Our Legal Services

As well as being experienced general commercial lawyers, we are expert intellectual property lawyers and have special skills in niche areas of law like entertainment, technology and media law.

Because of this, we’re able to look after most legal issues that creative people and organisations encounter. And if there’s something outside our skill-set, we will bring in our trusted consultant lawyers and financial advisors to help out.

You can learn more about the legal areas we practice in below.

  • Advertising & marketing lawyers

    As a team of creatives ourselves, we’re constantly inspired by our clients’ innovation and creativity when it comes to marketing and advertising. Therefore, we’re dedicated to providing commercial, clear advice and expertly crafted contracts to our clients.

    Through commercial clear advice and expertly crafted contracts, we take care of the legals, so that our clients to advertise, market and promote their businesses in an impactful (and lawful!) way.

    In addition to working directly with businesses, we also work with advertising and marketing agencies, to ensure they keep on the right side of the law when working with their clients.

    Who we work with

    We represent an inspiring catalogue of ground-breaking agencies and businesses who work across all kinds of marketing and advertising disciplines… including traditional advertising, brand strategy, market research, graphic design, copywriting, PR and communications, digital media marketing and everything in between.

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our advertising and marketing lawyers today.

     

     

    Advertising & marketing legal advice services

    • Pre-publication legal advice and clearances for content such as videos, podcasts, social media tiles and brand campaigns. 
    • Compliance with advertising and marketing ethical codes of conduct.  
    • Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) Code of Ethics. 
    • Australian Influencer Marketing Code of Conduct (AiMCO). 
    • Therapeutic Goods (Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code) Instrument 2021, Schedule 1 (TGA Code).
    • Australian Consumer Law.
    • Labelling and packaging advice. 
    • Running promotions, competitions, raffles and lotteries.
    • Negotiations between agencies, talent and brands. 
    • Copyright matters, including rights, use, protection, infringement and commercialisation.
    • Superannuation and tax obligations for talent and influencer engagements. 
    • Defamation and reputation management advice. 

    Advertising & marketing industry contract services

     We can draft, review and negotiate a range of contracts relating to advertising and marketing, including: 

    • Client services agreements. 
    • Employment agreements. 
    • Contractor agreements. 
    • Agency agreements. 
    • Influencer and talent agreements.  
    • Talent releases. 
    • Location releases.  
    • Merchandising agreements. 
    • Terms and Conditions.  
    • Privacy policies. 

    Commercialiation services

    We can help you and your clients commercialise your work:  

    • Brand Checks (recommended during the development of new branding assets for businesses) 
    • Trade mark registration and protection. 
    • Copyright protection and commercialisation advice. 
    • Domain name registration and transfers. 
    • Sponsorship, endorsements, publicity and merchandising opportunities and agreements.

    Advertising & marketing dispute and infringement services

    We have specialist experience dealing with infringement and disputes in the advertising and marketing industry, including: 

    • Drafting and responding to cease and desist letters. 
    • Alternative dispute resolution. 
    • Negotiations and mediation. 
    • Copyright, trade mark and design infringement proceedings and litigation. 
    • Australian Consumer Law disputes and litigation. 
    • Defamation and reputation management disputes. 

    Common problems our advertising & marketing lawyers solve

    • Can you review my post/video/podcast/campaign/event proposal for legal issues?
    • Who owns the IP in work I create for clients?
    • I’m starting a creative agency, what contracts do I need?
    • I want to run a competition on Instagram, what terms and conditions do I need to include?
    • Who is responsible for paying super to talent and influencers?
    • What is the TGA Code… and what are “therapeutic goods”?
    • What disclaimers do I need to include when creating advertisements for therapeutic goods?
    • I run a marketing agency, should I hire staff as employees or contractors?
    • Can I refer to another business in my business’ advertising campaign?

  • Commercial dispute lawyers x Conflict resolution experts

    In business, things don’t always go to plan and disputes can arise. In stressful times, we help our clients to understand their legal position and create strategic and effective pathways out of the dispute.

    We encourage our clients to have open and respectful discussions with their counterparts early on to promote settlement with reduced legal costs and stress. We only use the courts as a last resort.

    Who we work with

    If you’re going through a commercial dispute, we’re here to help. For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our commercial dispute lawyers today.

    Commercial dispute advice services:

    We have specialist experience advising on and assisting with a wide range of commercial disputes including: 

    • Contract disputes. 
    • Australian Consumer Law disputes. 
    • Misleading and deceptive conduct disputes. 
    • Intellectual property disputes. 
    • Business and commercial disputes. 
    • Retail leasing disputes. 
    • Music industry disputes.  
    • Partnership, joint venture, shareholder, unitholder and director disputes, including breach of director’s duties or fiduciary duties, claims of oppression and fund misappropriation. 

     

    Dispute resolution and debt recovery services:

    We have specialist experience advising on and assisting with a wide range of commercial disputes including: 

    • Drafting and responding to cease and desist letters. 
    • Alternative dispute resolution. 
    • Negotiations and mediation. 
    • Copyright, trade mark and design infringement proceedings and litigation. 
    • Court proceedings.
    • Debt recovery.  

    Common problems our commercial dispute lawyers solve

    • I completed work for a client and now they won’t pay me. What can I do?
    • I’ve received a cease and desist letter, can you help?
    • I bought a product from a store and it doesn’t work. The store won’t give me a refund. What are my options?
    • Another business has copied my business’ logo. What can I do?
    • My friend and I started a business together and have had a falling out. I want to continue the business without them. What are my options?
    • A client hired me to do a job, then changed their mind after paying the deposit. Do I have to refund the deposit?

  • Commercial lawyers x Creatives

    Inspired by the intersection of creativity and commerce, we help our clients bring their ideas to life and achieve commercial success along the way.

    As both intellectual property and commercial lawyers, we have a deep understanding of IP in a commercial context. As a result, our legal skills are niche, specialised and a perfect fit for creative people and businesses.

    Who we work with

    We work with a wide spectrum of creative businesses and individuals. Our expertise spans  the arts, entertainment, media and music… health and wellness, food, and hospitality…publishing…tech… architecture, interior design, and construction, and much more!

    For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here 

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our commercial lawyers today.

    Commercial law advice services

    We provide specialised advice on commercial law, such as: 

    • Setting up businesses or restructuring businesses, including companies, trusts, joint ventures, not for profits and partnership.
    • Sale and purchase of businesses.
    • Intellectual property advice and strategy.
    • Trust structures.
    • Capital raising.
    • Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).
    • Employee profit share arrangements.

    Commercial law support services

    We can support you and your business, by assisting with the following:

    • Registering your business name, apply for your Australian Business Number and Tax File Number. 
    • Registering your security interest on the Personal Properties Security Register (PPSR). 
    • Transactional support for sale and purchase of business. 
    • Establishing discretionary and unit trusts. 
    • Bank guarantee reviews and solicitor certificates. 

    Commercial contract services:

    We can draft, review and negotiate a range of commercial contracts, including: 

    • Heads of agreements. 
    • Sale of business contracts. 
    • Commercial and retail leases.
    • Shareholders agreements. 
    • Unitholders agreements. 
    • Partnership agreements. 
    • Joint venture agreements. 
    • Corporate power of attorneys. 
    • Loan agreements. 
    • Confidentiality agreements. 
    • Sale of assets agreements. 
    • Client services agreements.
    • Business terms of trade. 
    • Supplier agreements. 
    • Supply and manufacturer agreements.
    • Distribution agreements.
    • Professional services agreements. 
    • Share transfer agreements. 
    • Share subscription agreements. 
    • And many more!

    Intellectual property commercialisation services:

    We can help you commercialise your business’ intellectual property (IP) through an IP strategy tailored for your business, protective registrations and key legal documents including: 

    • Registration of trade marks, designs and patents in Australia and internationally.
    • Copyright advice, protection and enforcement.
    • Trade mark, design and patent advice, protection and enforcement.
    • Licensing and assignment of IP assets.
    • Franchising of IP assets.
    • Collaboration agreements.
    • Confidentiality agreements.
    • Employee and contractor agreements (with clauses tailored to ensure business IP ownership and protection).

    Commercial dispute services:

    We have specialist experience dealing with commercial  disputes in a range of industries, and can assist with: 

    • Breaches of contract.
    • Disputes between employees, contractors and businesses.
    • Intellectual property disputes.
    • Commercial and retail lease disputes.
    • Debt recovery and statutory demands.
    • Drafting and responding to cease and desist letters. 
    • Alternative dispute resolution. 
    • Negotiations and mediation.
    • Copyright, trade mark and design infringement proceedings and litigation. 
    • General commercial disputes and litigation.  

     

     

    Common problems our commercial lawyers solve

    • What is the best business structure for my business?
    • What contracts do I need to start working with suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers?
    • How can I protect my business IP?
    • I’ve created a new and unique product, how can I stop others from copying?
    • How do I trade mark my business name and logo?
    • I want to expand my team. Should I hire employees or contractors, and what documents do I need?
    • What do I need to know when buying / selling a business? 

  • Consumer Lawyers

    The landscape around the sale of goods and services has seen a number of changes throughout recent years, and for many businesses it can be hard to keep track of their various legal obligations.

    We help our clients understand their rights and obligations under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

    Who we work with

    We work with a wide range of businesses, to help them understand and comply with their obligations under the consumer law. Whether you’re a service provider working directly with clients, a retail store owner, or operating an e-commerce business, we’re here to help you run a successful business that complies with Australia’s consumer laws.

    For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here 

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our consumer lawyers today.

     

    Consumer law advice services

    • Understanding and complying with the Australian Consumer Law.
    • Consumer guarantees for goods and services,
    • Product warranties.
    • Product safety.
    • Advice for businesses, retailers and manufactures on their responsibilities and obligations under the Australian Consumer Law.
    • Contract reviews, advice and drafting.
    • Avoiding unfair contract terms.
    • Misleading and deceptive conduct relating to advertising, marketing, social media and product packaging.
    • Comparative advertising.
    • Marketing claims.
    • Pre-publication legal reviews of advertising and marketing content, including comparative advertising.
    • Store policies, including returns and refund policies.

    Consumer law contract and drafting services

    • Terms and conditions for retail and e-commerce stores.
    • Refunds, returns and shipping policies for retail and e-commerce stores.
    • Product warranties.
    • Legally compliant product packaging.
    • Legally compliant advertising and marketing campaigns.

    Consumer law dispute services

    • Breaches of the Australian Consumer Law, including in relation to misleading and deceptive conduct, false misrepresentations and consumer guarantees.
    • Debt recovery and statutory demands.
    • Drafting and responding to cease and desist letters. 
    • Alternative dispute resolution. 
    • Negotiations and mediation.

    Common problems our consumer lawyers solve

    Coming soon!

  • Copyright lawyers x Creatives

    As intellectual property lawyers (and creatives at heart), copyright is at the core of what we do. We take pride in ensuring our clients understand how to use, protect and commercialise their copyright at all times as they build and grow their businesses.

     

    Who we work with

    Our experienced copyright lawyers work with a wide range of creative individuals and businesses. For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here.

     

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our copyright lawyers today.

    Copyright advice services

    We provide specialised advice on copyright, such as:

    • The application of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth).
    • Copyright protection, infringement and commercialisation.
    • Copyright in music, software, art, fashion, literature, film and TV, tech, photographs, and more.
    • Moral rights and performer rights.
    • Advice on receiving and providing royalties.
    • Navigating the intersection between copyright law and designs law.
    • Social media, the internet and copyright.
    • Pre-publishing legal advice and copyright clearances for ads, scripts, books, social media content and other publications.

    Copyright contract services

    We can draft, review and negotiate a range of contracts relating to copyright, including:

    • Copyright licence agreements and deeds.
    • Copyright assignment agreements and deeds.
    • Contractor agreements.
    • Collaboration agreements.
    • Client services agreements.
    • Publishing agreements.
    • Artist / designer commission agreements.
    • Talent agreements.
    • Writer agreements.
    • Synchronisation agreements.
    • Event services agreements.
    • Production agreements.
    • Recording agreements.
    • Band partnership agreements.
    • Performance agreements.
    • 360 agreements.
    • Producer agreements.
    • Software and website development agreements.
    • Confidentiality agreements (NDAs).
    • Moral rights consent forms.
    • Supplier agreements.
    • Manufacturing agreements.
    • Distribution agreements.
    • Online terms and conditions (including for websites, online stores, online marketplaces, NFTs, and more).
    • App terms and conditions.

    Copyright commercialisation services

    We can help you commercialise your creativity through copyright:

    • Agreements relating to copyright.
    • Copyright licensing and assignment.
    • Copyright commissioning agreements.
    • Co-author agreements for copyright material.

    Copyright infringement services

    We have specialist experience dealing with copyright infringement and disputes, including:

    • Drafting and responding to cease and desist letters.
    • Alternative dispute resolution.
    • Negotiations and mediation.
    • Copyright litigation.
    • Copyright disclaimers.

    Legacy and estate planning services

    Looking to create an ‘artist legacy’ to pass on to your family, friends, charities or others? We can assist with things such as:

    • Advice on estate planning in relation to your copyright and IP assets.
    • Drafting wills and testamentary documents.
    • Gallery bequests.

    Common problems our copyright lawyers solve

    • What rights do I have under copyright law?
    • How do I protect my work from copycats?
    • Has my copyright been infringed?
    • I’ve been offered a contract relating to my copyright work. What does it mean and should I sign?
    • How can I obtain a licence to use someone else’s copyright material?
    • How do I legally obtain ownership of someone else’s copyright material?
    • How do I make money from licensing or selling my copyright assets?
    • I want to collaborate with another creator, how do I protect my copyright in this process?
    • I am restructuring my business, how can I ensure the new entity owns my copyright assets?

  • Defamation lawyers

    Defamation law operates across traditional, print, digital, social and emerging media forms. This includes film and television, radio, news, podcasts, interviews, video game streaming, and even posting comments on social media.

    We help our clients to stay on the right side of defamation law and protect their individual and business reputations.

    Who we work with

    We work with a range of clients on both sides of defamation law. This includes celebrities, talent and private individuals, who have been defamed.

    On the other side, we work with clients in the media and publishing, providing pre-publication legal reviews to flag and address any potentially defamatory content.

    For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here 

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our defamation lawyers today.

    Defamation law advice services

    • Pre-publication legal advice (including advice on defamation risks) and content clearances.
    • Reviewing allegedly defamatory content.
    • Advising whether there are grounds for a defamation claim.
    • Advising whether there are grounds for a claim of injurious falsehood (for larger businesses).
    • Defamation and social media.
    • Defamation and publishing.
    • Defamation and radio / podcasts.
    • Defamation and third party comments on business’ social media pages.

    Defamation law dispute services

    • Advising clients whether they have grounds to take action for defamation.
    • Bringing defamation claims.
    • Defending defamation claims.
    • Advising clients whether they have grounds to take action for injurious falsehood (for larger businesses).
    • Bringing injurious falsehood claims (for larger businesses).
    • Defending injurious falsehood claims (for larger businesses.
    • Drafting and responding to letters of demand.
    • Alternative Dispute resolution.
    • Negotiations and mediation.
    • Defamation disputes and litigation.

    Common problems our defamation lawyers solve

    • Someone is posting defamatory comments about me online, what can I do?
    • I’ve been defamed… can you help?
    • Can you review my manuscript/campaign copy/social media post/reel/script to confirm I haven’t defamed anyone?
    • I’m writing a memoir/non-fiction book that talks about real people and events… I’ve changed people’s names… is this enough?
    • What is considered “defamation” in Australia?

  • Design lawyers x Design lovers

    Most people have heard of copyright and trade marks… But what about designs law?

    For product designers, artists and creatives in general, understanding (and utilising) designs law can be crucial to commercialise and protect new and distinctive designs.

    As lovers of beautiful, inventive and unique products, and specialists in designs law, we help clients utilise Australian and international design protection to stay at the top of their game.

    Who we work with

    Our clients and capabilities extend across a range of industries. We represent designers of fashion, jewellery, ceramics, homewares, marine habitat infrastructure, furniture, toys, equipment and more.

    For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here 

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our design lawyers today. 

    Design law advice services

    We provide specialised advice on design law, such as: 

    • The application of the Designs Act 2003 (Cth). 
    • Navigating the intersection between copyright law and designs law. 
    • Protection and commercialisation of designs.
    • Competitor design registration checks on the Australian Designs Register. 
    • Design infringement advice. 

    Design contract services

    We can draft, review and negotiate a range of contracts relating to design, including: 

    • Design services agreements. 
    • Design commission agreements.
    • Collaboration agreements.  
    • Supply and manufacture agreements. 
    • Wholesale supply agreements. 
    • Online store terms and conditions, returns policies and privacy policies.  
    • Licensing agreements. 
    • Joint venture agreements. 
    • Confidentiality agreements.

    Design commercialisation services

    We can help you commercialise your creativity in the design industry in a range of ways, including: 

    • Applications to register and certify your designs (in Australia and internationally). 
    • Design licensing and assignment. 
    • Design services agreements. 
    • Design commission agreements.

    Design infringement services

    We have specialist experience dealing with design infringements and disputes, including: 

    • Drafting and responding to cease and desist letters. 
    • Alternative dispute resolution. 
    • Negotiations and mediation. 
    • Design infringement proceedings and litigation.

    Legacy and estate planning services

    Looking to create an ‘artist legacy’ to pass on to your family, friends, charities or others? We can assist with things such as: 

    • Advice on estate planning in relation to your intellectual property assets.  
    • Drafting wills and testamentary documents. 
    • Gallery bequests. 

    Common problems our design lawyers solve

    • How can I protect my designs? 
    • Is my design registrable?
    • What is the difference between copyright, trade marks, designs and patents? Which is best for my design?
    • Someone has copied my design, what can I do? 
    • I want to sell products I have designed on my website. What legal terms do I need? 
    • I want to engage a manufacturer to make my designs into products, what contracts do I need?

  • E-commerce allows businesses to easily connect with large (often global) markets, and as the space grows and evolves, so do we.

    We provide up-to-date legal advice and support to our clients as they navigate and utilise the internet to promote and sell their products.

    We can help you with things like:

    • General e-commerce business and legal advice;
    • Terms and conditions for apps, websites and e-commerce stores;
    • Online policies relating to privacy, copyright, shipping, returns and social media;
    • Agreements with software developers, employers, employees, contractors, collaborators, suppliers and more;
    • Trade mark registration and protection;
    • Intellectual property matters, including rights, ownership, use, commercialisation and infringement;
    • Commercialising and selling digital content such as NFTs, code, software, images, music, e-books and more;
    • Disputes and litigation; and
    • Much, much more.

  • Whether you are an employee, employer, sole business owner, contractor or freelancer, employment law is something that affects us all.

    We are committed to helping creative people and businesses understand their employment law rights and obligations and promoting the running of safe, effective and legally compliant workplaces.

    We can help you with things like:

    • Employment, contractor, freelancer, director and personal services agreements;
    • Advice on sham contracting and contractor v employee assessments;
    • Modern awards and staff entitlements;
    • National Employment Standards;
    • Employee termination, unfair dismissal, notice periods and other provisions of the Fair Work Act;
    • Redundancies;
    • Insurance policies, including workers compensation and public liability;
    • Confidentiality (NDA) agreements;
    • Staff manuals, business policies and codes of conduct;
    • Representation at the Fair Work Tribunal (for employees and employers); and
    • Much, much more.

  • Not only do we live, breath and love the entertainment industry – many of our lawyers have also worked within in it.

    Our insider knowledge and industry experience allows us to understand and identify unique challenges and commercial opportunities for our clients and help them stay protected and reach their goals.

     

    We can help you with things like:

    • Setting up your new entertainment business;
    • Agreements for talent, performers, artists, bands, management, booking agencies, producers, record labels, publishers and more;
    • Copyright matters, including rights, use, protection, infringement and commercialisation;
    • Copyright licences and assignments;
    • Moral rights and performer rights;
    • Clearing samples;
    • Distribution deals for both physical and digital products;
    • Trade mark registration of performer, record label or other business names;
    • Industry standards;
    • Collection of royalties and residuals;
    • Cease and desist letters;
    • APRA/AMCOS/ARIA music licences;
    • Band disputes;
    • Breach of contract advice;
    • Festival legals;
    • Pre-publishing clearances for advertisements, scripts, books, social media content and other publications;
    • Retailing and distribution of digital media, including music, software and film;
    • Handling legal affairs for festivals and events;
    • Merchandise, endorsements, sponsorship and publicity matters;
    • Employment matters;
    • Disputes and litigation including copyright infringement, partnership and contractual disputes; and
    • Much, much more.

    For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here 

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our entertainment lawyers today. 

  • We are no strangers to the events industry. Our inside knowledge and practical experience allows us to guide business owners and other players in the industry to run well-protected and legally compliant events.

    Our experience in this area sees us regularly hired to provide ongoing support to major festivals and other notable events throughout Australia.

    We can help you with things like:

    • Handling legal affairs portfolios for festivals and events;
    • Intellectual property rights, including trade mark registration;
    • Agreements relating to touring, venue hire, bookings, ticketing, performers, volunteers, employees, contractors, talent services, management, production, catering, merchandise and more;
    • Agreements relating to ownership of events including shareholders agreements, partnership agreements, joint venture agreements and more;
    • Selling and purchasing of events;
    • Risk management, work place safety laws and relevant events insurance;
    • Terms and conditions for event ticketing and entry;
    • Merchandising, endorsements, publicity and sponsorship;
    • Cancellation clauses, including force majeure clauses;
    • Disputes and litigation; and
    • Much, much more

  • Fashion lawyers x Fashion Lovers

    At Studio Legal, we like to do things a little differently. When it comes to our office ‘uniform’, this means that boring, poorly designed suits are out… while chunky sneakers, platform boots, cargo pants, floaty dresses, designer coats, out-there accessories and really, whatever we feel like wearing that day, is always in.

    As lovers of fashion and specialists in IP and commercial law, we provide our clients with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the fashion industry.

    Who we work with

    Our experienced fashion lawyers work with clients across all aspects of the fashion industry, including fashion designers, pattern makers, textile designers, manufacturers, models and talent (and their agents), retailers and more.

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our fashion lawyers today. 

    Fashion law advice services

    We provide specialised advice on fashion law, such as: 

    • Intellectual property strategies.
    • Copyright.
    • Design rights.
    • Trade marks.
    • Navigating the intersection between copyright law and design law.
    • Protection and commercialisation of IP (including copyright, designs and trade marks). 
    • Product labelling advice for garments, footwear and headwear.
    • Influencer marketing.
    • Advertising or marketing campaign pre-publication advice.
    • And much more.

    Fashion contract services

    We can draft, review and negotiate a range of contracts relating to fashion, including: 

    • Fashion design services agreements. 
    • Collaboration agreements.  
    • Supply and manufacture agreements. 
    • Wholesale supply agreements. 
    • Sales agent agreements. 
    • Retail stockist agreements. 
    • Consignment agreements. 
    • Distribution agreements. 
    • Online store terms and conditions, returns policies and privacy policies.  
    • Employee and contractor agreements. 
    • Retail lease agreements. 
    • Model management and agreements. 
    • Model agency agreements. 
    • Model booking terms and conditions. 
    • Showroom agreements. 
    • Licensing agreements. 
    • Joint venture agreements. 
    • Model and talent release agreements. 

    Fashion commercialisation services

    We can help you commercialise your creativity in the fashion industry in a range of ways, including: 

    • Applications to register and certify your designs.
    • Copyright licensing and assignment. 
    • Design licensing and assignment. 
    • Collaboration agreements.  
    • Fashion design services agreements. 
    • Trade mark applications.
    • Patent applications.  

    Intellectual property infringement services

    We have specialist experience dealing with intellectual property infringement and disputes in the fashion industry, including: 

    • Drafting and responding to cease and desist letters. 
    • Alternative dispute resolution. 
    • Negotiations and mediation. 
    • Copyright, trade mark and design infringement proceedings and litigation.

    Legacy and estate planning services

    Looking to create an ‘artist legacy’ to pass on to your family, friends, charities or others? We can assist with things such as: 

    • Advice on estate planning in relation to your intellectual property assets.  
    • Drafting wills and testamentary documents. 
    • Gallery bequests. 

    Common problems our fashion lawyers solve

    • How can I protect my designs? 
    • Someone has copied my design, what can I do? 
    • I’m starting my own fashion label, what legals do I need?
    • I’ve been offered a collaboration contract with a major brand/retailer. What does it mean and should I sign? 
    • Should I trade mark my brand name and logo?  
    • What is the difference between a trade mark and a business name? Do I need both?
    • What’s the difference between copyright, trade marks and design rights? Which ones do I need for my business?
    • I want to sell my products on my website. What legal terms do I need? 
    • Can I send influencers free products? Are there any legal requirements that my brand or the influencer has to follow? 

  • Film and TV lawyers x Fans of the silver screen (and all other screens)

    As lovers of film and television, we’re passionate about the growth and success of this vibrant industry in Australia. When not in the office, you’ll find our team attending film festivals, devouring the latest film/tv reviews, hosting movie nights with friends and bingeing must-watch tv series.

    Who we work with

    With our specialist film and TV legal expertise,  we enjoy working with a range of clients across the industry, including screenwriters, film and tv producers, actors, talent, broadcast journalists, agents, directors and more.

    For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our film and TV lawyers today. 

    Film & TV law advice services

    We provide specialised advice on film and TV law, such as: 

    • Intellectual property rights in film, television, musical scores and associated works.
    • Copyright protection, infringement and commercialisation.
    • Chain of title.
    • Script reviews and pre-publication clearances.
    • Intellectual property clearances.
    • Defamation advice and clearances.
    • Censorship.
    • Moral rights.
    • Performers rights.
    • Residuals.
    • Licensing of music and other copyrights including synch placements, remixes and sampling (to include in television shows and films).
    • Broadcast, streaming and other mandatory licences.
    • Talent and location releases.
    • Merchandises and sponsorship.
    • Project financing and funding advice.
    • Employee coverage and classification advice under the Broadcasting Award.
    • Advice for authors and writers on shopping agreements, option agreements and production agreements.

    Film & TV contract services

    We can draft, review and negotiate a range of contracts relating to film and television, including: 

    • Director agreements. 
    • Writer agreements. 
    • Producer agreements. 
    • Cast/talent agreements 
    • Crew agreements. 
    • Music licence agreements. 
    • Confidentiality agreements (NDAs).
    • Distribution agreements. 
    • Co-development agreements. 
    • Co- producing agreements. 
    • Shopping agreements. 
    • Option agreements. 
    • Synchronisation agreements. 
    • Location releases. 
    • Equipment releases. 
    • Talent releases. 
    • Supplier agreements. 
    • Intellectual property assignment and licensing agreements. 
    • Loan agreements. 

    Film & TV commercialisation services

    We can help you commercialise your creativity through the film and television industry in a range of ways, including:  

    • Intellectual property licensing and assignment.
    • Trade mark applications, protection and commercialisation.
    • Contract drafting and negotiating for the adaptation of literary works for film and television.
    • Music licensing and rights for film and television.
    • Rights registration with collection societies.  
    • Sponsorship, endorsements, publicity and merchandising matters. 

    Defamation services

    Anticipate an issue with publishing or broadcasting your work? Or perhaps you’ve published or broadcast something that has landed you in some hot water. When it comes to defamation, we can assist with the following: 

    • Defamation advice.
    • Pre-publication defamation clearances. 
    • Post publication defamation advice.
    • Pre-broadcast defamation clearances.
    • Post broadcast defamation advice. 
    • Image protection and damage mitigation. 
    • Defamation disputes, mediation and litigation.

    Dispute services

    We have specialist experience dealing with infringements and disputes in the film and television industry, including: 

    • Drafting and responding to cease and desist letters. 
    • Alternative dispute resolution. 
    • Negotiations and mediation. 
    • Intellectual property infringement proceedings and litigation. 
    • Defamation proceedings and litigation.

    Legacy and estate planning services

    Looking to create a ‘legacy’ to pass on to your family, friends, charities or others? We can assist with things such as: 

    • Advice on estate planning in relation to your intellectual property assets.  
    • Drafting wills and testamentary documents. 
    • Gallery and archival bequests.  

    Common problems our film & TV lawyers solve

    • Coming soon!

  • IP Lawyers x Innovative Problem Solvers

    As a firm that specialises in helping creative Australians run great businesses, intellectual property is at the core of what we do.

    We work across all areas of IP law, including copyright, trade marks, designs law and patents. Get in touch with one of our team today for assistance identifying, protecting, commercialise and defending your IP rights and assets in Australia and internationally.

     

    Who we work with

    Our experienced IP lawyers work with a wide range of creative individuals and businesses. From those looking to take their side hustle to the next level, to major corporations, artists, musicians, film producers and more, we’re here to assist you with all of your IP needs.

    For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here.

     

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our IP lawyers today.

     

    Intellectual property advice services

    We provide specialised advice on intellectual property (IP), such as:

    • Copyright.
    • Trade marks.
    • Registered designs.
    • Patents.
    • The best IP options for your business.
    • IP strategy, protection and commercialisation.
    • IP portfolio management.
    • Trade mark, patent and design applications.
    • IP advice in sale of business transactions.
    • IP infringement advice.
    • The application of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth), Designs Act 2003 (Cth) and Patents Act 1990 (Cth).
    • Moral rights and performer rights.
    • Navigating the intersection between copyright law and designs law.
    • Social media, the internet and IP.
    • Technology, AI and IP.
    • Pre-publishing legal advice and IP clearances for ads, scripts, books, social media content and other publications.

    Intellectual property contract services

    We can draft, review and negotiate a range of contracts relating to IP, including:

    • IP licence agreements and deeds.
    • IP assignment agreements and deeds.
    • Contractor agreements.
    • Collaboration agreements.
    • Client services agreements.
    • Design services agreements.
    • Publishing agreements.
    • Confidentiality agreements.
    • Artist / designer commission agreements.
    • Synchronisation agreements.
    • Production agreements.
    • Recording agreements.
    • Band partnership agreements.
    • 360 agreements.
    • Producer agreements.
    • Software and website development agreements.
    • Research and development agreements.
    • Technology transfer agreements.
    • Moral rights consent forms.
    • Supply and Manufacturing agreements.
    • App, website and online store terms and conditions.

    Intellectual property commercialisation services

    We can help you commercialise your creativity through IP protection for copyright, trade marks, registered designs and patents:

    Copyright:

    • Agreements and deeds relating to copyright.
    • Copyright licensing and assignment.
    • Copyright commissioning agreements.
    • Co-author agreements for copyright material.

     

    Trade marks:

    • Applications to register your trade marks (in Australia and internationally).
    • Trade mark licensing and assignment. 

     

    Registered designs:

    • Applications to register and certify your designs (in Australia and internationally).
    • Design licensing and assignment. 
    • Design services agreements. 
    • Design commission agreements.

     

    Patents

    • Patent applications (in Australia and internationally).
    • Patent licensing and assignment.
    • Collaboration agreements.  
    • Supply agreements. 

    Intellectual property infringement services

    We have specialist experience dealing with IP infringement and disputes, including:

    • Drafting and responding to cease and desist letters.
    • Alternative dispute resolution.
    • Negotiations and mediation.
    • Litigation.
    • IP disclaimers.

    Legacy and estate planning services

    Looking to create a ‘legacy’ to pass on to your family, friends, charities or others? We can assist with things such as:

    • Advice on estate planning in relation to your copyright and IP assets.
    • Drafting wills and testamentary documents.
    • Gallery bequests.

    Common problems our IP lawyers solve

    • What are my IP rights?
    • What is the difference between copyright, trade marks, designs and patents, and which should I use to protect my work and grow my business?
    • Has my IP been infringed?
    • How do I protect my work from copycats?
    • I’ve been offered a contract relating to my work. What does it mean and should I sign?
    • How can I obtain a licence to use someone else’s IP?
    • How do I legally obtain ownership of someone else’s IP?
    • How do I make money from licensing or selling my IP assets?
    • I want to collaborate with another creator, how do I protect my IP in this process?
    • I am restructuring my business, how can I ensure the new entity owns my IP assets?
    • I’m purchasing/selling a business, what do I need to do to ensure the proper transfer of IP assets?

  • Intellectual property is one of the most important assets a business will have. However, IP is often misunderstood or not sufficiently protected which means that things can get complicated, and disputes can arise.

    We help clients from various industries protect their IP assets and resolve IP disputes.

    We can help you with things like:

    • Advising on IP infringement matters including copyright, trade mark and design infringement;
    • Commencing IP infringement disputes against infringers;
    • Defending IP infringement allegations;
    • Negotiating with third parties to resolve disputes amicably and commercially;
    • Litigating IP infringement matters in the Federal Court of Australia;
    • Trade mark prosecution work;
    • Running trade mark and design non-use, opposition and revocation proceedings before IP Australia; and
    • Much, much more.

  • Signing a lease is an exciting step for any business or individual. However, there’s a lot more to consider than simply the cost, location and how you’re going to decorate your new space!

    When it comes to lease agreements and negotiations, we work with our clients to understand their priorities and goals for their new property. This enables us to ensure their rights and interests are protected before they sign on the dotted line.

    We can help you with:

    • Residential lease and sub-lease agreements;
    • Commercial lease and sub-lease agreements for retail stores, offices, co-working spaces, studios, galleries, warehouses and factories;
    • Negotiations of lease and sub-lease terms;
    • Tenant and landlord rights and obligations under Australian tenancy laws;
    • Stamp duty and GST;
    • Breach notices;
    • Dispute resolution (at VCAT) and litigation; and
    • Much, much more.

  • While we are lovers of quality content, we also understand there’s a lot to get right behind the scenes before things can run smoothly on the page, the screen or the mic.

    Our media lawyers represent clients working across all forms of traditional, new and emerging media, including newspapers, magazines, radio stations, bloggers, podcasters, brands, talent, creative agencies and media companies.

     

    We can help you with things like:

    • Agreements with actors, talent, writers, broadcast journalists, entertainers, cast and crew, employees, contractors, agents and insurers;
    • Production agreements;
    • Financing and funding;
    • Defamation advice and clearances;
    • Censorship;
    • Licensing of music and other copyrights including synch placements, remixes and sampling;
    • Copyright protection, infringement and commercialisation;
    • Performer and moral rights;
    • Talent, copyright and location releases;
    • Merchandise and sponsorship;
    • Chain of title;
    • Pre-publication legal advice and content clearance;
    • Broadcasting licences, streaming licences and other mandatory licences;
    • Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and Australian Press Council (APC) Standards;
    • Privacy matters, including drafting privacy policies;
    • Australian Consumer Law;
    • Disputes and litigation; and
    • Much, much more!

    For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here 

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our media lawyers today. 

  • Not only do we live, breath and love the music and entertainment industry – many of our lawyers have also worked within in it. Our team consists of experienced musicians, booking agents, managers, festival and tour coordinators and DJs.

    Our insider knowledge and industry experience allows us to understand and identify unique challenges and commercial opportunities for our clients and help them stay protected and reach their goals.

    For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here 

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our music lawyers today. 

    We can help you with things like:

    • Setting up your new music business.
    • Agreements for performers, artists, bands, management, booking agencies, producers, record labels, publishers and more.
    • Copyright matters, including rights, use, protection, infringement and commercialisation.
    • Copyright licences and assignments.
    • Moral rights and performer rights.
    • Clearing samples.
    • Distribution deals for both physical and digital products.
    • Trade mark registration of performer, record label or other business names.
    • Industry standards.
    • Collection of royalties;
    • Cease and desist letters.
    • APRA/AMCOS/ARIA music licences.
    • Band disputes.
    • Breach of contract advice.
    • Music festival and events legals.
    • Retailing and distribution of digital media, including music.
    • Merchandise, endorsements, sponsorship and publicity matters.
    • Employment matters.
    • Disputes and litigation including copyright infringement, partnership and contractual disputes.
    • Much, much more.

  • Patent Lawyers x Problem Solvers

    As intellectual property lawyers and patent attorneys (who thrive on both creativity and problem solving), we are constantly inspired by those who think outside the box and invent something new. We believe that hard work and novel ideas deserve recognition. Through patent advice, applications, protection and commercialisation, we help our clients bring their big ideas to the world.

    Who we work with

    We work with creators, inventors, start-ups, SME enterprises and large corporates in all technical fields, ranging from tech to health to engineering.  For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here.

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our patent attorneys today. 

    Patent advice services

    We provide specialised patent attorney advice on matters such as: 

    • Australian and international patent protection. 
    • Patent portfolio management. 
    • Patent strategy. 
    • Patent validity and infringement advice. 
    • Patentability of computer implemented inventions.
    • Patentability of new methods of treatment.  
    • Patentability of new products. 
    • Patentability of new manufacturing processes.  
    • Trade secret protection.  
    • Ownership and entitlement advice and disputes.
    • Due diligence of potential acquisitions. 
    • Start-up corporate advice.  

    Patent contract services

    We can draft, review and negotiate a range of contracts relating to patents, including: 

    • Patent licence agreements. 
    • Patent assignments.
    • Confidentiality agreements. 
    • Collaboration agreements. 
    • Supply agreements. 
    • Research and development agreements. 
    • Intellectual property clauses in employment contracts. 
    • Joint venture agreements. 
    • Technology transfer agreements. 

    Patent commercialisation services

    We can help you commercialise your inventions and ideas in a range of ways, including: 

    • Patent applications (in Australia and internationally).
    • Patent licensing and assignment.
    • Collaboration agreements.  
    • Supply agreements. 

    Patent infringement services

    We have specialist experience dealing with patent infringement and validity disputes, including: 

    • Patent infringement advice.
    • Patent validity advice.
    • Drafting and responding to cease and desist letters. 
    • Negotiations and mediation. 
    • Oppositions before the Australian Patent Office.
    • Appeals to the Federal Court from Patent Office Decisions.
    • Federal Court Proceedings.

    Common problems our patent attorneys provide advice on:

    • Can I and should I obtain a patent for my new product or process? 
    • What are the benefits of a patent? 
    • How much does it cost to file a patent? 
    • How much does it cost to obtain international patent protection? 
    • Should I be named as an inventor on a patent application? 
    • What if my employees create something patentable in the course of employment? 
    • Can I patent a new business method? 
    • I have received a letter of demand alleging my company has infringed a patent – what should I do? 
    • How do I disclose my idea to a potential partner without them stealing it? 

  • Privacy law is ever changing and developing and it’s important that businesses keep up to date with their legal obligations.

    We help our clients understand and confidently comply with their obligations under Australian privacy laws through conducting assessments, drafting policies and offering other legal support in this space.

    We can help you with things like:

    • The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) and Australian Privacy Principles;
    • Assessing whether the Privacy Act applies to your business;
    • Compliance with the Privacy Act;
    • Privacy policies and procedures for customers, internal business communications and websites;
    • Agreements relating to employment, contractors, client services and more;
    • Collection notices;
    • Breach notices;
    • Disputes and litigation; and
    • Much, much more.

  • Publishing Lawyers x Passionate Readers

     As lawyers, we’re used to reading and writing!  

    However, beyond office hours, our love of language and stories, real and imagined, flows into our everyday lives. Our interest in literature and publishing traverses all genres and forms.

    Through the law, we seek to empower and support Australia’s talented writers, illustrators, publishers and everyone involved in this unique industry.  

    Who we work with

    Our experienced publishing lawyers work with authors, journalists, writers, media personalities, illustrators, artists, book cover designers, literary agents, editors, publishing houses, magazines, journals and more.  

    Looking for legal assistance or advice? We’d love to help. Get in touch with one of our publishing lawyers today. 

     

    Publishing advice services

    We provide specialised legal advice on the publishing industry, such as: 

    • Publishing agreements and negotiations.  
    • Pre-publishing legal advice and clearances for books, articles, scripts, ads, blogs, social media content and other publications. 
    • The application of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). 
    • Copyright protection, infringement and commercialisation. 
    • Moral rights.  
    • Advice on receiving and providing royalties.  
    • Defamation. 

    Publishing industry contract services

    We can draft, review and negotiate a range of contracts relating to the publishing industry, including: 

    • Publishing agreements. 
    • Joint and co-author agreements. 
    • Collaboration agreements.  
    • Illustrator agreements. 
    • Book cover design agreements.
    • Literary agent agreements. 
    • Contractor agreements. 
    • Shopping agreements. 
    • Option and purchase agreements.  
    • Production agreements.  
    • Intellectual property licensing agreements and deeds. 
    • Intellectual property assignment agreements and deeds. 
    • Interviewee release forms.  

    Intellectual property and publishing commercialisation services

    We can help you commercialise your creativity in the publishing industry through the following: 

    • Intellectual property strategy, protection, commercialisation and enforcement. 
    • Intellectual property licensing and assignment. 
    • Australian and international trade marks.  
    • Merchandise licence agreements.
    • Shopping agreements, option and purchase agreements, and production agreements (for film and television deals). 
    • Online store terms and conditions.

    Disputes and infringement services

    We have specialist experience dealing with intellectual property infringement, defamation and other disputes in the publishing industry, including: 

    • Drafting and responding to cease and desist letters. 
    • Alternative dispute resolution. 
    • Negotiations and mediation. 
    • Copyright infringement proceedings and litigation. 
    • Defamation proceedings. 
    • Trade mark disputes, hearings and litigation.  
    • Copyright disclaimers. 

    Legacy and estate planning services

    Looking to create a ‘legacy’ to pass on to your family, friends, charities or others? We can assist with things such as: 

    • Advice on estate planning in relation to your intellectual property assets.  
    • Drafting wills and testamentary documents. 

    Common problems our publishing lawyers solve

    • What rights do I have under copyright law? 
    • I’ve been offered a publishing contract. Can you explain my rights and what terms I should negotiate?  
    • Can I use other people’s quotes in my work? 
    • How can I obtain a licence to use third party works in my own work? 
    • I’m an illustrator. How can I protect my illustrations?  
    • I want to collaborate with another creator, how do I protect my copyright in this process? 
    • What is the process for getting my work turned into a TV show or film?  
    • What is the difference between licensing and assigning the copyright in my work? 
    • How can I legally write about real people and events (without being sued for defamation)?  

  • We are constantly inspired by people that dare to dream big and start exciting new businesses.

    From inception to launch and beyond, we help our start-up clients protect their IP, structure their business effectively, prepare key foundational documents, bring in investors and provide ongoing legal support.

    We can help you with things like:

    • General business structure and set up advice;
    • ABN, TFN and business name registration;
    • Preparing for investment;
    • Capital raising including preparing convertible notes, SAFEs and loan agreements;
    • Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs);
    • Employee profit share arrangements;
    • Intellectual property strategy and advice;
    • Trade mark and brand protection;
    • Agreements with partners, shareholders, unitholders, investors, collaborators, employees, contractors and more;
    • Employment law;
    • Co-founders agreements;
    • Vesting arrangements;
    • Restructuring;
    • Lease agreements;
    • Terms and conditions for apps and websites; and
    • Much, much more.

  • As the world of technology continues to expand and evolve, we understand the need to grow with it.

    Armed with our specialist IP knowledge and skills, we keep on top of both advancements in tech and the law so we can provide our clients in the industry with specialised, timely and effective legal advice and support.

    We can help you with things like:

    • General business structure and set up advice;
    • Intellectual property advice relating to technology and digital content such as code, software, NFTs, images, music, e-books and more;
    • Agreements with software developers, employers, employees, contractors, collaborators, suppliers and more;
    • Agreements relating to ownership of tech start-ups including shareholders agreements, partnership agreements, joint venture agreements and more;
    • Purchasing or selling businesses, technology, software or other digital assets;
    • Capital raising documents such as SAFE and convertible notes;
    • Commercialising digital content;
    • Non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements;
    • Creation and maintenance of digital asset portfolios;
    • Domain name searches, registration, transfers and disputes;
    • Terms and conditions for apps, websites and e-commerce stores;
    • Online policies relating to privacy, intellectual property, shipping, returns and social media;
    • E-commerce business and legal advice;
    • Disputes and litigation; and
    • Much, much more.

  • Trade mark lawyers

    Trade marks are an integral part of any business.

    You’ll find them printed on the food and drink packaging sitting in your fridge. They’re embroidered into the labels and fabric of your clothing and shoes. They’re featured in ads, on products and in general conversation.  Effectively, trade marks are everywhere.

    Whether it’s a brand name, a logo, slogan, colour, scent or shape… trade marks are used to distinguish goods and services from one business from those of others. Because of this, they form a core part of all successful businesses.

    At Studio Legal, we’re passionate about helping our clients to identify, register, protect and enforce their trade marks in Australia and internationally.

    Who we work with

    Our trade mark lawyers work with a wide range of creative individuals and businesses.

    Whether you’re at the early stages of starting a business (and looking to lock in your brand name and logo) going through a rebrand (and seeking something new) or running a major corporation (and wanting to expand your presence internationally), our experienced team will tailor a trade mark strategy to your unique business and goals.

    For more information about the industries we work with, take a look at our client industries here.

    Trade mark advice services

    We provide specialised advice on trade mark law, such as: 

    • Trade mark availability, including undertaking brand checks and marketplace checks of your proposed trade marks.
    • General trade mark pre-filing advice and strategy
    • Advice on the key trade mark classes for your brand.
    • Identifying your business’ key brand assets for trade mark applications.
    • Overcoming adverse reports from IP Australia.
    • Trade mark oppositions, cancellations and non-use applications.
    • Trade mark infringement.
    • Trade mark ownership, licensing and assignment.
    • Geographical indications.

    Trade mark contract services

    We can draft, review and negotiate a range of contracts relating to trade marks, including: 

    • Trade mark licenses.
    • Trade mark assignments.
    • Co-existence agreements (and letters of request for co-existence).
    • Ownership and licensing of trade marks between corporate group members. 
    • Copyright assignment agreements and deeds (to transfer ownership of logo designs from graphic designers/artists to relevant business owners).

    Trade mark agent services

    We can act as the agent for your trade marks, and provide assistance in the following areas: 

    • Trade mark monitoring and watch services.
    • Preparation and management of trade mark portfolios.
    • Drafting, filing and managing correspondence with IP Australia and international trade mark offices.
    • Declarations and submissions to IP Australia and international trade mark offices. 

    Trade mark commercialisation services

    We can help you commercialise your IP assets (such as trade marks) in a range of ways, including:

    • Trade mark licensing.
    • Trade mark assignment. 
    • Preparation of trade mark portfolios for sale of business transactions.

    Common problems our trade mark lawyers solve

    • I’m just starting my business, should I apply for trade marks now, or wait until I establish my brand?
    • How do I apply for a trade mark?
    • Someone has copied my business name/logo, what can I do?
    • What is the difference between copyright, trade marks, designs and patents, and which should I use?
    • I applied for a trade mark through IP Australia but received an ‘adverse report’. What do I do now?
    • I’m purchasing/selling a business, what do I need to do regarding the business’ trade marks?
    • I want to sell my products oversea. Do I need an international trade mark or does my Australian trade mark protect my brand?
    • I received a letter saying I’ve infringed someone else’s trade mark! What do I do?
    • What is the difference between the TM symbol and the ® symbol? Can I use them?
    • Why can’t I use certain words to describe my products (such as Champagne, Darjeeling (tea), etc)?
    • I’m a winemaker and want to use the region I produce in on my labels. What do I need to know about Australian wine geographical indications?