areas of publishing, Martin Soames heads up the practice, which has particular expertise in pre-publication matters and litigation – areas in which data protection head Stephen Shotnes is further instructed. Senior associate Emma Linch is recommended for her clearance advice to book publishers, podcasts, online media and film production companies.
Responsables de la pratique:
Martin Soames
Autres avocats clés:
Simon Goldberg; Stephen Shotnes; Louis Charalambous; Maninder Gill; Jeffrey Smele; Emma Linch; Raz Mireskandari; Gordon Clough
Les références
‘The team has a deep knowledge of book publishing.’
‘The team is highly competent and have our trust.’
‘They have experience and work hard to stay on top of developments in the media space, having represented journalists and media outlets in many of the leading media law cases over the last 20 years.’
Principaux clients
Random House Group / Penguin Books
News Group Newspapers
ITN/Channel 4
Reach plc
Simon & Schuster
London Review of Books
Faber & Faber
Royal Institute of International Affairs
Verso Books
Principaux dossiers
- Defending Atlantic Books’ publication of ‘Black and Blue’, an exposé of the Met by senior police officer Parm Sandhu.
- Acting for The Sun in the ‘Wagatha Christie’ trial: Vardy v Rooney.
- Advising Penguin Random House on content issues, including the publication of ‘Spare’ by Prince Harry.
Taylor Wessing LLP
Reflective of practice head Adam Rendle‘s capabilities in the publishing sector, Taylor Wessing LLP is a regular advisor on publishing agreements, IP rights and content-related disputes. Seasoned litigator Niri Shanmuganathan is noted for his expertise in defamation, contempt and privacy matters; he provides pre-publication and post-publication advice in matters involving high-profile newspapers and political campaigns. Another name to note is senior counsel Timothy Pinto for his advice to international publishers dealing with media, IP and advertising law issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Adam Rendle
Autres avocats clés:
Niri Shanmuganathan; Timothy Pinto
Les références
‘The team brings a wealth of experience and global perspective to questions of media practice that is unparalleled.’
‘Timothy Pinto, Adam Rendle and Niri Shanmuganathan have a depth of understanding about the unique needs and concerns of their media clients. They are detail-oriented and creative in providing options and approaches.’
Principaux clients
Beyond Entertainment
TodayTix Group
Wiggin LLP
Wiggin LLP‘s publishing practice is well-placed to guide journalists and content creators through each stage of the publication process, from the conception of a story to defending it in high-profile litigation. In addition, thanks to the firm’s broader commercial and IP capabilities, the team can provide digital expertise to publishers transitioning to alternative forms of content, including podcasts, film and television, social media and e-commerce platforms. Recommended individuals include experienced litigators Matthew Dando, drawing on his depth of experience with commercial and contractual disputes, and Robin Shaw, who joined from Ince & Co in June 2022, and head of the firm’s renowned defamation and litigation practices Caroline Kean.
Responsables de la pratique:
Matthew Dando; Alexander Ross; Rachel Alexander; Ted Shapiro
Autres avocats clés:
Caroline Kean; Robin Shaw; Adelaide Scardino Lopez; Elizabeth Wiggin
Les références
‘The leading practice in soft IP media law – it combines experience, efficiency and skill with industry awareness and friendliness. I can’t think of a weakness that their offering has in this field.’
‘Caroline Kean is experienced and savvy – she knows the media sector and is trusted by numerous blue-chip clients.’
‘The team are ingrained in the sector and fully understand and appreciate its current challenges. We have found this insider knowledge to be valuable when seeking support – the team offers sensible and commercial advice.’
Principaux clients
openDemocracy
Private Eye
The Telegraph
The Guardian
Disney
Spotify
Times Newspapers Limited
Penguin Random House
Conde Nast
21st Century Fox
National Geographic
Fox Searchlight
New York Post
Pathé
Netflix
Paramount
Vice
HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Associated Newspapers Limited
Future plc
News Group Newspapers
Bloomberg
Dow Jones
Tom Bower
The Wylie Agency
Ocean Media Group
PinkNews Media Group Ltd
Centaur Media
MBC Group
Elsevier
Argus Media Limited
Harriman House Ltd
Cambridge University Press
DAZN Group
Stats Perform
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
Hachette
Oxford University Press
Archant
Reuters
Faber & Faber
Immediate Media
Bauer
Orion Books
Spitting Image
Jewish Chronicle
Byline Times
Canongate
Andersen Press
Publishers’ Licensing Services
Elaph
Principaux dossiers
- Advice to Spotify on the negotiation on all its exclusive podcast contracts for deals worldwide.
- Represented The Bureau of Investigative Journalism in its successful appeal of Thurrock Council’s and the ICO’s refusal to provide financial information detailing the investment practices of the most leveraged council in the UK.
- Defending HarperCollins Publishers Ltd in a libel claim against the book, Pervasion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story in a claim brought by Ghislaine Maxwell’s former assistant, Emmy Taylor.
Bates Wells
Bates Wells receives regular instructions from large and acclaimed theatres, performance companies and venues, such as the English National Opera, Royal Albert Hall and Shakespeare’s Globe, as well as foundations established by high-profile media personalities and brands. Culture and creative head Erica Crump handles branding, commercial, governance and IP issues for a range of performance and cultural organisations. Also adept in the publishing sphere, Crump co-heads the practice alongside advertising and marketing veteran Rupert Earle.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rupert Earle; Erica Crump
Autres avocats clés:
Molly Carew-Jones
Les références
‘Exceptional team that is highly dynamic and forward thinking.’
‘Erica Crump is a standout performer who is passionate and aligned to client objectives.’
Principaux clients
The Horniman Public Museum and Public Park Trust
Elba Hope Foundation
Landmark Theatres
Amy Winehouse Foundation
Advertising Standards Authority
Independent Venues
Amit Lahav
Principaux dossiers
- Advising the Horniman Museum on its highly publicised decision to return its 72 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.
- Supported Landmark Theatres on their financing, operations, charitable status, assets, and framework within the corporate group.
- Advising Amit Lahav (artistic director of Gecko Theatre) on IP and production matters related to theatrical performance, performance-based rights, and music and other creative rights.
DLA Piper
Drawing on the firm’s competition, tax and corporate teams, DLA Piper has a track record of work on e-book and digital distribution opportunities, the use of social media platforms, e-commerce, audio and non-traditional content, as well as production and print distribution, and publication disputes, among other issues. Duncan Calow is praised for his expertise in the convergent worlds of content, tech and e-commerce, with recent work including copyright licensing issues. IP expert John Wilks is a regular advisor to national broadcasters and newspaper publishers. Broadcasting specialist Nick Fitzpatrick heads up the practice.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nick Fitzpatrick
Autres avocats clés:
Duncan Calow; John Wilks; Ruth Hoy
Howard Kennedy LLP
Handling both contractual and IP matters and a range of litigation in the publishing sphere, Howard Kennedy LLP is a regular port of call for leading magazines, newspapers, book publishers, authors and literary agents. A specialist in international and regulatory matters, Mark Stephens CBE co-heads the practice with Robert Lands, an IP expert with a strong profile for his work in the publishing and broadcasting spheres. On the contentious side, Elizabeth Morley comes recommended for her expertise in reputation management, privacy and data protection, where she advises various media organisations, journalists, bloggers and publications.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Stephens CBE; Robert Lands
Autres avocats clés:
Elizabeth Morley
Les références
‘Mark Stephens has a vast breadth and depth of knowledge and experience, and will use that knowledge creatively and strategically to best support clients’ interests – yet offers pragmatic advice and is approachable and very client friendly.’
‘Elizabeth Morley: knowledgeable, reliable, responsive, a safe pair of hands and works hard for clients.’
‘They listen, act and communicate brilliantly.’
Principaux clients
Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition
Factory 42
The Sentry
Express Newspapers
Bloomsbury
Faber & Faber
Biteback Publishing
The Old Vic & Young Vic
Ingenious
Greene Light Stage PLC
Gate Ventures
Melanie Newman
72 and Sunny
SEGA Corporation
Andrew Nurnberg Associates International Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising four women on the wrongful exploitation of their images in the Spanish government’s “All Bodies Are Beach Bodies” campaign.
- Advising SEGA Corporation on the clearance, filing and enforcement of trademarks in the UK and on a global scale.
Russells Solicitors
Russells Solicitors has a notable offering in both the theatre and publishing sectors, with a client roster that includes individual writers, celebrities looking to negotiate book deals, household name theatre companies and producers, traditional publishers and talent management agencies. Senior associate and IP expert Sebastian Davey is an essential contact in the team, handling brand partnerships, merchandising and sponsorship matters, and the marketing and exploitation of digital content. Litigation head Steven Tregear comes recommended for defending copyright infringement, contractual and audit claims.
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Esplen; Gavin Maude; Steven Tregear
Autres avocats clés:
Chloe Forsyth; Sebastian Davey
Les références
‘Russells have a lot of strength in depth. I’ve worked with four of their partners and a similar number of associates and always feel confident that their knowledge, understanding and effort will be first class.’
‘Russells contains an extremely specialised and skilful senior team that is aware of everything from daily boiler-plate contract issues right the way up to complex corporate affairs and rights management. We’ve been working with Russells for over 20 years and would rate them highly for anyone seeking exquisite counsel in the music and entertainment space.’
‘Russells are the best lawyers we have worked with, they are easily contactable and quick to react. The team are very up to date with new laws/issues etc and the associates support the partners incredibly well.
Principaux clients
The Estate of Wilbur Smith
Trevor Horn
Petronella Ravenshear
Principaux dossiers
- Advising the estate of novelist Wilbur Smith on all literary publishing matters, including ongoing arrangements with his publisher Zaffre.
- Representing Trevor Horn on his book deal with Nine Eight Books for the publication of his memoire “Adventures in Modern Recording: From ABC to ZTT”.
- Acting for Petronella Ravenshear on her book deal with HarperCollins for “The HBD Cookbook”, which was released in January 2023.
Sheridans
Claire Lewis heads up Sheridans‘ theatre group and specialises in acting for both producers and individual creatives across the entire spectrum of theatre, including structuring and investment matters. Also an established figure in this space, Peter McInerney has experience working in-house across both the broadcasting and theatre spheres. On the publishing side, Robin Hilton is the main point of contact.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Luckman; Claire Lewis; Robin Hilton
Autres avocats clés:
Peter McInerney
Les références
‘Sheridans are very responsive to our needs and help develop solutions to issues.’
‘As well as being extremely knowledgeable in their own area, they are prepared to look into other areas and overlap when necessary to give an overall package of help and advice.’
Principaux clients
Liz Pichon
Lynda La Plante
Jack Higgins Estate
International Literary Properties Ltd
Principaux dossiers
- Advising the estate of Jack Higgins on the exploitation of rights in the substantial catalogue of books written by Higgins, including ‘The Eagle has Landed’.
- Advising International Literary Properties Limited ILP on the acquisition of a catalogue of works by a children’s author.
- Advising Lynda La Planteon on various publishing matters.
Simkins LLP
With managing partner and commercial expert Euan Lawson at the helm, Simkins LLP is regularly called on for advice on theatrical matters. Elsewhere, the team - which includes transactional specialist Ben Gisbey - is well-versed in publishing mandates, including the acquisition and sale of literary rights.
Responsables de la pratique:
Euan Lawson
Autres avocats clés:
Ben Gisbey