Media & Entertainment Legal Services
At Jonathan Lea Network, we offer comprehensive legal support tailored to the creative media and entertainment sectors.
Whether you’re involved in film, television, music, publishing, digital media, or reputation management, our expert team provides clear, practical, and commercially astute advice to help you navigate the complexities of the creative industries.
Film & TV: Production, Financing & Distribution
Navigating the world of film and television requires legal expertise that understands both the creative and commercial aspects of the industry. Our team assists clients through every stage of production, from initial concept to global distribution.
Our services include:
- Production Agreements: Drafting and negotiating contracts for producers, directors, writers, and crew members to ensure clear terms and expectations.
- Financing Structures: Advising on funding options, including equity investment, tax credits, and co-productions, to secure the necessary capital for projects.
- Distribution & Licensing: Crafting agreements for the sale and licensing of content across various platforms, including cinemas, television networks, and streaming services.
- Talent Contracts: Representing actors, directors, and other creatives in negotiations to secure fair compensation and protect their rights.
Our approach is collaborative and client-focused, ensuring that your vision is protected while achieving commercial success.
Music: Rights, Royalties & Representation
The music industry is multifaceted, involving artists, labels, publishers, and venues. We provide legal services that address the unique challenges faced by each stakeholder.
Our services encompass:
- Recording & Publishing Agreements: Negotiating contracts between artists and record labels or publishers to ensure fair terms and protection of intellectual property.
- Live Performance Contracts: Drafting agreements for concerts, tours, and festivals, covering aspects such as payment, logistics, and rights.
- Royalty Disputes: Assisting in resolving conflicts related to royalty calculations and distributions, ensuring artists receive their due earnings.
- Brand Partnerships: Advising on sponsorships, endorsements, and collaborations to enhance visibility and revenue streams.
We aim to empower our clients with the legal tools needed to thrive in the competitive music industry.
Publishing & Digital Media: Content & Platforms
The digital age has transformed how content is created, distributed, and consumed. Our team supports clients in the publishing and digital media sectors to navigate this evolving landscape.
Our services include:
- Content Licensing: Negotiating terms for the use of written, audio, and visual content across various platforms, ensuring compliance with copyright laws.
- Platform Agreements: Drafting terms of service, privacy policies, and user agreements for online platforms and mobile applications.
- App Development Contracts: Advising on agreements related to the development, launch, and maintenance of mobile applications, including intellectual property considerations.
- Data Protection & GDPR Compliance: Ensuring that digital operations adhere to data protection regulations, safeguarding user information.
We provide strategic legal counsel to help clients leverage digital opportunities while mitigating risks.
Talent Management Agreements: Clear, Fair & Strategic
The relationship between talent and management is central to a successful career. We provide clear legal frameworks to protect both artists and managers, ensuring agreements are fair, transparent, and future-proof.
Our services include:
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Management Contracts: Drafting and negotiating agreements covering commission, duration, and exclusivity.
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Termination Provisions: Structuring exit terms to reduce disputes and protect long-term interests.
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Revenue & Royalties: Advising on how income is shared and ensuring accurate accounting.
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Dispute Resolution: Assisting with conflicts between talent and management through negotiation or legal action.
We help talent and management build strong, sustainable working relationships.
Podcasting: Contracts, Content & Compliance
Podcasting is a rapidly growing industry, bringing unique commercial and legal considerations. We support creators, producers, and distributors with agreements that protect content and monetisation opportunities.
Our services encompass:
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Content Clearance: Securing rights to music, clips, and third-party material.
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Sponsorship & Advertising Deals: Negotiating brand partnerships that align with audience reach and platform rules.
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Distribution Agreements: Advising on contracts with streaming platforms and networks.
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Copyright & IP Protection: Safeguarding podcasts against infringement and unauthorised use.
We ensure podcasts are built on a solid legal foundation from launch to growth.
Influencers & Social Media: Partnerships & Protection
Influencer marketing and social media collaborations are powerful tools — but they come with strict rules and reputational risks. We provide legal advice to help influencers, brands, and agencies navigate this fast-moving landscape.
Our services cover:
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Collaboration Agreements: Drafting influencer contracts that set out deliverables, payments, and usage rights.
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ASA & Disclosure Compliance: Ensuring advertising and endorsements meet UK regulatory standards.
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Intellectual Property: Protecting content, brand assets, and image rights across platforms.
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Reputation Management: Acting quickly against defamatory or damaging online content.
We give clients the legal clarity and confidence to run successful online campaigns.
Intellectual Property (IP): Protecting Your Creations
Intellectual property is the cornerstone of the media and entertainment industries. Our team offers robust IP services to protect and manage your creative assets.
Our services cover:
- Copyright Registration: Assisting in registering works to establish ownership and protect against unauthorised use.
- Trademark Protection: Advising on the registration and enforcement of trademarks to safeguard brand identity.
- IP Enforcement: Taking action against infringement, including cease and desist letters and litigation if necessary.
- Licensing & Exploitation: Crafting agreements that allow for the use of IP while retaining control and earning potential.
We work proactively to ensure that your intellectual property is secure and leveraged effectively.
Reputation Management: Defamation & Privacy
In the digital era, protecting one’s reputation is paramount. We offer legal services to address defamation, privacy breaches, and other issues that can damage personal or professional standing.
Our services include:
- Defamation Claims: Representing clients in actions against false statements that harm reputation, including slander and libel cases.
- Injunctions & Privacy Orders: Seeking court orders to prevent the publication of private information or to remove defamatory content.
- Online Reputation Repair: Advising on strategies to mitigate the impact of negative online content and restore public image.
- Crisis Management: Providing legal support during reputational crises to navigate media scrutiny and legal challenges.
Our team acts swiftly and decisively to protect your reputation and privacy.
Commercial Contracts: Clear Terms, Strong Relationships
Clear and fair commercial contracts are essential in the media and entertainment industries. We assist clients in drafting, negotiating, and enforcing agreements that foster strong business relationships.
Our services include:
- Contract Drafting & Review: Creating and reviewing contracts to ensure they are legally sound and reflect the parties’ intentions.
- Negotiation Support: Representing clients in negotiations to achieve favorable terms and resolve disputes.
- Dispute Resolution: Assisting in resolving conflicts through mediation, arbitration, or litigation, aiming for efficient and effective outcomes.
- Compliance & Risk Management: Advising on legal compliance and risk mitigation strategies to protect business interests.
We provide practical legal solutions that support business objectives and minimize legal risks.
Why Choose Jonathan Lea Network?
At Jonathan Lea Network, we pride ourselves on offering legal services that are:
- Client-Centered: We listen to your needs and tailor our advice to align with your goals.
- Commercially Astute: We understand the business side of the media and entertainment industries and provide advice that supports your success.
- Responsive & Approachable: Our team is accessible and committed to providing timely and clear communication.
- Innovative: We embrace technology and innovative practices to deliver efficient legal solutions.
Our collaborative approach and commitment to excellence make us a trusted partner in the media and entertainment sectors.
Get in Touch
If you’re seeking legal support in the media and entertainment industries, contact us today. Our team is ready to assist you with expert advice and practical solutions.
Call us at +44 (0)1444 708 640
Email: wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What should I include in a music licensing agreement?
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A comprehensive music licensing agreement should clearly outline the scope of use, duration, territory, compensation, and rights granted. It’s essential to specify whether the license is exclusive or non-exclusive and to address issues related to royalties and crediting.
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How can I protect my brand in the digital space?
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Protecting your brand online involves registering trademarks, monitoring for unauthorized use, and enforcing your rights through cease and desist letters or legal action if necessary. Implementing strong terms of service and privacy policies on digital platforms also helps safeguard your brand.
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What steps can I take if my content is used without permission?
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If your content is used without authorization, you can send a cease and desist letter, request the removal of the infringing content, and seek compensation. In some cases, pursuing legal action may be necessary to protect your rights.
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How do I handle a defamation claim?
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Handling a defamation claim involves gathering evidence, assessing the impact on your reputation, and considering potential legal remedies such as seeking an injunction or damages. It’s crucial to act promptly to protect your interests.
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What are the key elements of a film distribution agreement?
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A film distribution agreement should address the rights granted, distribution channels, revenue sharing, marketing obligations, and duration of the agreement. It’s important to ensure that the terms align with the film’s distribution strategy and financial goals.
Our Media & Entertainment Team
What Our Clients Say
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This introductory call is to discuss your matter so we can provide a well-considered quote.
However, please be aware that the free 20 minute call is at our discretion. If you are more looking for advice and guidance on an initial call, we may instead offer a one-hour fixed fee appointment instead.
Our fixed fee appointments are between £200 – £300 + 20% VAT (£240 – £360 inclusive of VAT) depending on the seniority of the solicitor taking the call.