Music

Our expert music lawyers provide strategic advice on advertising and marketing, supporting artists, labels and festivals with campaign contracts, sponsorship tieins, influencer collaborations and digital promotions. We draft terms, manage rights clearances and ensure compliance with Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) rules. With deep sector insight, we enable marketing teams to amplify reach while protecting reputations and commercial value in a highly competitive industry. 

• Advised a reality television star in relation to a Netflix documentary and reputation management.   
• Advised an advertising media agency on various contractual issues arising with its clients.  
• Advised independent authors and artists in relation to publishing contracts, television option agreements, and podcast deals.   
• General advice to FlyNet Media including image rights, merchandising and management deal with television personality Ant Middleton, and Exclusivity Contract with Channel 4.   
• Advised an emerging artist from the independent release of their debut recording, to signing a recording agreement with the world’s largest record label.   
• Negotiated a brand endorsement agreement between a Grammy-winning recording artist, a UK record label and an international technology company for the launch of a new internet browser.  
• General counsel for international photography agency LGA Management, advising on all aspects of commercial relationships with photographers, makeup artists, agencies and advertising houses including in relation to image rights, endorsements, shoot engagements and general T&C. 

Advising clients on band agreements requires a deep understanding of group dynamics, royalty splits, intellectual property ownership, and exit events. We draft bespoke arrangements covering revenue allocation, decisionmaking, dissolution, and member departures. Our team’s extensive experience in providing strategic guidance on band governance helps artists manage relationships, protect creative rights, and minimise conflict throughout their careers.  

• Appointed by The Musicians’ Union to mediate a dispute between members.  
• Acted for two members of a world-famous pop group in a dispute between its members following the group’s break-up.  
• Represented Keisha Buchanan in her claims in respect of Sugababes.   
• Advised on claims available to an individual musician who had been ejected from well-known pop group.  
• Represented the members of Gabriels in High Court proceedings about a disputed agreement.  
• Represented the members of Muse in their dispute with Taste Media.

Our music experts assist in crafting sponsorship, endorsement and merchandising agreements tailored for artists, festivals, brands, and platforms. We structure deals covering deliverables, exclusivity, performance metrics, intellectual property use, and termination rights. Our music sector insight ensures that partnerships align with public image and revenue targets while safeguarding brand integrity and legal compliance.  

• General counsel for international photography agency LGA Management, advising on all aspects of commercial relationships with photographers, makeup artists, agencies and advertising houses including in relation to image rights, endorsements, shoot engagements and general T&C.  
• General advice to FlyNet Media including image rights, merchandising and management deal with television personality Ant Middleton, and an exclusivity contract with Channel 4.   
• Negotiated a brand endorsement agreement between a Grammy-winning recording artist, a UK record label and an international technology company for the launch of a new internet browser.  
• Negotiating a brand licensing deal for a renowned international music and entertainment retailer.   

Our team provide strategic advice on broadcasting deals for music content, assisting with digital radio, streaming licences, sync clearance, and performance rights. We negotiate channel slots, ensure OFCOM compliance, and structure revenuesharing with broadcasters and DSPs. We also advise musicians, producers, and hosts in podcast development and distribution, advising on rights clearance, music licensing, guest agreements, sponsorship deals, advertising, liability, and data protection. Our commercially minded approach supports clients in maximising exposure while safeguarding rights and income across evolving broadcast platforms. 

• Advised an international record label on its music television business, including on its broadcaster commissioning agreements and content development agreements with digital platforms.   
• Multiple podcast and documentary contracts for various clients including changemaking influencers Munroe Bergdorf, Florence Given, Sophia Thakur and Megan Crabbe.  
• Advised independent authors and artists in relation to publishing contracts, television option agreements, and podcast deals. 

Our experienced music lawyers help clients manage catalogue acquisitions, negotiating purchase terms, warranties, earnouts, royalty mechanics, and transfer of rights. We support buyers and sellers in due diligence, valuation advice, and postacquisition integration, ensuring commercial clarity and legal certainty for both major and indie catalogues.  

• Advised a high-profile songwriter in respect of the multimillion-pound sale of their songwriting catalogue.   
• Advised Toyah Willcox on the production of her new albums and archive catalogues.  
• Advised a pioneer of the UK music business on the sale of his entire music catalogue a company based in Tennessee, including negotiating heads of terms, advising on the agreement, and dealing with post-completion matters. 

We have proven expertise in advising on copyright and trade mark infringement and passing off, supporting artists, rights holders and labels in enforcement and defence. We handle infringement claims, takedown notices, settlement and litigation. Our indepth sector knowledge allows us to protect creative works and commercial identity while navigating complex licensing and digital distribution contexts. 

• Advised Wienerworld on the successful defence of a claim by Kenny Rogers for copyright infringement and passing off.  
• Advised the heirs of former bandmates of a well-known artist alleging copyright and performers’ rights infringement and seeking substantial damages.   
• Represented Sami Chokri in his copyright infringement claim in respect of “Shape of You”.   
• Acted for Jodie Henderson on the infringement of her performer’s rights in respect of a track called “Heartbroken” against All Around the World Recordings Limited.  
• Represented songwriters and publishes in the copyright infringement claim against Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Steve Mac and their publishers in respect of the composition “Shape of You”.  
• Represented a singer/songwriter in a copyright infringement claim against the members of Rudimental, Johnny Harris, James Newman and their publishers in respect of the composition “Waiting All Night”.  
• Provided musicological and commercial legal advice as part of Keystone team bringing copyright infringement claims in the High Court in separate claims against two major international recording artists.   

Our commercially minded approach combines sector-specific insight with defamation expertise. We advise artists, managers and labels on pre- and post-publication checks, takedowns, dispute strategy and press interactions. Whether responding to negative reviews, rumours or incorrect claims, we help protect reputations through defamation action, correction demands and media intervention.  

• Advising a reality television star in relation to a Netflix documentary and reputation management.   
• Advised the heirs of former bandmates of a well-known artist alleging copyright and performers’ rights infringement and seeking substantial damages.   
• Acted for a leading newspaper group in several claims for defamation.  
• Advised a world-renowned female singer and celebrity on all aspects of her career ranging from recording and performance agreements through to publishing and theatrical contracts and copyright infringements.  

Our dispute resolution lawyers work swiftly to assess risk, protect reputations, and resolve contractual disputes in the music industry, spanning management disagreements, label terminations, sync issues, and royalty claims. We navigate complex music-sector disputes via mediation and alternative dispute resolution, covering royalty splits, rights clearance issues, contract breaches and neighbour or sample disputes. Our experienced mediators and litigators guide parties towards prompt, confidential resolution. We support all stages of ADR, combining strategic insight with industry nuance to protect creative and commercial outcomes. 

• Advised the heirs of former bandmates of a well-known artist alleging copyright and performers’ rights infringement and seeking substantial damages.   
• Advised a musician on claims made by a historic manager for expenses incurred.   
• Represented the members of Muse in their dispute with Taste Media.  
• Represented 141a Management in its claim against Jessie J.   
• Represented Keisha Buchanan in her claims in respect of  Sugababes.   
• Represented Big Life Management in its claim against Richard Ashcroft.   
• Advised the lead singer of an acclaimed international pop group on her contractual rights under recording agreements including claiming substantial additional royalties from her former record company and producer/manager.   
• Acted for a leading concert promoter in several contractual disputes with artists and recording companies and in other issues arising such as disputes with local authorities and stadia over noise pollution and licensing.   
• Represented Sami Chokri in his copyright infringement claim in respect of “Shape of You”.   
• Advised a musician on claims made by a historic manager for expenses incurred.   
• Acted for Jodie Henderson on the infringement of her performer’s rights in respect of a track called “Heartbroken” against All Around the World Recordings Limited.  
• Acted in Experience Hendrix v Chalpin, a case which went to the Court of Appeal on the extent to which a claimant who had not suffered any quantifiable loss as a result of being in breach of contract could nevertheless recover damages.   
• Represented Robbie Williams in the Court of Appeal in a claim against Martin Smith for breach of his fiduciary duties to the artist.  
• Acted for two members of a world-famous pop group in a dispute between its members following the group’s break-up.  
• Appointed by The Musicians’ Union to mediate a dispute between members.  
• Advised Julia Kogan, the writer and opera singer, regarding the writing of the film Florence Foster Jenkins (starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant) and won a High Court battle for a co-authorship right.  
• Advised the estate of a musician on possible claims for royalties and on the PRS having paid royalties to the wrong party.   

Our music experts deliver industry-specific guidance on licensing, covering sync, mechanical, performance, sample and digital exploitation in music. Whether negotiating licences for sync, streaming, film, adverts or games, structuring clear terms, territories, royalties and exclusivity, we support clients through complex transactional landscapes.

• Negotiating a brand licensing deal for a renowned international music and entertainment retailer.   
• Advised a legacy act to secure a licence for a sample use by Def Jam records.   
• Acted for a leading concert promoter in several contractual disputes with artists and recording companies and in other issues arising such as disputes with local authorities and stadia over noise pollution and licensing.   
• Negotiated master and publishing sync licences for film and TV projects.

With a wealth of experience in advising on live performance and touring activities, our music team assist with drafting artist and promoter agreements, venue deals, rider terms, international touring contracts, and advising on insurance. We manage itineraries, risk allocation, force majeure, and regulatory compliance across multiple territories, to support smooth operational execution worldwide.  

• Advised emerging artists in negotiations with Britain’s Got Talent and other reality television opportunities, and assisted classical/crossover artists with performance, recording and management agreements.   
• Advised independent authors and artists in relation to publishing contracts, television option agreements, and podcast deals.   
• Legal adviser for Tracks 4 Change, a youth enfranchisement project run by Rob da Bank, Maisie Williams and Lizzie Ball including image rights, recording agreement, T&C and performance agreement with Bestival.  

Our music lawyers have a deep understanding of managementartist dynamics, providing strategic advice on management agreements, covering duties, commission, rights assignment, exclusivity, termination triggers, and accountability mechanism. We draft structures that align artist and manager interests with long-term career plans. 

• Advised emerging artists in negotiations with Britain’s Got Talent and other reality television opportunities, and assisted classical/crossover artists with performance, recording and management agreements.   
• Acted for several high-profile songwriters and performing artists in negotiations with records labels such as Universal, Decca, EMI Records, publishing houses including Absolute Label Services, Peer Music, Eagle-i and Kobalt, and management contracts with Modest Management, Nick Stewart & Associates amongst others.   
• Represented a musician on terminating the agreement with her manager.  
• Advised the lead singer of an acclaimed international pop group on her contractual rights under recording agreements including claiming substantial additional royalties from her former record company and producer/manager.   
• General advice to FlyNet Media including image rights, merchandising and management deal with television personality Ant Middleton, and Exclusivity Contract with Channel 4.   
• Represented 141a Management in its claim against Jessie J.   
• Represented Big Life Management in its claim against Richard Ashcroft.   
• Assisted classical/crossover artists with performance, recording and management agreements.  
• Advised a musician on claims made by a historic manager for expenses incurred.

Our highly experienced lawyers combine personal and professional legal support, advising artists and executives on residential property, acquisitions, leasing, family law, and matrimonial matters. We deliver integrated advice that respects confidentiality, reputation and financial planning, and ensuring that personal affairs support long-term career stability in the music industry.  

• Advised a well-known classical musician in relation to his divorce.  
• Acted in the administration of a large estate of a leading musician with complex business property relief and US tax issues together with French and Spanish issues regarding a minor inheriting real estate in France and Spain.  
• Advised beneficiaries of a trust in several jurisdictions settled by a leading composer/actor.   
• Drafted complex UK (and liaison with overseas advisors) and overseas wills for musician with complex royalties and copyright issues both in the UK and worldwide.   
• Drafted wills considering the devolution of copyrights and royalties worldwide.   
• Acted in the establishment of a UK trust for an artist.   
• Acted for a leading rock band in the aftermath of the liquidation of its European operating company.  

Our experienced music lawyers provide specialist advice on production and distribution agreements for recorded music, live captures, merchandise, and content. We negotiate terms on deliverables, territories, royalties, exclusivity and rights reversion. Our indepth industry knowledge ensures agreements are balanced, commercially robust, and adaptable across platforms and formats.  

• Advised record producer and songwriter Konstantin Kersting (producer of one of the biggest records of the last decade – ‘Dance Monkey’ by TONES + I), on a new exclusive publishing agreement with Ultra Music Publishing.   
• Advised a record producer in respect of their work on a multi-platinum hit that broke records throughout the world.    
• Advised a producer in respect of their work on the world’s second biggest (and chart record-breaking) song of 2020.  
• Acted for United Agents in negotiating literary option, exec producer and voice acting agreements with Universal Studios for Hollywood A-List talent.   
• Acted for United Agents in negotiating literary option, exec producer and voice acting agreements with Universal Studios for Hollywood A-List talent.   

Recording and music publishing agreements need to be robust, whether they are for labels, copublishers, administrators, or writers. We negotiate advance structures, royalty splits, exploitation scope, subpublishing, and renewal terms. With a proactive approach, we protect rights, maximise earnings, and support creative autonomy.  

• Acted for a diverse portfolio of both emerging and established artists and songwriters in their negotiations with all major labels and publishers (Sony, Warner and Universal) and prominent independents.   
• Acted for several high-profile songwriters and performing artists in negotiations with records labels such as Universal, Decca, EMI Records, publishing houses including Absolute Label Services, Peer Music, Eagle-i and Kobalt, and management contracts with Modest Management, Nick Stewart & Associates amongst others.  
• Advised a world-renowned female singer and celebrity on all aspects of her career ranging from recording and performance agreements through to publishing and theatrical contracts and copyright infringements.   
• Advised an emerging artist from the independent release of their debut recording, to signing a recording agreement with the world’s largest record label.   
• Advised emerging artists in negotiations with Britain’s Got Talent and other reality television opportunities, and assisted classical/crossover artists with performance, recording and management agreements.   
• Advised French and Congolese recording artists Xavier Thomas and Julien-Makarabianko Nzaku Matumona (professionally known as ‘KOKOKO!’) on the negotiation of their new record deal with UK independent powerhouse Transgressive Records.   
• Advised record producer and songwriter Konstantin Kersting (producer of one of the biggest records of the last decade – ‘Dance Monkey’ by TONES + I), on a new exclusive publishing agreement with Ultra Music Publishing.   
• Advised the lead singer of an acclaimed international pop group on her contractual rights under recording agreements including claiming substantial additional royalties from her former record company and producer/manager. 
• Legal adviser for Tracks 4 Change, a youth enfranchisement project run by Rob da Bank, Maisie Williams and Lizzie Ball including image rights, recording agreement, T&C and performance agreement with Bestival.   
• Negotiated a brand endorsement agreement between a Grammy-winning recording artist, a UK record label and an international technology company for the launch of a new internet browser. 

Advising on rights clearances requires specialist knowledge of copyright, mechanical, sync, sample and performance rights. Our highly specialist lawyers advise on clearance workflows, thirdparty licensor negotiations, sync licensing for media use, and chainoftitle verification. We ensure seamless, compliant use of content across all platforms.  

• General advice to FlyNet Media including image rights, merchandising and management deal with television personality Ant Middleton, and Exclusivity Contract with Channel 4.   
• General counsel for international photography agency LGA Management, advising on all aspects of commercial relationships with photographers, makeup artists, agencies and advertising houses including in relation to image rights, endorsements, shoot engagements and general T&C.   
• Advised independent authors and artists in relation to publishing contracts, television option agreements, and podcast deals.   
• Negotiated master and publishing sync licences for film and TV projects.  
• Advised a high-profile songwriter in respect of the multimillion-pound sale of their songwriting catalogue. 
• Advised on the sale of multiple high-profile artworks through the use of digital non-fungible tokens (NFTs).