In England this work covers advising businesses, creators and rights holders about ownership, licensing and commercial exploitation of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, films, broadcasts, software and database rights, and pursuing or defending claims under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Solicitors draft and negotiate assignments, licences, publishing, commissioning and distribution agreements, bespoke terms for digital platforms and collective management arrangements with bodies such as PRS for Music and PPL; prepare evidence, apply for search and preservation orders, issue cease‑and‑desist letters and represent clients in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, the High Court and at the Copyright Tribunal. Progression of matters is shaped by chain of title, moral and performers’ rights, clearance for sampling and the technical preservation of digital evidence.
What a solicitor handles in these matters
Solicitors interpret CDPA provisions, manage assignments and licence drafting to secure territorial and digital rights, negotiate with collecting societies, pursue inter partes relief including search and preservation orders, disclosure and interim injunctions, and quantify damages or an account of profits. They coordinate technical preservation of servers and forensic evidence, advise on database‑right protection and handle cross‑border enforcement and platform takedown procedures.