Media & Entertainment: Publishing | UK

Farrer & Co has a stellar publishing practice, offering highly commercial as well as legal advice to clients across the publishing sector. The firm acts in a variety of subsectors, including print and online publishers, B2B data businesses, B2C magazines, academic publishers and newspaper groups. The firm additionally provides niche expertise negotiating commercial agreements on behalf of data aggregators, and comes recommended for large digitisation projects.

Harbottle & Lewis provides outstanding strength in media and entertainment, with impressive expertise within the video games, film, TV, music and theatre sectors. The firm is widely regarded as a destination firm for publishing clients, offering expertise in commercial and IP matters. The team is experienced in representing major multinational studios and production companies from the gaming and film spaces throughout development. The firm also demonstrates additional strength in growth areas such as virtual and augmented reality, e-sports and online platforms.

RPC is a highly respected digital media and publishing practice, advising on a variety of pre-publication, IP, regulatory and commercial matters. The firm also features a strong advertising practice which acts on behalf of a number of major digital businesses and retailers. The team regularly handles disputes arising in online and print media, and has substantial resources with regard to competition law.

Taylor Wessing is particularly active at the intersection of media and technology. It provides a full service to clients in publishing and advertising, with noted strength in corporate and IP law, along with commercial litigation. The firm offers additional experience in advising clients in relation to video games, social media and gambling matters.

Wiggin has a dynamic media group practising at the forefront of the film and TV sector. It acts for independent producers, major studios and banks, with renowned strength in media finance and production. The firm also features a strong publishing offering, advising online and print media businesses on commercial matters and litigation. The team has a strong grasp of emerging technologies and advice with regard to interactive media, gaming and e-sports. The firm is home to a renowned music practice.

Simons Muirhead Burton is a classic media boutique firm with strong departments catering to the publishing, film and TV, and music industries. It provides commercial, corporate and dispute resolution services to a range of media clients, including talent, major and independent production companies and a range of print, music and online publishers. The firm also advises major corporates and financial services institutions on their investments in media companies.

DLA Piper is a stalwart of the media and entertainment industry with a strong international presence. Advertising, sponsorship, gaming and digital media are all areas of strength for the firm, which also has an excellent publishing offering, ranging from copy clearance to advice on e-book and digital distribution opportunities. The firm offers additional expertise in commercial, corporate and copyright infringement matters with respect to sports broadcasting.

Howard Kennedy has a well-established media and entertainment practice advising major and niche publishers working in print and online, as well as authors themselves. It assists with commercial and corporate transactions, and is recommended for commercial litigation and also pre-publication and freedom of information issues. The firm offers rare expertise in the representation of living fine artists and artists' estates.

Simkins is a renowned media boutique firm providing transactional advice, dispute resolution, pre-publication and regulatory compliance services to clients across the creative industries. It has noted expertise in live events, film and TV, music, publishing and theatre. The firm has the resources to assist media clients with corporate, tax and IP matters.