CMS's music practice combines commercial and corporate expertise with advising on licensing transactions and disputes, as well as copyright issues. Of recent note, the team has advised music clients on copyright issues arising out of the rise of AI. Clientele of the firm comprises of music rights owners, music companies, technology enterprises, and digital services. The music practice is led by John Enser who has broad expertise across commercial, regulatory and copyright law. He regularly assists clients with the licensing of music rights, both individually and collectively, and is active in copyright tribunal cases. Steven Corney is a litigation specialist who handles music rights disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Deep knowledge of the music industry and one of the key players. Strategic positioning on hot music copyright developments. Understanding of various interests at stake. The firm has a key understanding of the interplay of EU and UK statutes in a post-Brexit scenario.’
‘The music team provided us with junior secondee support for a global tentpole music event. We were happy to find that the support and expertise at CMS was just as stellar as for the the traditional media work we've relied on them for previously.’
‘The quality of the junior secondee we work with was excellent; intuitive, eager, efficient and endlessly affable. All qualities we have come to expect and value from CMS. Victoria Gaskell shines in her field, is smart as a whip and endlessly helpful.’
'John Enser has deep legal expertise combined with very strong industry knowledge and ability to identify issues both commercially and resulting from the application of new laws and regulations.'
'Combines industry knowledge and strong IP, tech and corporate practices with international reach.'
Key clients
- Cutting Edge Group Limited
- UK Cinema Association
- ICC Business Corporation FZ LLC
- Esports World Cup Foundation
- Paramount Global
- Global Media Group
Work highlights
Advised Cutting Edge Group on a complex multi-territory corporate group re-organisation as a required precursor to a $500m debt refinancing.
Assisted UK Cinema Association with filing at the Copyright Tribunal, following the decision by PRS for Music to significantly increase the licence fees payable by the UK cinema industry.
Assisted Paramount Global with critical support for the MTV European Music Awards 2024, held in Manchester.
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.
Practice head
John Enser
Other key lawyers
Steven Corney; Victoria Gaskell