Art Law

The art world presents a unique mix of creativity, cultural value, and commerce, and with that comes a range of legal challenges. Our team of experienced art lawyers specializes in advising on matters of intellectual property, contracts, licensing, art transactions, and dispute resolution. We take a holistic and client-centric approach, working closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and provide bespoke solutions that support both creative practice and commercial goals.

As a boutique IP law firm, we assist artists in protecting their original works through copyright registration and enforcement. We also draft and negotiate licensing agreements, commissions, and assignments for traditional artworks, digital pieces, installations, and public art. We advise on artist-gallery relationships, consignment contracts, loan agreements for exhibitions, and collaborative projects, ensuring that the rights and obligations of all parties are clearly defined and fairly balanced.

In the commercial and institutional sectors, we guide clients through the valuation, sale, and transfer of artworks, with particular emphasis on provenance, authenticity, title, and ownership disputes. Our team has extensive experience advising on antiquities, national treasures, and export-restricted objects under Indian law, including compliance with the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act and related regulations.

We are also frequently engaged in matters involving art theft, counterfeiting, and legacy disputes. These cases often include incomplete documentation, disputed ownership claims, or the involvement of deceased artists’ estates. We assist clients in asserting or defending rights in such situations, navigating both civil and criminal procedures where necessary.

As the art world expands into the digital realm, we support clients with cutting-edge legal strategies for art NFTs, smart contracts, and online infringement. Our team regularly advises on copyright issues involving digital artwork, enforcement of moral rights, and secondary sale royalty structures, helping clients adapt to the evolving technological landscape without compromising their rights.

Our art lawyers also play an important advisory role in legacy planning and estate structuring for artists, including the establishment of private collections, charitable foundations, artist-endowed trusts, and archival projects. We work with private clients and family offices to ensure their artistic and philanthropic goals are supported by sound legal frameworks.

In addition to legal advisory, Fidus Law Chambers offers educational resources to help clients stay informed and avoid pitfalls. We publish legal updates, track developments in cultural property law, and share insights into emerging trends in the Indian and international art markets.

At Fidus Law Chambers, our art law practice is grounded in a deep understanding of the art world and the complex legal issues that govern it. As one of the few firms in India with a dedicated team of art lawyers, we provide comprehensive, industry-specific legal services to artists, galleries, collectors, curators, art advisors, auction houses, estates, and institutions—both in India and globally.

Our reputation as one of the few focused art law firms in India is built on our legal excellence, discretion, and respect for the creative sector. We believe that legal support should empower art and those who create, collect, curate, and conserve it. Whether navigating regulatory frameworks, structuring deals, or resolving disputes, our goal is to help clients engage confidently with the art world—and thrive within it.