Introduction

We provide advice on all types of music agreements and specialise in the protection and exploitation of music copyrights and related disputes.

Our music clients include songwriters, producers, recording artists, record labels, music publishers, distribution companies, DJs, management companies and media personalities.

Our Mission

Make the legal process straightforward and stress-free. We mix know-how, energy, and modern thinking to deliver legal solutions that actually work for you.

Who We Are

Our team is dedicated to delivering excellence and care about everything we do. With a blend of creativity, expertise, and collaboration, we work together to bring innovative ideas to life and provide meaningful solutions for our clients.

What We Do

We understand that legal needs vary significantly across industries. Our team have deep expertise in a broad range of sectors.

Art

We act for Artists, Designers & Creative Businesses

We work with artists, designers, galleries, collectors, and creative studios on the legal issues that come with making, showing, selling, and protecting art and design.

That includes helping with contracts, copyright, licensing, and disputes, whether it's about ownership, use, or getting paid.

Film & Television

Among our clients are distributors, producers, financiers' and documentary film makers from all over the world.

We support clients with every phase of their projects, from initial structuring, through negotiations and documenting the various transactions that each project entails. We have expertise in global film making and deal with international co-productions by way of government treaties, guiding the client through the web of requirements to qualify for the many financial incentives. After completion, we help bring the project to the market, addressing licensing issues and safeguarding against the infringement of rights.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property is bound up with almost every business transaction that you might be involved in these days. Our specialist team are experts in protecting your rights to ensure that your creative output remains in safe hands.

From providing specific advice on how to monetise your rights to being in your corner in complex high-value litigation, we know that art and artists flourish when their true value is recognised.

Commercial

We can meet all of your non-contentious commercial needs. Our lawyers draft and negotiate Shareholder Agreements, Share Purchase Agreements, Asset Purchase Agreements and Partnership Agreements.

We can also advise on company and LLP incorporation, Directors Service Agreements and Terms & Conditions for the supply of goods and services.

Family

We pride ourselves on providing high-quality advice, guidance, and support to our clients during what is often a very difficult and stressful time in their lives.

We ensure that our advice is always clear and understandable, and we work closely with our clients to achieve the best possible outcomes for them and their families.

Our specialist family team have extensive expertise and experience in dealing with all aspects of family law including divorce, finances, cohabitation, children disputes (including international child abduction), disputes between unmarried partners and situations involving domestic abuse. We also specialise in preparing nuptial agreements, separation agreements and cohabitation agreements.

It is often possible to resolve family disputes amicably at an early stage through sensible negotiation, mediation, and other forms of non-court dispute resolution. We always encourage clients to exhaust all avenues of dispute resolution before commencing litigation. Our family lawyers are all members of Resolution, the community of family justice professionals who work closely with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way.

Insolvency

We act for insolvency practitioners, financial institutions, specialist lenders, directors and creditors in all types of insolvency both corporate and personal.

We deal with both contentious and non-contentious insolvency work at the highest level.

Litigation

We prioritise clarity, efficiency, and outcomes aligned with your business objectives.

Our litigation team provides clear, practical advice across all stages of dispute resolution, from pre-action engagement and preparing claims or defences, through to trial and appeal when necessary. We work closely with clients to identify the most effective and commercially sensible route, including Alternative Dispute Resolution, to achieve timely and cost-efficient results.

We have extensive experience in IP, media, and entertainment disputes, as well as significant expertise in handling complex commercial and contractual claims. Our solicitors regularly act in high-value cases before the higher courts, combining technical knowledge with straightforward communication and client-focused solutions.

Music

Music legal advice covers copyright, contract negotiations (recording, publishing, management), and licensing, essential for protecting creative rights and revenue. Key legal support in the UK includes The Musicians' Union (MU) for contract review and Ivors Academy for songwriter advice. Key areas to secure include split sheets for co-writes and clearly defined scopes of work in agreements.

Key Areas for Music Legal Advice

• Contracts: Reviewing recording, publishing, management, and distribution agreements to protect rights and revenue.
• Copyright & IP: Protecting songs, recordings, and brand, including addressing copyright infringement.
• Licensing: Handling synchronization (sync) licenses, samples, and performance rights.
• Disputes: Handling unpaid fees, royalty disputes, and contract breaches.

Where to Find Legal Advice & Support

• The Musicians' Union (MU): Offers a contract advisory service, free legal advice, and assistance with work-related disputes for members.
• The Ivors Academy: Provides songwriter and composer members with legal consultations.
• Specialist Law Firms: Firms like Saunders Law and Blacks Solicitors LLP specialize in music industry contracts, copyright, and reputation management.
• Legal Referral Services: PRS for Music provides referrals to legal experts.

Key Tips for Musicians

• Define Ownership: Always determine songwriting shares (splits) with co-writers early, for example, a 50/50 or 33/33/34 split.
• Detail Scope of Work: Ensure agreements, especially with managers or producers, detail specific responsibilities, deadlines, and payment structures to avoid disputes.
• Understand Rights: Know that copyright is triggered when a song is fixed in a tangible form, though registration can provide advantages.
• Check Ownership: Be aware that composition rights are typically owned by a publisher, while recording rights are usually with a label, though artists can retain these.

Common Pitfalls

• Unsigned Deals: Operating without written agreements for collaborations, production, or management.
• Vague Management Terms: Allowing managers to collect percentages on income not directly generated by their efforts.

Real Estate

Whether you are looking to purchase your first home, a company looking for new business premises or a landlord looking to lease your building, we offer a seamless and personal service throughout the whole of your transaction.

We also have particular expertise in collective enfranchisement claims / leasehold reform issues.