Art market law
The firm advises artists, gallery owners and collectors on contracts, artists’ estates and the purchase and sale of works of art. It also acts in disputes relating to sales or to copyright, in keeping with the particular features of this market. Particular attention is paid to the authenticity and traceability of works.
How the firm acts
- Contracts between artists and gallery owners
- Artists’ estates
- Purchase and sale of works of art
- Disputes concerning sales (rescission and annulment of sales)
- Copyright issues
- Assistance during expert appraisals.
Key points of the practice
Two offices: Paris and Marseille.
Contracts, sales, artists’ estates and copyright.
Advice to artists, galleries and collectors.
Assistance in French, English, Italian, Dutch and Arabic.
General principles worth knowing
What is an artist’s resale right?
The resale right (*droit de suite*) entitles the author of a graphic or plastic work, and their successors in title, to receive a share of the price on subsequent sales of the work by art market professionals.
How can a contract between an artist and a gallery be made secure?
A contract between an artist and a gallery benefits from setting out the duration of the relationship, the applicable commission, the terms governing sale or return and exclusivity, and the arrangements for returning unsold works.
What remedies exist where the sale of a work of art is challenged?
A sale may be called into question before the courts in cases of fraudulent misrepresentation, mistake as to the essential qualities of the work (in particular its authenticity), or breach by the professional of its duty to inform.
How is an artist’s estate administered?
The administration of an artist’s estate follows the general rules of succession law, with particular issues arising as to the inventory, valuation and management of the copyright and moral rights attaching to the works.
When can the firm step in?
- Exemple type
Drafting a contract between an artist and a gallery.
- Exemple type
Assisting a family with the administration of an artist’s estate.
- Exemple type
Assistance in an expert examination of the authenticity of a work.
Initial enquiry
Contact the firm about art market law.
Set out the essential facts, the parties involved and any deadlines. The firm will review the enquiry and carry out its conflict checks before confirming whether it can act.
- Meetings in Paris, Marseille or remotely
- Individuals, executives and companies
- Please send no confidential documents before written confirmation