We firmly believe that in order to provide the best service, we assess, not just the legal position, but also, as a matter of course, advise on the commercial terms, their implications and alternative deal options on any matters that we are instructed upon. The legal services are ancillary to that because everything we do is considered initially from a business and commercial perspective.
Dean is a trained solicitor with over 20 years experience, so it is a given that we are able to provide informed advice on the law ancillary and incidental to the commercial advice. In particular, we are experts in contract law, intellectual property (copyright, performers’ rights, Trade Marks, passing off, confidentiality etc), company/commercial, joint ventures and partnership.
Mainly, we represent our clients in their contractual dealings. Therefore, we are able to carry out the following services:
We are experienced in advising business start ups, consulting on the most appropriate vehicle for the business and dealing with any contracts between the founders (such as shareholders agreements or partnership agreements) and also advice on and drafting of terms and conditions of trade. We work closely with specialist accountants and can help you prepare a professional business plan in order to raise funds.
We can advise on funding, whether by way of investment funds, venture capital, DIY funding, grant funding or licensing.
We can advise on the creation and protection of intellectual property and Data Protection Act, privacy & regulatory compliance.
We can advise on acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, sponsorship and rights licensing, and branding.
Dispute resolution is a key area. We do not carry out litigation, but Dean has had extensive experience of dealing with entertainment industry disputes over many years. His early involvement has, in many disputes, meant achievement of a pragmatic and commercial pre-action settlement, avoiding the expense and stress of litigation.
Fees are generally agreed in advance. For our Terms & Conditions of business please click here.
For start-ups and existing creative businesses, we can carry out the following services:
Our aim is to provide a full range of services to our clients. However, we do not deal with matters outside of our specialist areas. Instead, we are affiliated with very experienced and capable law firms and service providers in this country and overseas that can provide us with expert support in the areas of:
“Creative Law & Business provides a fast, quality and efficient service taking into account an independent record label’s budget in a rapidly changing music industry” CR2 Records
“It's been invaluable to have the experience of Dean Marsh to call on whilst getting this project in place.” Sue Wincott - Manager, Imperial Leisure
“Creative Law & Business are different. They're informal and fun to work with but provide a very professional and efficient service. They are also well versed in digital media and marketing, and in our field of business which is online gaming” Gavin Grimes – MD, McBoom
“Things started to go a bit crazy after we were nominated for Best Song at The Ivors. Having Dean on board provided much needed support. CL & B introduced us to our publishing company, Notting Hill, and got us a great deal. ” N Hemming & C Hardy - The Leisure Society
“Creative Law & Business have not only provided me with sound advice concerning my independent film, Elevator Gods, but also have introduced me to potential funders, talent and producers. I'll certainly be using them again” Pete Hunt - Elevator Gods
“We're very happy with the service provided by Dean Marsh and Creative Law & Business. They really understand the music industry and, in particular, all dance genres including drum n' bass in which we mainly work. ” Scott Bourne & Andy C - Ram Records Ltd
“Dean has been with us since the beginning and we've been going for over 12 years now. If anyone knows the ins and outs of running an independent label then it’s him.” JC Reid – MD Skint Records
“Dean has supported me through thick and thin and is always there on hand for advice and manages to explain the intricacies in all aspects of life; from divorces, to art to music and business. p.s Ask him to say Prawns.” Fi Jones - Designer/Stylist - Mrs Jones
“Things started to go a bit crazy after we were nominated for Best Song at The Ivors. Having Dean on board provided much needed support. CL & B introduced us to our publishing company, Notting Hill, and got us a great deal.” N Hemming & C Hardy - The Leisure Society
“Since meeting Dean, we have had the benefit of his enthusiasm, professionalism and general good humour. He's known as one of the good guys, and we hope to keep working with him for years to come.” James de Malplaquet – The Miserable Rich
“We are pleased that we chose CL & B to advise us on the soundtrack deal with Universal. They were efficient and knowlegeable, and are an excellent value for money service. We look forward to working with them again” F Dwyer & A Posey, Co-Producers, An Education
“It was a pleasure working with CL&B. They carried out an excellent job negotiating Kirsty Almeida's agreement with Decca, obtained many improvements on the commercial terms and we're very happy with the result” Mark Denby, Manager – Kirsty Almeida
“Dean Marsh was a fantastic ally in our latest record deal ensuring not only the fairest deal for my artist but also the safest for them. We will definitely be using Dean and All at Creative Law for our legal issues” Matt Stuart - Gung-Ho! Management
“I was recommended Dean Marsh 3-4 years ago and can honestly say, I was so pleased with the working relationship. Dean always achieved, that I will always pick up the phone to him, with that said, I am looking forward to acquiring Dean's services in the near future.” Leon Jean-Marie