Russells Solicitors is highly adept at advising individual authors and their estates on deals with publishers and literary agencies. It also regularly advises on copyright infringement issues and the implications of third-party generative AI in publishing. On the theatre side, the team supports musical theatre composers on IP infringement claims and other contentious issues, and clients also turn to the firm for representation in film-to-stage adaptation disputes involving licensing and rights issues. Gavin Maude leads the team and is an expert in music law, while Steven Tregear and Henry Priestley both excel at representing clients in litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The pre-eminent entertainment firm. Well known for music and (increasingly) sport, but also very strong in theatre etc. It is s go-to firm in this area.’
‘Henry Priestley is very knowledgeable in this area and an absolute pleasure to work with. A fine mind who will always go the extra yard for his clients.’
Key clients
- Estate of Wilbur Smith
- Andrew Lloyd Webber
Work highlights
Assisted Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber with securing the summary dismissal of a copyright infringement claim brought against him.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Gavin Maude
Other key lawyers
Steven Tregear; Henry Priestley; Elizabeth Scandrett; Alex Cole; Sebastian Davey