Art Law

 

Our specialist art law practice was the first of its kind in Hong Kong. We have a presence in almost every conceivable aspect of the art market, including Art Basel Hong Kong. Our clients include international collectors, artists, dealers, art institutions, art foundations, museums, galleries, governments and auction houses.

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We understand that collecting art and artefacts can be a lifetime passion. But owning, managing and creating art brings obligations and responsibilities, such as reputation and legacy, the protection of cultural heritage and financial planning.

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Art and antiques are also international business. They transcend national boundaries, moving around the world as they are bought, sold, exhibited and loaned. Art provokes political debate and attracts media attention, yet those who handle it are reliant on trust and discretion.

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Our non-contentious work includes complex international cross-jurisdictional transactions covering a wide range of commercial agreements, creation of art funds and other art investment structures, and advice on anti-money laundering regulations. Our contentious work includes advising on cases of defective title, provenance, authenticity, attribution and reputation as well as criminal and fraudulent aspects of art.

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Specialist services range from advice on sale, purchase, loan, consignment and financing of art to exploitation and protection of copyright and cultural heritage issues.

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The team has established an extensive international network of art world contacts and a close association with other specialist art lawyers worldwide. Our history of successes in high profile, politically sensitive matters reflects an ability to act swiftly and with the utmost discretion.

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Our expertise includes among other:

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• Dispute resolution in cases of defective title, provenance, authenticity and attribution

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• Art related aspects of estate, wills, trusts and tax issues
  Creation, management and dissolution of art funds and other art investment structures

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• Advising on criminal and fraud aspects of art, including fakes, forgeries, money laundering and art theft

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• Advising on cultural heritage property claims, including spoliation and restitution

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• Creation, management and dissolution of art funds and other art investment structures

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• Exploitation and protection of copyright and other intellectual property rights including Droit de Suite (artists’ resale rights)

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• Art import, export and movement

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• Art Insurance

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• Art Sale, purchase loan and consignment

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• Advice on Auctions Law including third party claims and auctioneers responsibilities

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• Art lending

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• Art and Trust Structures