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Artists, institutions and collectors all seek out the specialist support available from FSI lawyers.  Whether you are looking to protect your copyright, certify authenticity or manage commercial arrangements, FSI's team can help.

 

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Legal issues pertaining to the protection of, and disputes involving cultural property have grown exponentially as a result of a range of factors, such as, increased international publicity and co-operation and the high value (both monetary and sentimental) of artworks and photographs in the present climate.  FSI and the Institute of Art and Law organised the much publicised Holocaust Looted Art Seminar attended by over 70 high profile delegates from around the world and considered the way in which claims were approached in a variety of countries and featured contributions from, amongst others, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Poland and Hungary.  To view the presentation given by Mark Stephens, click here.

OUR SERVICE:

FSI is a leader in the art sector because they:

  • bring more than 70 years' combined experience to client situations
  • have advised more than 100 artists, institutions and collectors
  • are passionate about art
  • provide 'full service' support - for example, our specialist property lawyers assisted Artangel in the lease of the land necessary for Rachel Whiteread to encase a house in Mile End
  • have experience with cultural institutions, museums and galleries as well as individual artists
  • are unstuffy, friendly and business-like
  • have links with lawyers across the world enabling seamless service when purchasing art or curating exhibitions

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE ADVISING:

  • Arts Council of England - we are the sole IP lawyers on the Arts Council’s panel and have carried out all their IP work over the last year
  • Association of Illustrators - advising members of the Association in respect of contracts and various copyright disputes as well as privacy claims
  • Commission for Looted Art in Europe on various matters linked to looted art and most recently the proposed legislation for immunity against seizure of cultural heritage items entering this country
  • De la Warr Pavilion on IP issues and return of confidential materials
  • Express Newspapers Limited in litigation over alleged breach of various agreements matter was struck out and Express was awarded costs
  • Abode Interiors Picture Library on model releases and property releases
  • Arcaid on copyright and contract issues arising from the sale of a picture library and archive
  • Art Meets Matter Limited on copyright in innovative designs including Penguin Book Title Mugs and “Christine Keeler Chairs”
  • Asiatic Carpets Limited on a design right infringement claim against OCR and assisting client in obtaining a licence to produce rugs featuring well known personalities
  • Benfield, artist, on numerous copyright issues relating to the sale of work (and copies) in the US
  • Sandra Blow, artist, on issues arising out of the death of the well known artist

OUR CLIENTS SAY...

quotation FSI have a deep understanding of our needs and values. They provide, brilliant, tailored and often unusual solutions to the wide range of problems we put to them.

Alan Haydon, Director of the De La Warr Pavilion

OUR CLIENTS SAY...

quotation We appreciate FSI's personal attention and fundamental understanding of the art world and the needs of its organisations.
Alison Myners, Chair of the Contemporary Arts Society

THE DIRECTORIES SAY...

quotation This "prompt, thorough and professional team" focuses on clients in the new media, fine arts and cultural property sectors. Nicola Solomon heads the team and specialises in representing clients ranging from agents and authors to photographers and screenwriters on publishing and design issues.
Chambers & Partners' 2007, A Client's Guide to the Legal Profession

PASSIONATE ABOUT ART...

Our commitment to the sector is demonstrated by the fact that:

  • Nicola Solomon is an active member of the Museum Development Agency’s IP Advisory Committee For Collections
  • Mark Stephens is on the International Bar Association’s Cultural Property Group and on the Contemporary Art Society 
  • Pia Sarma is on the Council of Contemporary Applied Arts
  • Robert Lands sits on the Council of the Association of Illustrators

WHO TO CALL?

Check out the sector team list on the left hand navigation bar or contact Nicola Solomon, with any queries