Noted for providing ‘reliable, trustworthy' advice, Howes Percival LLP is lauded for its vast experience in the publishing industry. The group operates across a wide variety of creative industries such as TV, film, and videogames, and is led by James Howarth, who is particularly adept at representing claimants in defamation and privacy cases. Cathleen Blackburn and Steven Maier are well versed in IP disputes, while Chris White represents rights holders and service providers for high-profile sporting events. Frequently receiving instructions from music, publishing, and theatre clients, Jenna Bruce leads the firm’s non-contentious offering, regularly advising on the drafting of rights agreements.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very good team with comprehensive knowledge of media and entertainment issues.’

  • ‘James Howarth is excellent.’

  • ‘They are a knowledgable and experienced firm, able to provide reliable, trustworthy advice.’

  • ‘We work regularly with Cathleen Blackburn who is always able to give us helpful, thorough and reassuring advice and counsel.’

Key clients

  • The Tolkien Estate
  • Agatha Christie Limited
  • Magda Archer
  • Cochrane Collaboration
  • European Association of Archaeologists
  • M C Beaton Literary Estate
  • David Shrigley
  • Estate of Peter Mayle
  • MassiveMusic
  • U.P. Fitness
  • Welbeck Publishing
  • Sounds Like Publishing
  • Dolce Music Limited
  • Quarto Group plc
  • Relay Publishing

Work highlights

  • Advised the Tolkien Estate in connection with the repeated infringement of its intellectual property rights in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Lawyers

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Leading partners
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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

James Howarth

Other key lawyers

Cathleen Blackburn, Steven Maier, Jenna Bruce, Chris White