Media

Creative people are in the business of expressing ideas.  They take an idea and convert it into a film or television program, a music CD or a piece of software or perhaps a publication or a photograph.

Along the way, they have to:
• understand the intellectual property (copyrights, patents, designs, confidential know-how and trade marks) associated with the product;
• ensure that the defamation, privacy and consumer protection laws are not infringed; and
• contract to exploit the product to maximum benefit.

The dilemma is that while the complexity of these issues is a significant challenge, the retention and exploitation of intellectual property is a key driver for financial success.  Creatives cannot expect to have the necessary specialist legal knowledge and experience.  Their best option is to use advisers who know their industry and the legal issues relevant to it.

Our clients cover a range of creative businesses including:
• Experienced and emerging short and long form screen content producers;
• Film distributors and exhibitors;
• Software and technology developers;
• Magazine publishers;
• Musicians, Music Composers and Music Publishers;
• Writers and literary agents;
• Advertising agencies; and
• Designers.

They often seek our advice on:
• ownership and transfer of intellectual property;
• permissions to use or adapt the intellectual property of other persons;
• whether publication or advertising will be defamatory or breach the consumer protection laws;
• safe collaboration on a project to avoid disputes;
• investment finance as well as publication, licensing and distribution arrangements; and
• restricting the disclosure of sensitive information to prospective contractors or business partners.