About Us
Our Expertise
Whitaker Law was formed for the principal purpose of serving the creative community.
We pride ourselves on our passion for, and our understanding 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.
What They’re Saying
"James provided us with a superb level of support, offering rock-solid communication and invaluable expertise right through to the satisfactory resolution of our particular situation. I would recommend with no hesitation."
Pat Higgins
Founder, Jinx Media
Whitaker Law’s Founder
About James Whitaker
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.
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, having spent time in both, he brings his experience of those jurisdictions to bear in his practice.
Whitaker Law brings senior, hands-on experience to the creative industries, combining technical rigour with a deep understanding of how projects are developed, financed and brought to market.
Indicative Recent Experience
Advising in relation to music licensing contract documentation for documentary film.
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 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.
Start the Conversation
If you’d like to explore a project, ask a question or understand how we can support you, we’d be pleased to have an initial conversation.