Disputes

Wherever we can, we help our clients avoid disputes but, if litigation is necessary, we have the expertise to take cases to trial in a wide range of courts and tribunals.

Key contacts
Overview

Wherever we can, we help our clients avoid disputes or nip potential problems in the bud but, if litigation is necessary, we have the expertise to take cases to trial in a wide range of courts and tribunals.

We offer advice and representation on general commercial disputes and have a specific focus on media-related cases. We have experience in all forms of dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration and litigation. As well as our UK experience, our lawyers work regularly with counterparts in Europe, the USA and beyond, and as a result have a wide knowledge of procedures in the world’s major commercial centres.
Expertise

Our areas of expertise include the following:

  • Breach of contract
  • Copyright infringement
  • Defamation and privacy
  • Negligence claims (including professional negligence)
  • Trade mark infringement
  • Protection of confidential information
  • Passing off claims
  • Breach of restrictive covenants
  • Agency termination
  • Supplier/distribution disputes
  • Partnership/shareholder disputes
  • Civil fraud claims
  • Injunctions and debt recovery
  • Insolvency

KEY CONTACT

KEY CONTACTS

The team are highly regarded for their work across a broad range of contentious matters.

Block quote
Source
They're extremely proactive - they provide great communication, thorough research and immediate responses.
Chambers & Partners
Simkins have an excellent media practice constantly evolving with the changes in our industry.
Legal 500
They demonstrate commercial and industry knowledge while being a fast and effective team.
Chambers & Partners
Block Quote
Source
They are genuinely concerned with their clients' interests - they seek to reach satisfactory resolutions before the matter comes to court.
Chambers & Partners
Particularly esteemed for his work in music copyright infringement cases, the "excellent" Gardiner is singled out for praise by observers as "a very bright litigator."
Chambers & Partners
Paddy Gardiner is head of the firm's disputes group and is described by commentators as "very able" in the context of contentious music matters and litigation. He is particularly well regarded for his music-collecting societies practice.
Chambers & Partners

News & Insights

Microphone

Midweek Music Update: Wednesday 26 November 2025

Printed circuit board

Secondary ruling in Getty’s UK showdown with Stability AI begs the primary question

Clapperboard and popcorn

Film and TV Briefing: Friday 21 November 2025

Buildings

Companies House: Mandatory ID verification for Directors and PSCs begins today