Free 1 Hour Masterclass 8th May: Legal Essentials for Creative Businesses

Hosted by Kevin Withane & Nick Gould, Partner at Impact Lawyers
Demystifying UK Law for Creatives, Start-Ups and Entrepreneurs.

1. Welcome & Introduction

Kevin & Nick:

• Quick intros – who we are, why we’re passionate about helping creative businesses.
• This is a practical, jargon-free guide to help you protect your work, your business, and your peace of mind.
• UK law-focused, designed for the real-life challenges you face.

2. Contract Law: The Essentials

What makes a contract legally binding?

• Offer – A clear proposal.
• Consideration – Something of value exchanged.
• Acceptance – Agreement to the offer.

Why it matters:

• Protects both parties. Prevents misunderstandings.
• Verbal agreements can be binding, but written contracts give you security.
• Always define scope, deadlines, payments, and ownership of work.

3. IP & Copyright: Protect What You Create

Copyright:

• Automatically protects original creative work (e.g., designs, photos, content).
• No registration needed in the UK – but you must prove ownership.

Trademarks & Design Rights:

• Logos, brand names, slogans = register them as trademarks.
• Product shape/design = protectable via unregistered or registered design rights.

Tip: In collaborations, confirm who owns what in writing before starting.

4. Negligence & Product Liability

The Tort of Negligence:

• You have a duty of care to your customers.
• If your product causes harm due to poor quality or safety issues, you could be held liable.

What you can do:

• Put quality control and safety checks in place.
• Get public liability insurance.
• Use supplier contracts with clear responsibilities.

5. Business Structures: Know Your Set-Up

Choosing the right structure is essential from the start.

As a sole trader, you retain full control and profits, but you’re personally liable for any business debts.

A partnership means shared responsibility and liability – both for the business and each other’s decisions.

Setting up as a limited company (Ltd) provides a separate legal identity, protecting personal assets if something goes wrong, but it comes with more admin and responsibilities.

If you’re running a social enterprise, a Community Interest Company (CIC) might be the right option – profits are reinvested for community benefit, and reporting obligations are higher.

6. Clear Communication: Your Best Legal Defence

Nick Gould:

• So many legal disputes boil down to poor communication.
• Put everything in writing. Be clear. Ask questions. Confirm agreements.
• Whether you’re dealing with clients, partners, or suppliers – clarity beats assumption.

7. AOB & Open Q&A

Ask us anything:

• Got a contract worry? Unsure about copyright? Thinking about your business structure?
• This is your chance to ask legal questions in a friendly, no-judgement space.

This masterclass takes place via Zoom at 10am, Thursday 8th May – don’t forget to register for your free place and a Zoom link will be sent to you closer to the date.