About

Whitaker Law | Freelance Lawyer

Whitaker Law was formed for the principal purpose of serving the creative community.

We pride ourselves on our passion for, and our understanding and experience of, the creative industries.

Our expertise covers the areas of commercial, intellectual property and company law, with a particular focus on the media and entertainment sectors.

We aim to to provide dedicated, tailored support and strategic legal guidance to participants in the media and entertainment community, based on many years’ experience of working with those involved in multiple areas of the creative industries.

We proudly serve those working across film and television, music, theatre, literature and publishing, video games and content creation, including filmmakers, musicians, writers, artists, performers, content creators, producers and production companies, directors, crew, financiers and many others involved in the creative process.

Our priority, and focus, is providing top quality tailored advice to our clients, at a fair price. Whilst we will rarely be the cheapest option, we are proud of our abiility to offer innovative pricing models which meet the financial needs of our clients. Providing pro bono assistance for the creative community is also a core part of our philosophy.

About James Whitaker

Whitaker Law was founded in 2023 by James Whitaker, a City trained lawyer with 15 years’ experience in a large international law firm, including four years as partner.

James is dual qualified in England and Wales, and California, and brings his experience of both jurisdictions to bear in his practice.

James was named as a Legal 500 “Key / Recommended Lawyer” for Media and Entertainment (2022 and 2023). He has served as a non-executive director, as well as an advisor to multiple start-up, scale-up and established companies in the media and entertainment sector, and previously worked in the business affairs team of a major music label.

Some key career moments:

  • January 2023 – Started Whitaker Law
  • June 2019 – Admitted as Attorney to State Bar of California
  • January 2019 – Became Partner at large international law firm
  • March 2016 – Admitted as Solicitor Advocate (Higher Courts Civil Proceedings) in England and Wales
  • March 2009 – Admitted as Solicitor in England and Wales

Appointments and memberships

  • Law Society Intellectual Property Law Committee (UK)
  • Law Society Civil Justice Law Committee (UK)
  • Producers Alliance for Cinema & Television (PACT) – Facilitator member (UK)
  • Royal Television Society (UK)
  • California Lawyers’ Association (USA)
  • National Society of Entertainment Lawyers (USA)
  • Cinando (Global)

Indicative recent experience

Whitaker Law’s recent engagements include the following:

  • Advising in relation to music licensing contract documentation.
  • Advising video production company on image rights issues in context of using well-known name, image and likeness in project.
  • Advising VFX company on contractual framework and protections for major motion picture project.
  • Acting for independent film producer in negotiations regarding ownership of intellectual property in feature film production.
  • Acting for content creator in negotiations regarding credit for work carried out on copyrighted works.
  • Representing independent film producer in negotiations and in respect of contractual framework for major property for potential SVOD streaming.
  • Acting for special effects company in negotiating contracts for major motion picture.
  • Negotiating sales and distribution agreements in respect of multiple territories on behalf of motion picture director.
  • Advising on issues arising from commercial contracts for major television production company.
  • Advising UK film and television body on suite of sustainability-focused contracts for sustainable studios project.
  • Advising in relation to sustainability / ESG policies and protocols in light of emerging legislative and regulatory regimes.
  • Royalty assessments and analyses, and audit settlement negotiations.
  • Negotiating musical artist release agreements and confidentiality agreements.
  • Multiple content license negotiations and agreements.
  • Advising in relation to commercial and intellectual property issues arising from drinks brand development.
  • Negotiating release from contractual hold on developing derivative work in the film and television context.
  • Advising on licensing issues in the context of use of intellectual property in major advertising campaign.
  • Advising in relation to horror feature film co-authorship dispute and resulting rights and revenue split.
  • Acting for principal director in potential dispute with documentary film producer in respect of co-authorship dispute.
  • Advising independent film maker in rights dispute with former commercial partner regarding use of material on website sizzle reel.
  • Advising major film and television industry sustainability organisation on suite of commercial contracts.

Contact

If you have a query, problem or idea, feel free to get in touch, giving as much information as possible, and I will respond as soon as possible.

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