Media & Entertainment
Expert guidance and strategy on intellectual property, trade marks and social media rights for the global creative sector.
We protect: media & entertainment intellectual property #
The media and entertainment industry thrives on creativity and innovation, but also faces challenges around protecting and monetising intellectual property.
From film and TV production to gaming, publishing, music and social media, securing your IP in entertainment and media is vital to safeguarding value and driving growth.
IP in the creative sector can be complex and challenging to navigate, but don’t let that be a barrier. All you need is the right partner. Our experienced and creative attorneys can help you identify and sort the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle so that you can clearly see the bigger picture.
We deliver clear, practical legal and solutions tailored to you, helping protect your assets and maximise opportunities across global markets.
Experts in media and creative IP strategy #
Understanding and protecting intellectual property in media is fundamental for businesses working with creative content. Our Music, Media, Entertainment and Creative team is second to none. We act as an extension of your team, guiding you through all aspects of rights protection.
This can include trade mark filing, prosecution, design rights, copyright and contracts. We’ll work with you to ensure your ideas, brands and works are secured and enhanced, giving you clarity and confidence.
We can also advise on new and emerging areas, including streaming, social media, AI-generated works and NFTs. Our expert team will provide forward-looking guidance, helping you embrace change while managing risk. We’ll ensure your creativity continues to thrive in tomorrow’s markets.
Meet our media and entertainment IP team #
Deep expertise across the creative industry #
We bring a wealth of hands-on experience in providing strategic, pragmatic and commercially-minded advice to clients right across the media industry, including leaders in:
- Film & TV – check, clear and protect the names of films, shows and your main characters
- Music – clear, protect, police and enforce your trade marks locally and globally
- Online creators – provide strategic and IP-driven advice in relation to YouTubers, streamers, podcasters, influencers and other digital-first talent
- Publishing and books – advise on and safeguard the copyright in and to your works
- Advertising and sponsorship – strategic IP advice surrounding commercial rights exploitation and brand partnerships
- Sports and events – clear, protect, police and enforce your trade marks locally and globally, and provide strategic and IP-driven advice in relation to content format, endorsements and merchandising
With over 120 attorneys, 400 employees and a network of 22 offices, by choosing us you gain access to a preeminent team with global reach.
We are routinely recognised in leading IP directories, such as WTR 1000, IAM 300, IAM 1000, IPStars, Legal 500 and The Financial Times.
Having advised the creative sector for well over 20 years, trust us to find the right solutions for your brand or business.
Mike Vettese thrives in the music, media and entertainment space, and is a prime pick thanks to his forward-thinking, strategic approach
WTR 1000 - 2024 Research Insight
With an enviable global network spanning over three continents, the firm fuses together a confident command of IP law, with rich commercial awareness and client care in all aspects of its practice.
IAM 1000 2025 Research Insights
Murgitroyd leverages its extensive international presence and deep local insights to provide solid support to an impressive client base. Its dedicated team work diligently to safeguard and maintain brands.
WTR 1000 2025 Research Insights
Mike Vettese excels in managing international portfolios. The music, media and entertainment industries are his main areas of expertise.
WTR 1000 Research
The full suite of IP services for the media and entertainment sectors #
Our dedicated music, media, entertainment and creative IP team is recognised as one of the best in the field. We deliver a full range of IP services, from portfolio audits and clearance searches to strategic advice and pre-filing support.
We also manage every stage of the trade mark process, including filing, prosecution, registration, watching, opposition and enforcement, ensuring your rights remain protected and commercially valuable.
Whether you are a solo artist, musical group, songwriter, author, sports personality or football club, we’ll help you identify the intellectual property that applies to you.
We’ll also advise and guide you on how best to protect, manage, enforce and commercialise it – adding value at every stage.
FAQs: media & entertainment #
What is a trade mark? #
A trade mark is a distinctive identifier of a company or their goods and services. It can be, for example, a logo or word or combination of both that identifies the core goods or services as originating from that business. It distinguishes a ‘brand’ from competitors. Trade marks can include shapes, sounds, holograms, letters, and numbers.
What is copyright? #
Copyright is an important component of intellectual property law that grants exclusive rights to the creators of original works of authorship. These works encompass a wide range of media, including such items as literary pieces, dramatic compositions, musical arrangements and artistic creations. This expansive scope extends to various forms of expression, such as novels, films, songs, computer software, and even architectural designs. The owner of a copyright enjoys the exclusive authority to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and license their work, safeguarding their creative endeavours and fostering a thriving ecosystem of innovation and artistic expression.
How is copyright different from patents or trade marks? #
Copyright, patents, and trade marks are all different types of intellectual property, but they protect different things. Copyright protects original works of authorship, literary, artistic, and musical creations. Patents provide legal monopoly rights for inventions or discoveries, ensuring exclusive rights for a specified period. Trade marks play a vital role in safeguarding brand names, logos, and other unique identifiers used in commercial activities, distinguishing the products or services of their owners from those of competitors.
Expert insights from our media IP team #
Future-proof your media & entertainment IP strategy #
Contact us to discuss your current situation. Our attorneys will work closely with your internal team, guiding and advising you in support of your business goals.
