For over 20 years, Media Arts Lawyers has given practical and commercial legal advice to clients throughout the entertainment, media, and creative industries. Acting for high-profile talent and multinational companies alongside emerging and fledgling projects, we set the benchmark for creative strategic legal solutions – no matter the deal size. Our combined experience means that we have the skill, deep networks, lateral thinking, and foresight to achieve the best commercial outcomes for our clients. We don’t just do the paperwork, we think creatively to develop strategic solutions and structure intelligent deals.
Bigsound 2024 has officially kicked off!
Catch our Partner, Marcus Walkom, speaking on the Making It Look Easy: Music Management in 2024 and Roundtables panels on September 4th 2024.
More information on the Making It Look Easy: Music Management in 2024 panel here.
More information on the Roundtables panel here.
Big congratulations to our client Pikelet Pictures on the launch of their series Videoland.
Recently winning the Best Series in the Comedy Competition at Series Mania in March, this is one you’ll want to check out. Legals by our Senior Lawyer, Stephanie Scott.
Out now on Netflix ANZ!
Join our Partner, Rob Glass, on August 19 for the Communications, Entertainment & Technology Committee, NSW Young Lawyers Sub-Committee evening discussion of music law, entertainment law, copyright and forging a unique legal trajectory!
More information can be found here.
GCAP is back in Melbourne for another year!
Media Arts Lawyers are headed over too, with Amanda Mason and Isabel Wang talking all things Intellectual Property! The session will cover the foundations to understand aspects of IP, including trade marks, copyright, infringement, developing IP and what all of it means in the context of your project. Mark October 7-9 in your diaries, you won’t want to miss it.
For full program details head here
2024 Indie-Con program welcomes a host of international and domestic speakers and will discuss challenges and opportunities faced by Australian independent labels and the music industry at large.
Media Arts Lawyers are proud to have our Partners Stephen King and Yasmin Naghavi joining the incredible speaker lineup.
Full program details here.
Calling all QLD based artists! It’s not too late to RSVP to the QMusic Connect “It’s A Business/ The Release Cycle” session, taking place tonight at O’Skulligans, Fortitude Valley. Led by a panel of successful managers, accountants, and lawyers – including our very own Marcus Walkom – it’s sure to be a valuable session for anyone who wants to learn more about navigating the music business.
To sign up and find more information, click here
The 2022 ARIA Music Awards is almost here! Nominees for this year’s awards have been announced and the range of talent is astounding.
We are so proud to represent some of Australia’s finest artists and would like to give a massive congratulations to our clients – Amyl and The Sniffers, Brett Aplin, Budjerah, Confidence Man, courtney barnett, Daniel Johns, DUNE RATS, Flume, Gang of Youths, Julia Jacklin, King Stingray, LUUDE, Northlane, MAY-A music, Pip Norman, Ruel, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Teeny Tiny Stevies, The Beanies, The Chats, The Teskey Brothers, Thelma Plum, Thornhill, Tones And I, Vance Joy on their achievement!
Our clients include Grammy and ARIA award winning musicians, Golden Lion award winning creative agencies, AACTA and Logie awarded television and film talent, international fashion houses, APRA/AMCOS winning composers, Emmy awarded production companies, media and entertainment companies, streaming services and technology platforms, labels, celebrity chefs, publishers, national festivals and local events, designers, authors, visual artists, influencers, content creators, venues, illustrators, top-rating radio presenters, managers, agents, and industry bodies.
Some of our clients include (in alphabetical order): 1300, #1 Dads, AB Original, Accompany Group, AGWA, AIR, Aldous Harding, Allday, Amy Shark, Amyl & The Sniffers, Andy Allen, Anya Brock, Archetype, Arooj Aftab, Australian Design Council, Backwoods Gallery, Bad Apples, Becca Hatch, Becky Lucas, Benja Harney, Beyond the Valley, Big Pineapple Festival, Big Scary, BMG Rights Management, Bolster, Bone Digital, Bornbred, Bounce Patrol, Briggs, Bronson, Buxtock, Carla Wehbe, Chaii, Chloe Ting, Christopher Doyle & Co, Click Management, Client Liaison, Cord & Berg, Courtney Barnett, Craig & Karl, Daniel Johns, Darkroom, Dean Tuza, Dom Dolla, Downtown Music Publishing, Drax Project, Dune Rats, Electric Avenue Festival, Electric Fields, Entropico, Eves Karydas, Fish Entertainment, Flume, Fortress, Foster Type, Future Classic, Gemma O’Brien, Golden Features, Gotye, Grant Denyer, Groovin’ The Moo, Haiku Hands, Hardware, Hatchie, Hidden Valley Festival, Hilltop Hoods, Hollie Smith, Hoyne, Ian Strange, IMNZ, Isa Guha, Jacky Winter Group, Jaguar Jonze, Jalals, Jason Lei Howden, Josephmark, JOY, Julia Morris, Karina Carvalho, Kayla Coombs, Kim Dracula, King Stingray, Kwame, L.A.B., La Prairie, Leo Burnett, Lucky Ent, Mallrat, Manu Crooks, Marlon Williams, Mashd N Kutcher, Masked Wolf, Matt Corby, Matt Preston, MAY-A, McClymonts, Melanie Bracewell, Melanie Schilling, MG-MT, Mighty Car Mods, MMF New Zealand, MONA, Motion Sickness, Nadia Hernandez, Native Tongue, Nazeem Hussain, NB Content, Northlane, Notable Pictures, NZ Film Commission, Ocean Grove, Oh Yeah Wow, Oliver Twist, OneFour, Onelove, Peking Duk, Pieater, Planet Broadcasting, Pond, Projucer, Qsic, Rhythm & Alps, RUEL, RUFUS DU SOL, SAHXL, Select Music, Seventh Street Media, Shapeshifter, Shouse, Simone Giertz, Snack Drawer, Spacey Jane, Steaphan Paton, Stella Donnelly, Steven Rhodes, Tali Gal-on, Tame Impala, Tash Sultana, Teeny Tiny Stevies, Terrance Plowright, The Amity Affliction, The Black Seeds, The Chats, The Design Files, The Inspired Unemployed, The Mik Maks, The Scranline, The Smith Street Band, The Teskey Brothers, The Thought Police, Tigerlily, Timmy Trumpet, UMNZ, Untitled Group, Uppercase Studio, Urzila Carlson, Vance Joy, Wicked Witch, Wolfmother, Yours & Owls, YNG Martyr, Ziggy Alberts. We also handle work for international artist within ANZ such as Drake, Halsey, Nirvana, One Direction, Vampire Weekend, and Victoria Beckham.
Our combined experience means that we have the skill, deep networks, lateral thinking, and foresight to achieve the best commercial outcomes for our clients. We don’t just do the paperwork, we think creatively to develop strategic solutions and structure intelligent deals.
Business & Corporate Advisory
We advise clients on all commercial matters from establishing the most appropriate legal structure to sales and acquisitions of businesses and assets. During the last five years, our firm has been instrumental in structuring and negotiating over $150 million in commercial transactions. Additionally, we guide clients through stakeholder and governance issues, investments and fundraising, corporations and partnership legislation, and act for clients in business affairs and board advisory roles.
Celebrity, Brands & Image Rights
From exclusive publication rights for celebrity announcements, to brand endorsement deals, to takedown notices, we understand how to protect and extract the most value from image and brand rights. We advise on endorsements and sponsorships, advertising standards and marketing practices, celebrity appearances and publicity agreements, events and touring agreements, image use and infringement, management agreements, and trademarks.
Defamation & Reputation
A highly technical area of law, we can help you protect your brand and personal reputation. We provide advice, issue concerns notices, letters of demand, and cease and desist notices, as well as litigation. We represent clients in respect of various reputational matters including defamation (both pre- and post-publication), passing off, misleading and deceptive conduct, injurious falsehood, misuse of personal image, and falsely implying an endorsement or sponsorship.
Design & Creative Industries
We understand what goes into running and working with design and creative industries. We act for leading graphic and motion design firms, agencies, creative directors, photographers, artisan craftspeople and makers, painters, muralists, typographers, illustrators, sculptors, and industry organisations. We assist clients with all commercial matters including services agreements, commissioning agreements, licensing and assignment of copyright, gallery-artist relationships, exhibitions and touring, employment and freelancing, releases, restraints and restrictions, non-disclosure agreements, copyright infringement, moral rights, value and charge-out rate advice, disputes, and everything else in between.
Digital Media & Gaming
From standalone websites and apps to gaming engines, we assist clients throughout all stages from idea inception to MVP to product launch to sales/acquisitions. We advise local and international companies in relation to website terms and conditions, software as a service agreements, online game of chance competition rules, Spam and Privacy Act compliance, and negotiating with collecting societies. In addition, we assist clients with funding applications, music and third party copyright clearances, cybersquatting, employment, contractor, and developer agreements, R&D advice, non-disclosure agreements, engine licences, and commercialisation of creative projects.
Employment
We don’t just advise on the legal position in relation to HR matters but also the commercial realities of what it is to employ/contract or be employed in Australia or New Zealand. We draft and negotiate employment agreements and exits for companies, high-level executives at multinational entertainment, talent, fashion, and design companies and regularly attend Fair Work Commission conciliations. We also provide industry-specific advice in relation to workplace entitlements, intellectual property, confidentiality, employment restraints, as well as contractor vs employee hiring.
Fashion & Industrial Design
We represent fashion houses that show at MBAFW, NYFW, and Paris Fashion Week and understand how and when the Copyright/Designs Act overlap occurs and what steps you need to take to exploit your designs and copyrights and protect them from infringement. We also represent clients in respect of manufacturing and fabrication agreements, distribution and supply agreements (exclusive and non-exclusive) with Australian and global retail and online outlets, licensing agreements, agency agreements, employment matters, outworkers agreements and advice, labelling, customs seizure, copycat or counterfeit merchandise, and all other related matters.
Festivals, Events & Theatre
There is a huge amount of risk involved when putting on a live event of any sort. We have an extensive client base of promoters, talent, booking agents, and venues. Having regularly acted for clients from all sides of the business, we have deep experience in the nuances of live performances and promoting.
Hospitality
We have an extensive hospitality client list, including licensed venues, restaurants and cafes, celebrity chefs, and some of the most influential hospitality interior designers and architects in the industry. Our work includes advising on purchase and sale of businesses, employment, leasing, property purchase, venue fit-outs, television and event appearances, book and other publishing deals, sponsorships and endorsements, and other related matters.
Intellectual Property & Trade Marks
Intellectual property is the backbone of our practice. Whether it be creation, ownership, registration, transfer, licensing or protection of intellectual property (or ideas), we give our clients the assistance they need to protect or assert their intellectual property rights in Australia, New Zealand and throughout the world. Alongside representing our clients in respect of copyright matters, we handle some of the biggest trade mark portfolios in Australia and can assist with trade mark and designs searches, applications, adverse reports, oppositions, registrations and certifications.
Music & Entertainment
Our core business developed within the music industry, so we can assist with everything from deal negotiation to dispute resolution. Our clients include musicians, bands, songwriters, composers, producers, festivals, agents, managers, labels, publishers, distributors, streaming services, and content providers.
Property & Personal Matters
Our clients often need legal assistance with matters outside of the entertainment industry. For many people, buying real estate will be their most significant investment. Our property lawyers are not only highly experienced in conveyancing, but are also across all areas of property law, contract law and other areas of the law which can be relevant to the sale, purchase or lease of commercial and/or residential property. In addition, we regularly advise and prepare paperwork in relation to estate matters (wills, probate, estate planning) and powers of attorney.
Radio & Broadcast
We represent radio talent and producers as well as radio stations and streaming services. We advise in relation to employment and contractor agreements, codes of practice and conduct, and other matters relating to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, including representing clients in respect of ACMA investigations and submissions.
Television & Film
Thanks in part to streaming, content in shortform, longform, and limited format is being created and consumed more than ever before. We advise clients both in front of and behind the camera as well as all the other people that support the creation or distribution of content for both digital and terrestrial broadcast and communications. Our clients include streaming services, TV hosts, actors, media personalities, talent management entities, production companies, directors, writers, animators, composers, and distributors. Our services include advising on talent performers and key-creatives’ rights, agreements and releases, television format protection, script option rights agreements, classifications, and pre-broadcast defamation and explicit content review and advice.
Writing & Publishing
We represent journalists, publishers, and authors of books (fiction and non-fiction), magazines, columns, blogs, articles (longform and shortform) and other online and in-print publications in respect of rights, advances, royalties and how works get used and exploited and adapted in other mediums. We regularly advise clients in respect of publishing deals, co-author agreements, ghostwriters, literary agents, copyright infringement, exploitation of subsidiary rights, pre- and post-publication defamation review, and option agreements.
We are the largest boutique entertainment law firm in Australasia and our team is amongst the brightest and most experienced in the industry. Whether you require some simple advice or need an adept international deal-maker, we will always help you achieve the best solution for your needs.
Stephen practises in all facets of commercial and entertainment law; with a particular focus on music, particularly within the independent sector through his representation of the Australian and New Zealand label associations and numerous independent record labels within Australia, New Zealand and internationally. Stephen combines his legal knowledge with his vast experience in the music industry, including in private practice in the UK representing major artists, labels and industry bodies and in Australia as the Business Affairs Manager for Festival Mushroom Records. Stephen is a supporter of local music and provides pro-bono services to Music NT and Arts Law members. Stephen is the manager of the multi award winning artist, Georgi Kay and of ARIA Award winning producer, Dean Tuza and co-owner of Wilson Street Studios.
David is the founder of Media Arts Lawyers and Australia’s preeminent music lawyer. With over 25 years’ experience dealing in all facets of entertainment law, David represents many high-profile musicians, celebrities and entertainment companies. In addition, he oversees the firm’s general commercial practice and in the last five years he has concluded over A$100M in mergers and acquisitions including sales of entertainment businesses, festivals and sports tournaments. A passionate advocate for local music and creative industries, David chairs the board of Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR), is a board member of Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA), and a past board member of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).
Julian represents high profile musical talent, managers, labels, publishers, events, executives and start-ups. He has been a musician signed to major and indie labels, has a post-grad degree in corporate finance and was the inaugural Music Industry Observer Music Lawyer of the Year. His artist clients include Flume, Courtney Barnett, RUFUS DU SOL, Tash Sultana, and Matt Corby. In addition to his extensive music law practice, he also represents film and TV projects, content creators, creative agencies, celebrities, media and technology companies, fashion companies, designers, and NGO’s. Julian is strategic and commercially savvy and has an extensive international network, making him the first contact for many international operatives looking to do business in the region.
Yasmin practises in creative industries law, representing world-class graphic and motion design studios, agencies, tv/radio talent, influencers, format and content creators, illustrators, streaming services, visual artists, authors, managers, fashion designers, photographers, and game/app developers. Additionally, Yasmin has a strong employment law practice at the firm. Holding both a Juris Doctor (hons) and an MBA, Yasmin combines experience with expertise, industry insight, and a passion for the creative sector. Working in close partnership with her clients, she brings clarity to their legal rights and obligations, and advises with the intention of achieving the very best strategic and commercial outcome. Committed to giving back to the industry, she’s a serving board member of Writers Victoria, Never Not Creative, and Youth Activating Youth, and a pro bono lawyer for the Arts Law Centre of Australia.
Rob specializes in music and entertainment law and for more than a decade has guided the careers of some of Australasia’s leading talent, taking them from home grown heroes to international success stories. Personally representing household names on both sides of the Tasman, from Masked Wolf, Dom Dolla, Client Liaison and Golden Features; to Shapeshifter, Hollie Smith, Dallas Tamaira (Fat Freddy’s Drop) and The Black Seeds; Rob procures and negotiates the deals that form the backbone of the music business. Registered to practise law in both New Zealand and Australia, Rob represents record labels, festivals, agents and executives, and his IP practice includes working with tech, software, design and start ups and more recently international clients on the convergence of music, art and cryptocurrency.
Marcus has experience in all facets of entertainment and commercial law and as a litigator having practiced both in Australia and the UK. With his practice focused primarily on the music industry, Marcus has represented high profile artists, managers, producers, labels, publishers, festivals, events and start-ups throughout the world, and with a particular interest in working with new and emerging talent he has assisted in procuring, negotiating and advising on local and international deals for his clients. Marcus also runs independent label and management company ‘We Are Golden’.
Having worked at entertainment industry, IP and commercial law firms for over 10 years, Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Practising across the spectrum of defamation, commercial law, IP and entertainment industry law matters, Amanda’s particular focus is on defamation, commercial law, disputes and litigation. Amanda represents clients from all corners of the commercial and creative industries including media outlets, festivals, promoters, comedians, artists, musicians, game developers, and various other commercial entities. Her three years as assistant editor of Heavy Music Magazine and current involvement in the local music scene managing artists and running events provides her with a unique perspective that allows her to best understand and anticipate the needs of her clients. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Music Business Management.
Chris’ practice spans the full scope of trade mark services. He has over ten years’ experience in intellectual property and has worked in a number of Australia’s leading top tier firms. Chris is passionate about all things IP and provides trade mark advice across a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Chris has extensive experience in the fashion, design and retail industries. He represents market-leading brands in contested proceedings and has successfully represented a number of high profile artists and celebrities, protecting their brand assets both locally and internationally. Chris was recognised as Managing IP’s Rising Star in both 2018 and 2019, and is currently considered as a Notable Practitioner. Chris was previously a chair of the INTAs Non Traditional Trade Marks Committee (East Asia and Pacific), and is currently a member of the Trade Marks Office Practices Committee (East Asia and Pacific). Chris is also a member of the New Zealand and International Trade Mark Committee of the Institute of Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys of Australia.
Specialising in media, film and television, Stephanie has a passion for the creative industries and a unique combination of practical industry and legal experience. Having worked in various capacities across production within studio teams, state and federal arts agencies, in-house at the national broadcaster, and in private practice, Stephanie’s knowledge spans the breadth of IP practice including copyright, competition marketing and consumer law, advertising clearance and brand protection. She most enjoys assisting creatives and filmmakers through content development, production and the intricacies of funding and tax incentives. Stephanie was an inaugural Guiding Councillor to the Australian Influencer Marketing Council (AIMCo) and co-authored the Australian chapter of International Advertising Law (Globe Law and Business, 2nd ed, March 2021). She volunteers with the Arts Law Centre of Australia and through various early career mentoring programs.
Isabel commenced her legal career in intellectual property, specifically focusing on trade mark prosecution, brand clearance and commercial agreements. She seeks to help creatives and brands of all sizes to understand and navigate their legal rights through a commercial lens. Having lived in Shanghai and Tokyo, Isabel has an aptitude and interest in approaching business and intellectual property with a global mindset. She also has hands-on experience in media analytics, radio and television broadcasting, and is particularly interested in supporting those in the creative and hospitality industries. Isabel draws on her legal experience and industry knowledge to support both the creative and commercial interests of her clients. Isabel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media & Communications and Advanced Japanese Language and a Juris Doctor.
Mary began her career in the music industry over 15 years ago specialising in copyright, royalties, and licensing. She has worked for major and independent record labels and music publishers in Melbourne, Sydney and London where she facilitated the licensed use of some of the world’s most valuable copyrights to compilations, film, TV & games. Mary came to law having been inspired by the legal framework of the music industry and her passion in seeing creators remunerated for their work. Mary was admitted to practice in 2020 and holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry Business (Distinction).
Eric is passionate about working with creatives to help them realise their projects, whether big or small. He commenced his legal career at one of Australia’s top tier commercial firms, where he developed substantial experience advising clients on a wide range of complex transactions. With a lifelong interest in the creative sector and a nuanced understanding of artists’ needs, Eric seeks to help each of his clients cut through unnecessarily complex legal jargon and understand the relevant legal considerations at play. Eric holds both a Bachelor of Commerce and a Juris Doctor (First Class Honours) from the University of Melbourne, and has studied in both South Korea and the United States.
Danny’s background in commercial law and lifelong fascination with the performing arts enable him to thrive at the intersection of the legal and music industries. With a personal passion for music production, he has a strong commitment to nurturing creative and professional success for all artists. Danny’s experience working in Australia, Hong Kong and the UAE as a queer professional contributes to his international outlook and enthusiasm for diversity. Holding a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Commerce, he combines legal knowledge with a genuine excitement for connecting with artists, helping them to unlock their creative potential.
Marian completed her Juris Doctor at Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne in 2023. She is enthusiastic about creatively using her legal knowledge to assist clients in achieving the best commercial and strategic outcomes. When she is not busy, Marian is passionately seeking her next best read. Marian has previous work experience as a Research Assistant for a barrister practicing in employment, industrial and anti-discrimination law. Marian was the 2022 Women’s Director in the Melbourne University Law Students’ Society (MULSS) and a contributor to the Law Institute of Victoria Young Lawyers’ (LIVYL) ‘Diversity Handbook’. Marian holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne, majoring in Media & Communications and Gender Studies.
Passionate about supporting emerging artists, Claire is the Local Music Programmer for Groovin the Moo Festival, where she has previously worked as an artist and indie-label manager, and events producer at The Push Inc and Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Now in her third year of Bachelor of Law (Honours) with Advanced French Studies, Claire is drawn to intellectual property and contract law with a particular interest in the entertainment industry. Claire’s dedication towards understanding the nuanced challenges in the music sector, and attention to new trends, has been recognised by The Push Inc through its ‘25 Under 25 – Best and Brightest New Faces of Australian Music 2022’. Through leveraging her industry insights and legal studies, Claire seeks to ensure the best and most practical outcomes for all creative industries stakeholders.
As a performing musician and self-managed artist, Lauren is an active member of the local music scene and an avid supporter of emerging artists in Australia and abroad. After five years’ experience working in production and administrative roles across the live and recorded music industry, including an internship at Dew Process Records and Publishing and experience obtaining entertainment visas for artists and other creatives, she recently graduated from her Bachelor of Laws (Hon.) and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Brisbane, Queensland. She is highly passionate about the intersection of contract and copyright law with the music and broader entertainment industry, and is committed to staying up to date with the latest industry news and trends.
Christian is a session guitarist, producer and songwriter, currently working in both the Perth and Sydney music scenes. Hailing from Perth, he studied contemporary music at the West Australian Academy for Performing Arts, graduating with a first class honours in 2020. Christian moved to Sydney in 2022 to complete his Juris Doctor at UNSW where he is currently in his penultimate year of study. Christian is passionate about the Australian music industry and the local Sydney scene, with a particular interest in the intersection between law and music, and the modern challenges facing the music industry for smaller artists such as fair royalty payments from streaming services and the difficulties of domestic touring.
Maria Amato is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Independent Record Labels Association and has worked in the Arts and not-for-profit sector for over 25 years specialising in finance and business management through her own consultancy firm, Results Management. Maria has held former positions as Chair of the Creative Industry Advisory Board and member of the board of directors for the Australian Institute of Music, CEO/CFO of the Melbourne International Film Festival and board member of Music Victoria.
Emma’s passion for the music industry was fostered through growing up the Perth’s punk music scene, getting her first taste of business interning at a local booking agency.
She then took the leap over to Sydney to studying a Diploma of Entertainment Business Management at JMC Academy, and additionally interning as part of the marketing team at Dew Process Records. Prior to that, she was a Campaign Manager at entertainment and music publisher The Brag Media honing her skills in strategic marketing and content creation, contributing to the growth of various brands. Following on from her studies, Emma worked as the Label Coordinator at ADA/Warner Music Australia for over four years, navigating the intricate landscape of music distribution. Emma’s vast experience within the music industry has led her to develop a strong interest in platforming indie artists and providing them with the tools to succeed.
If you have strong ties to the entertainment industry, are intelligent and have an excellent work ethic, then Media Arts Lawyers might be the place for you. A successful candidate will have previously worked within the legal field (with a minimum of 3 years PAE) or the broader entertainment industry. We don’t have any current job vacancies, but if you think you’d be a perfect fit for our team, please register your interest by submitting the following application:
Feel free to phone, email or make an appointment to see us.
Our normal office hours are between
10.00 am and 6.00 pm.
Please click here to view our Privacy Policy.
We advise clients on all commercial matters from establishing the most appropriate legal structure to sales and acquisitions of businesses and assets. During the last five years, our firm has been instrumental in structuring and negotiating over $150 million in commercial transactions. Additionally, we guide clients through stakeholder and governance issues, investments and fundraising, corporations and partnership legislation, and act for clients in business affairs and board advisory roles.
From exclusive publication rights for celebrity announcements, to brand endorsement deals, to takedown notices, we understand how to protect and extract the most value from image and brand rights. We advise on endorsements and sponsorships, advertising standards and marketing practices, celebrity appearances and publicity agreements, events and touring agreements, image use and infringement, management agreements, and trademark
A highly technical area of law, we can help you protect your brand and personal reputation. We provide advice, issue concerns notices, letters of demand, and cease and desist notices, as well as litigation. We represent clients in respect of various reputational matters including defamation (both pre- and post-publication), passing off, misleading and deceptive conduct, injurious falsehood, misuse of personal image, and falsely implying an endorsement or sponsorship.
We understand what goes into running and working with design and creative industries. We act for leading graphic and motion design firms, agencies, creative directors, photographers, artisan craftspeople and makers, painters, muralists, typographers, sculptors, and industry organisations. We assist clients with all commercial matters including services agreements, commissioning agreements, licensing and assignment of copyright, gallery-artist relationships, exhibitions and touring, employment and freelancing, releases, restraints and restrictions, non-disclosure agreements, copyright infringement, moral rights, value and charge-out rate advice, disputes, and everything else in between.
From standalone websites and apps to gaming engines, we assist clients throughout all stages from idea inception to MVP to product launch to sales/acquisitions. We advise local and international companies in relation to website terms and conditions, software as a service agreements, online game of chance competition rules, Spam and Privacy Act compliance, and negotiating with collecting societies. In addition, we assist clients with funding applications, music and third party copyright clearances, cybersquatting, employment, contractor, and developer agreements, R&D advice, non-disclosure agreements, engine licences, and commercialisation of creative projects.
We don’t just advise on the legal position in relation to HR matters but also the commercial realities of what it is to employ/contract or be employed in Australia or New Zealand. We draft and negotiate employment agreements and exits for companies, high-level executives at multinational entertainment, talent, fashion, and design companies and regularly attend Fair Work Commission conciliations. We also provide industry-specific advice in relation to workplace entitlements, intellectual property, confidentiality, employment restraints, as well as contractor vs employee hiring.
We represent fashion houses that show at MBAFW, NYFW, and Paris Fashion Week and understand how and when the Copyright/Designs Act overlap occurs and what steps you need to take to exploit your designs and copyrights and protect them from infringement. We also represent clients in respect of manufacturing and fabrication agreements, distribution and supply agreements (exclusive and non-exclusive) with Australian and global retail and online outlets, licensing agreements, agency agreements, employment matters, outworkers agreements and advice, labelling, customs seizure, copycat or counterfeit merchandise, and all other related matters.
There is a huge amount of risk involved when putting on a live event of any sort. We have an extensive client base of promoters, talent, booking agents, and venues. Having regularly acted for clients from all sides of the business, we have deep experience in the nuances of live performances and promoting.
We have an extensive hospitality client list, including licensed venues, restaurants and cafes, celebrity chefs, and some of the most influential hospitality interior designers and architects. Our work includes advising on purchase and sale of businesses, employment, leasing, property purchase, venue fit-outs, television and event appearances, book and other publishing deals, sponsorships and endorsements, and other related matters.
Intellectual property is the backbone of our practice. Whether it be creation, ownership, registration, transfer, licensing or protection of intellectual property (or ideas), we give our clients the assistance they need to protect or assert their intellectual property rights in Australia, New Zealand and throughout the world. Alongside representing our clients in respect of copyright matters, we handle some of the biggest trade mark portfolios in Australia and can assist with trade mark and designs searches, applications, adverse reports, oppositions, registrations and certifications
Our core business developed within the music industry, so we can assist with everything from deal negotiation to dispute resolution. Our clients include musicians, bands, songwriters, composers, producers, festivals, agents, managers, labels, publishers, distributors, streaming services, and content providers.
Our clients often need legal assistance with matters outside of the entertainment industry. For many people, buying real estate will be their most significant investment. Our property lawyers are not only highly experienced in conveyancing, but are also across all areas of property law, contract law and other areas of the law which can be relevant to the sale, purchase or lease of commercial and/or residential property. In addition, we regularly advise and prepare paperwork in relation to estate matters (wills, probate, estate planning) and powers of attorney.
We represent radio talent and producers as well as radio stations and streaming services. We advise in relation to employment and contractor agreements, codes of practice and conduct, and other matters relating to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, including representing clients in respect of ACMA investigations and submissions.
Thanks in part to streaming, content in shortform, longform, and limited format is being created and consumed more than ever before. We advise clients both in front of and behind the camera as well as all the other people that support the creation or distribution of content for both digital and terrestrial broadcast and communications. Our clients include streaming services, TV hosts, actors, media personalities, talent management entities, production companies, directors, writers, animators, composers, and distributors. Our services include advising on talent performers and key-creatives’ rights, agreements and releases, television format protection, script option rights agreements, classifications, and pre-broadcast defamation and explicit content review and advice.
We represent journalists, publishers, and authors of books (fiction and non-fiction), magazines, columns, blogs, articles (longform and shortform) and other online and in-print publications in respect of rights, advances, royalties and how works get used and exploited in other mediums. We regularly advise clients in respect of publishing deals, co-author agreements, ghostwriters, literary agents, copyright infringement, exploitation of subsidiary rights, pre- and post-publication defamation review, and option agreements.
