Art Law
The visual artist faces various legal questions during the stages of the creation, exhibition, and/or sale of their works. Understanding and considering these legal implications is imperative to protecting yourself as an artist. We help artists protect their works and avoid unnecessary risks so they can focus their attention on their art. We can help you copyright your work and counsel you as you take your pieces out into the world at large.
Selling your art through a third-party such as a dealer or gallery puts you squarely in the middle of a business relationship. Furthermore, you want to ensure your work is safe when being exhibited or lent to a museum or art-space. A successful relationship hinges on you and the other parties involved having a clear understanding of the arrangement, especially the details sometimes overlooked when deals are done without legal guidance. Most disagreements can be avoided by being proactive and seeking the counsel of an attorney, such as those at Johnson & Moo, to assist you with drafting and negotiating your contracts with dealers, galleries, auction houses, exhibition spaces (such as cafes, etc.), private buyers, and others involved in the art world. Avoid souring relationships or even possible litigation by having us assist you with the business side of your transactions.
Specifically, we help with