Art law has been a specialised field in certain countries over several years. A rise in collection activity in our country, coupled with the significant increase in the value of art, antiquities and other collectibles, justifies greater attention to these works by all stakeholders. At the same time, we have an evolving legal and regulatory landscape – The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, Rules and declarations made thereunder, the Museum Grant Scheme, Exchange Control, Stamp Duty, Income and Indirect Tax law amendments, amongst others.
With our extensive experience in media laws, intellectual property rights protection, and estate planning, we decided to combine our strengths in these practice areas to start an art law practice. To provide a complete offering in this space, the art law practice team collaborates with specialists in the field, various art infrastructure solution providers, international law firms who have significant experience in this area of practice, and experts and accountants having the relevant experience.
Our art law practice provides advisory, transactional as well as litigation services. We provide advisory services on diverse matters including maintaining appropriate documentation, valuation, insurance, establishing a holding structure for collections of art collectors, setting up private museums / foundations, succession planning, assisting with due diligence, authentication and forensics for art, documentation when acquiring or lending art pieces, tax and exchange control considerations, protection of intellectual property and policy advocacy. We also strategize and provide litigation services on disputes related to art, including title disputes, authenticity disputes, bidding disputes, insurance claims, and taking action against infringing or fake works.
Clients include art collectors (individuals and corporate), trusts, foundations, artists, auctionhouses, art galleries and dealers.
We see this as a fast-growing area, having received valuable inputs and encouragement from well-known artists and art collectors, and look forward to providing value to our clients in this space.
