Art & Cultural Property

Disputes in the art world can be complex, often involving multiple parties, international elements, and high value works. Our team understands the unique challenges of resolving disagreements over commissions, joint ventures, ownership, authenticity, insolvency, and professional advice. We have deep experience helping clients recover assets, settle claims, and navigate the intricacies of cross-border litigation, all while protecting the reputations and relationships that matter in the art market.

We add value by providing clear, practical guidance at every stage of a dispute. Clients benefit from our ability to resolve issues efficiently — whether through negotiation, mediation, or, if needed, robust representation in court. Our focus is always on achieving the best possible outcome, minimising disruption, and safeguarding your interests so you can focus on your core activities with confidence.

Our recent cases include:

• Advising a global art dealer on real estate, broker default, and employment challenges.
• Managing joint venture disputes and litigation for art sculpture investors.
• Advising an Old Master dealer in the defence of a claim to rescind the sale of a high value work on authenticity grounds.
• Assisting creditors in art gallery insolvency with recovery, title, and contract claims.

For straightforward art disputes advice, please contact Roland Foord.

Art transactions are rarely straightforward, often involving multiple jurisdictions, complex agreements, and significant sums. Our lawyers are well-versed in structuring deals for acquisitions, sales, commissions, investments, and financing within the art sector. We understand the commercial realities of the market and the importance of getting the details right to ensure smooth, secure transactions.

By working closely with you, we help you structure deals that protect your interests and maximise value. Our advice is always tailored to your objectives, ensuring risks are managed and opportunities are realised. Whether you are expanding your collection, investing in new ventures, or securing finance, we provide the clarity and strategic insight needed to move forward with assurance.

Recent cases include:

• Advising government institutions and private collectors on how best to structure the ownership of their collections, working with appropriate offshore managers and lawyers as required.
• We support a globally renowned museum organisation on complex, cross-border art agreements and cultural partnerships.
• Guided an Italian billionaire on urgent, cross-border acquisition of watches and cars in multiple challenging disputes.
• Structured investments, due diligence, and credit for our client's global expansion of art galleries across many jurisdictions.

The art market faces increasing scrutiny, with evolving regulations, export controls, and compliance requirements. Our team has a strong grasp of the rules governing art creation, movement, and sale, including issues around provenance, restitution, and cultural property. We help clients understand and navigate these obligations, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or regulatory breaches.

Clients value our proactive approach to compliance and risk management. We work with you to anticipate challenges, implement robust processes, and respond swiftly to regulatory changes. Our goal is to give you peace of mind, allowing you to operate confidently in a market where the legal landscape is constantly shifting.

Our recent cases include:

• Advised a leading auction house on cross-border enforcement, freezing orders, and urgent auction compliance.
• Advising overseas art collectors and institutions in relation to applications to export artworks that were found by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art to meet the Waverley Criteria as national treasures.
• Advising extensively on the obligations of art market participants in relation to compliance with the UK AML regime and in responding to HMRC investigations in this area.
• Advising in relation to a police investigation and subsequent proceedings relating to the sale of an item containing ivory.
• Navigated export licensing and national treasure rules for overseas museum’s acquisitions.

Protecting intellectual property is essential in today’s art world. Our lawyers understand the importance of safeguarding your creative assets, from trademarks to bespoke digital solutions. We help clients secure their rights and manage risks in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

Our value lies in making complex IP and technology issues straightforward. We guide you through the process of protecting, licensing, and developing new art technologies, ensuring you retain control and can capitalise on your innovations. With our support, you can embrace new opportunities with confidence, knowing your interests are protected.

Our recent cases include:

• Advising on IP, trademark, and clearance for “Collector” art app in UK and EU.
• Advising auction houses in relation to disputes relating to a consigned artwork which were alleged to infringe a third party’s copyright.
• Advising on issues relating to the ownership of copyright in the context of the commission of an artwork.
• Advising an auction house in relation to whether a particular category of works for sale was subject to the Artist's Resale Right Regulations.

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