A music specialist firm, Bray & Krais is sought out by British artists for its expertise in both contentious and non-contentious matters. The team negotiates contracts, protects client’s IP rights, and aids with investments within the music industry sector, and the group fields a strong bench of music experts who have a wealth of expertise advising a myriad of music clients. Richard Bray is well-known for his specialism in handling music contracts, brand deals, and licensing agreements, while Mark Krais advises on commercial, contract, and IP issues for leading artists. Simon Dixon has advised key clients on corporate music issues, such as catalogue acquisitions and licensing matters. Simon Goodbody is a litigation expert, Jonny Petch, centres his practice on a mix of corporate and commercial issues, and newly promoted partner Dorothea Thompson focuses on branding and trade marks. Joseph Davis has also recently been elevated to the partnership and is a go-to for equity investments, catalogue sales, shareholder agreements, and corporate brand partnerships.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very proficient with corporate matters. Experts in commercial music deals.’
‘Joseph Davis was superb. Friendly, educated and efficient.’
'Strong expertise in all areas of music business with an eye for creative solutions. I have worked with them across a diverse range of creative rights issues ranging from standard artist recording and publishing deals to complex branding, merchandising and live contracts.'
'It has great knowledge, attention to detail and ensures its clients secure the most positive outcome in negotiations; the firm is industry-leading.'
'I have worked with Jonny Petch for many years. His industry knowledge, attention to detail and creativity are the reason why I continue to put my trust in him across multiple businesses and cannot recommend him highly enough to others.'
'This law practice is highly specialised in all aspects of the music business. The partners are extremely experienced, especially Richard Bray. They are extremely reliable and very detailed in their analysis.'
Key clients
- Ed Sheeran
- Ronan Keating
- Boyzone
Work highlights
Advised Ed Sheeran on his investment in Ipswich Town Football Club.
Advised Ronan Keating on contractual arrangements for Sky documentary, 'Boyzone: No Matter What'.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Andrew Forbes
Kelvin Nana
Practice head
Mark Krais; Richard Bray; Simon Dixon; Simon Goodbody; Jonny Petch; Dorothea Thompson; Joseph Davis
Other key lawyers
Andrew Forbes; Kelvin Nana