Art Law Studio is a specialist London law firm advising artists, advisors, collectors and dealers on contracts, disputes and other matters. We work closely with fellow experts worldwide to protect our clients in a dynamic, fast-paced, global market.

As one of the only law firms in the world with a total focus on the art market, we are well positioned to advise our clients on their most important art matters and work hard to deliver a high-quality service that adds value and is cost-effective.

We are privileged to advise leading international artists and their estates, advisors, collectors and dealers on:

  • Consignment and representation agreements and associated disputes

  • The sale/purchase of art, privately and at auction, and associated disputes over title/ownership, authenticity, attribution, provenance, non-payment and resale restrictions

  • Terms of sale for dealers and artist studios including primary market resale restrictions

  • Commission agreements from the perspective of both the artist and commissioner

  • Terms of business and other documentation for advisors, dealers and fine art framers

  • The law of agency including duties owed by an agent and alleged breach of fiduciary duties

  • Art loans to institutions and others

  • The international movement of art including import and export restrictions

  • Art finance, art insurance and associated disputes

  • Regulatory matters, including anti money-laundering (AML) laws and regulations

  • The exploitation and protection of copyright and related rights including “moral rights” and the Artist Resale Right

  • Bringing ‘rediscovered’ works to market and navigating authentication committees in the UK and abroad

  • Publishing agreements between publishers and contributors

  • Legacy and estate planning for artists and collectors

When advising on transactions, we adopt a commercial, solution-driven approach to mitigate risk whilst getting the deal done. We know which points to take and which to give. We work swiftly but never rush.

Where disputes arise, we aim to resolve them promptly and discretely. Where litigation cannot be avoided, we fight hard to win, mindful always of our clients’ objectives and the inherent risk and cost of litigation.  We closely monitor worldwide art disputes and can identify the best placed expert to assist with the specific matter at hand.  

Our total independence, specialist focus and network of fellow art law experts allows us to assemble the best team in the UK and overseas to meet our clients’ objectives in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.