Jeremy Summers > Lewis Silkin > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Lewis Silkin handles both theatre and publishing matters across a number of sub-sectors, from live music and theatre, to print, digital, broadcast and social media. On the publishing front, the firm handles a mix of commercial, IP, data protection and defamation matters, while on the performing arts side, its advice centres on live events, such as fashion shows and festivals, and related contractual mandates, including agreements with talent and sponsors, and disputes. IP expert Jeremy Summers handles both contentious and non-contentious matters concerning productions and major live events, while deputy head of the media and entertainment practice Alan Hunt specialises in commercial and IP matters for the entertainment, fashion and media sectors. Adam Glass leads on media litigation matters and Simon Entwistle advises on a range of publishing issues. JJ Shaw has recently assisted with podcast development and talent deals, image rights, and IP licensing.

The music department at Lewis Silkin continues to evolve with the industry itself, focusing on new technologies and digital. AI plays an important role in the firm’s practice, which excels in advising advising AI music companies and Web3 players on the use of AI, digital goods, tokens, AR and VR. The practice is retained by a diverse client roster comprised of labels, publishers, performing rights organisations, digital platforms, agents, streaming services and multi-channel networks, who turn to the team for assistance with copyright ownership and infringement disputes, catalogue acquisitions, live performance issues and joint ventures. Practice leader Cliff Fluet is the go-to lawyer for advice on AI, blockchain, NFTs, immersive entertainment and the metaverse. Jeremy Summers is a key contact for IP-related issues, while David Deakin assists with interactive entertainment and digital content matters. Lauren Stone is proficient in rights clearances for live events, the negotiation of talent contracts for awards shows, and also assists labels and publishers with securing rights for marketing campaigns. Michael Szlesinger focuses on music disputes, including infringements concerning copyright ownership, chain of title, and recording rights.