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Negotiating a well-drafted author/publisher contract is key to a successful author/publisher relationship. Authors also need to focus on how they deal with their literary assets and royalty streams both during their lifetime and after their death. This workshop will explore the legal issues facing authors from the creation of their works onwards, with practical advice on what to look out for in publishing contracts, how to avoid expensive libel law suits and what steps to take to protect and preserve your copyrights and other intellectual property assets whether on a relationship-breakdown or after your death. The workshop will be led by partner Simon Stokes from Blake Lapthorn’s publishing team and supported by Christine Plews, partner, and Caroline van Zyl, associate, from Blake Lapthorn’s private client team.

Stokes is a publishing partner with Blake Lapthorn and has been advising authors and publishers for almost 20 years. He is the author of several books including Art & Copyright and Digital Copyright Law & Practice (3rd edition). The UK legal directories recommend him for his expertise in copyright, technology and publishing law.

Plews is a partner and heads up the family team at Blake Lapthorn. She has particular expertise in divorce and financial issues on separation including co-habitee disputes and cases involving business assets, trusts and cases where substantial assets are involved. Plews also deals with disputes between executors and beneficiaries and claims. Chambers UK, A Client’s Guide to the Legal Profession 2012 features Plews as a leader in her field.

van Zyl is an associate in the succession and tax team specialising in estate and tax planning, powers of attorney, drafting wills, administering estates including those with heritage and/or foreign assets, advising authors and academics regarding the treatment of royalties and publishing rights after death.