Business Details
27 Years
experience
Expert Publishing & Intellectual Property Law Services
BM Nyman & Co is a specialist legal practice established in 1999, focusing on publishing law, intellectual property, and defamation. With over 30 years of experience in the legal profession, the firm provides tailored advice to publishers, authors, literary agents, and businesses across media and technology sectors. Our expertise extends to copyright, trademarks, design rights, and media law, with a particular emphasis on contractual negotiations and rights management in digital publishing. Recognised in The Legal 500 and Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession since 1994 and 1995 respectively, we maintain a one-person practice to ensure direct client access and cost-effective solutions.Our work includes advising on electronic rights, drafting publishing contracts, and providing pre-publication libel clearance for major publications. We combine deep industry knowledge with practical guidance on intellectual property protection, data compliance, and commercial exploitation of creative works.
Services
Publishing Law
Intellectual Property
Copyright Law
Trade Mark Law
Media Law
Defamation
Design Law
IT Contracts
Libel Clearance
IP Protection
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- 30 years of specialist experience in publishing and intellectual property law
- Direct access to principal solicitor with no junior delegation
- Recognised in leading legal directories since 1994
- Expertise in digital rights and electronic publishing contracts
- Proven track record advising major publishers and authors
Associations and certifications
- The Legal 500
- Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession
What people say
Expertise in publishing law
Direct access to solicitor
30 years' experience
Cost-effective solutions
Recognised specialists
Services
Publishing Law
Specialist legal advice covering publishing contracts, rights management, and digital publishing. We represent publishers, authors, and literary agents in contract negotiations, electronic rights acquisition, and international co-edition agreements. Our expertise includes print-on-demand technology contracts and multimedia rights licensing, ensuring compliance with evolving digital distribution models while protecting clients' intellectual property.
Copyright Law
Comprehensive copyright advisory services covering ownership, licensing, and infringement. We assist businesses in protecting creative works across literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic categories, including software and database rights. Our practice includes drafting copyright agreements, advising on moral rights waivers, and providing enforcement strategies for digital content creators and technology companies.
Trade Mark Law
Trademark registration and brand protection strategies for businesses of all sizes. We advise on trademark registrability, conduct clearance searches, and manage global trademark portfolios. Our services include opposition proceedings, licensing agreements, and enforcement against infringement, with particular experience in media-related trademarks and character merchandising rights.
Defamation
Pre-publication libel clearance and defamation risk management. We provide specialist advice to publishers and media organisations on libel risks in books, magazines, and digital content. Our services include content review, defences assessment, and resolution of defamation claims through negotiation or formal proceedings, with extensive experience in balancing free expression and reputation protection.
Media Law
Legal guidance on media compliance and content regulation. We advise on privacy rights, data protection, and regulatory compliance for publishers and digital platforms. Our practice covers pre-publication checks, handling subject access requests, and advising on online content liability, with particular focus on balancing journalistic freedom with legal obligations under UK and EU media law frameworks.
People
Bernard Nyman
Sole Principal
Qualified solicitor since 1979 with specialist publishing law expertise. Former partner at Rubinstein Callingham and Manches & Co. Author of key legal texts on copyright and intellectual property. Recognised in The Legal 500 and Chambers Guide annually since 1994. Provides direct client service with 30+ years' industry experience.
Questions
What areas of law does BM Nyman & Co specialise in?
We specialise in publishing law, intellectual property (copyright, trademarks, designs), media law, defamation, and information technology contracts.
How can you help publishers with digital rights management?
We advise on electronic publishing contracts, rights acquisition for digital formats, and platform-specific licensing agreements to protect intellectual property in evolving distribution models.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, we handle cross-border publishing agreements, EU trademark registrations, and international copyright protection for clients in media and creative industries.
Can you assist with pre-publication libel checks?
Yes, we provide comprehensive libel clearance services for books, magazines, and digital content to minimise litigation risks before publication.
How do you handle client communications?
We offer direct access to the principal solicitor with no delegation to junior staff, ensuring personal service and immediate availability for client queries.
What experience do you have with media contracts?
We have extensive experience drafting and negotiating publishing contracts, multimedia rights agreements, and licensing deals for traditional and digital media platforms.
