How can I protect my idea for a TV show?

In the UK, copyright doesn’t protect ideas themselves, only the way they are expressed. That means a TV format needs to be developed in detail and recorded in writing, for example, in a format document setting out its distinctive features, to have the best chance of protection. Before pitching, it’s sensible to use a confidentiality agreement and keep clear records of your development work and who you’ve shared it with. Our media lawyers can help you protect your format and negotiate fair terms when it’s picked up.

Who owns the copyright in work created by a freelancer?

Unless agreed otherwise, the freelancer who creates a work usually owns the copyright in it, even if you’ve paid for it. That’s different from employees, whose work created in the course of employment generally belongs to the employer. To own the rights in a freelancer’s work, you need a written assignment signed by the freelancer. Without one, you may only have a limited right to use the work. Our solicitors can draft agreements that make sure you own what you pay for.

What’s the difference between a licence and an assignment?

An assignment transfers ownership of the rights to someone else permanently, so the original owner no longer controls them. A licence gives someone permission to use the rights on agreed terms, such as for a set period, territory or purpose, while the owner keeps ownership. Licensing can let you earn income from your work while keeping control of it. The right choice depends on your commercial goals, and our media lawyers can advise you before you sign.

Should I register a trade mark for my brand?

Registering a trade mark with the UK Intellectual Property Office gives you exclusive rights to use it for the goods and services it covers, making it much easier to stop others copying your brand. Without registration, you may have to rely on the law of passing off, which is harder and more expensive to prove. A UK registration lasts for ten years and can be renewed indefinitely. It’s best to check your brand is available and register it early, before you invest heavily in it.

What does UK GDPR mean for my website or app?

If your website or app collects personal data, you must comply with UK data protection law. That includes having a lawful basis for processing, providing a clear privacy notice, keeping data secure, and getting valid consent for non-essential cookies where required. Data protection rules have recently been updated, so it’s worth reviewing your policies regularly. Our technology solicitors can review your website, app and contracts to help you stay compliant and build trust with your users.

Media & Technology Law

Expert Media & Technology Solicitors for Creatives, Producers & Tech Businesses

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200+ Consultants

Across England & Wales

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Media Law at Woodstock Legal Services

The media and entertainment industries move quickly, and the contracts behind every production, release and deal can make or break a project. Woodstock Legal Services provides specialist media law advice to artists, producers, production companies, independent businesses and broadcasters across England and Wales.

Our media lawyers draft, review and negotiate contracts across TV, film, music, publishing and digital media. These include production and commissioning agreements, talent and contributor agreements, distribution and licensing deals, and format agreements. We help you understand the terms you’re signing and spot the clauses that could cost you later.

You’ll work directly with an experienced media lawyer who has advised everyone from high-profile artists and independent companies to major international studios. That means practical, commercially focused advice from someone who understands how the industry really works.

Intellectual Property & Rights Management

Your ideas, content and brand are often your most valuable assets, so protecting and commercialising them properly is essential. Woodstock Legal Services helps creatives and businesses secure, manage and exploit their intellectual property rights.

Our solicitors advise on copyright and ownership of creative works, TV format rights, trade marks and branding, and licensing and assignment of rights. We can make sure you own what you’ve created or paid for, and help you license your work to generate income while keeping control.

Whether you’re developing a new idea, commissioning content from freelancers or negotiating a licensing deal, we’ll help you protect your rights from the outset and avoid costly ownership disputes further down the line.

Technology & Digital Business

Technology underpins almost every modern business, bringing new opportunities but also new legal risks. Woodstock Legal Services advises businesses on the contracts and compliance issues that come with operating in a digital world.

Our solicitors advise on software and SaaS agreements, technology licensing, website and app terms and conditions, development agreements and data protection compliance under UK GDPR. We help you put clear contracts in place with customers, suppliers and developers, so your technology works for your business, not against it.

Because our media and technology work sits alongside our commercial, corporate and employment teams, you get joined-up advice as your business grows.

Explore our Media & Technology Services

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Intellectual Property & Creative Content

Buying or selling an office, shop, industrial unit or development site often involves complex title, planning, VAT and tenancy issues. Our commercial property lawyers handle freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals, reviewing title, raising enquiries and negotiating contracts, keeping the deal on track to completion.

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Media & Technology Law FAQs

How can I protect my idea for a TV show?

In the UK, copyright doesn’t protect ideas themselves, only the way they are expressed. That means a TV format needs to be developed in detail and recorded in writing, for example, in a format document setting out its distinctive features, to have the best chance of protection. Before pitching, it’s sensible to use a confidentiality agreement and keep clear records of your development work and who you’ve shared it with. Our media lawyers can help you protect your format and negotiate fair terms when it’s picked up.
Who owns the copyright in work created by a freelancer?

Unless agreed otherwise, the freelancer who creates a work usually owns the copyright in it, even if you’ve paid for it. That’s different from employees, whose work created in the course of employment generally belongs to the employer. To own the rights in a freelancer’s work, you need a written assignment signed by the freelancer. Without one, you may only have a limited right to use the work. Our solicitors can draft agreements that make sure you own what you pay for.
What’s the difference between a licence and an assignment?

An assignment transfers ownership of the rights to someone else permanently, so the original owner no longer controls them. A licence gives someone permission to use the rights on agreed terms, such as for a set period, territory or purpose, while the owner keeps ownership. Licensing can let you earn income from your work while keeping control of it. The right choice depends on your commercial goals, and our media lawyers can advise you before you sign.
Should I register a trade mark for my brand?

Registering a trade mark with the UK Intellectual Property Office gives you exclusive rights to use it for the goods and services it covers, making it much easier to stop others copying your brand. Without registration, you may have to rely on the law of passing off, which is harder and more expensive to prove. A UK registration lasts for ten years and can be renewed indefinitely. It’s best to check your brand is available and register it early, before you invest heavily in it.
What does UK GDPR mean for my website or app?

If your website or app collects personal data, you must comply with UK data protection law. That includes having a lawful basis for processing, providing a clear privacy notice, keeping data secure, and getting valid consent for non-essential cookies where required. Data protection rules have recently been updated, so it’s worth reviewing your policies regularly. Our technology solicitors can review your website, app and contracts to help you stay compliant and build trust with your users.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. Whether you’re negotiating a production deal or a software licence, your matter gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

Proactive Updates: No Chasing

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a call centre or a rotating team. They keep you informed at every stage and are on hand to answer your questions, so you’ll never need to chase.

Real Industry Experience

Our media lawyer has advised high-profile artists, independent production companies and major international studios. You’ll get practical advice from someone who understands your industry, not just the law.

Meet our Media & Technology Solicitors

Media & Technology Client Testimonials

Luke English

"Luke was an absolute pleasure to work with, providing invaluable advice and guidance throughout the process. His attention to detail was outstanding, ensuring that every aspect of our policies was clear, concise, and legally sound. Not only did Luke deliver exceptional work, but he also took the time to explain everything in detail, ensuring that I had a thorough understanding of each aspect of our policies. His knowledge and expertise were truly impressive, and I learned so much from working with him."

Luke English

"I recommend Luke as a media lawyer. He worked with us on a media project, and his contributions were crucial to the success of that project. He was able to provide us with the legal expertise we needed, but he also helped us think through the project from a strategic perspective. I would recommend him highly. Luke is very knowledgeable about media law, and he cares about the outcome of our projects. He helped us think through the legal issues involved in a project we were working on, but he also gave us strategic advice."

Reviews taken from TrustPilot & Google from October 2026

Expert Media & Technology Solicitors for Creatives, Producers & Tech Businesses

Media Law at Woodstock Legal Services

Intellectual Property & Rights Management

Technology & Digital Business