The art world is an intricate, multifaceted, and dynamic ecosystem. With decades of experience representing collectors, galleries, family offices, advisors, museums, institutions, foundations, and many others surrounding this industry, we know and understand it.  

Our experience covers the entire spectrum of art-related legal matters, and our multi-disciplinary team of lawyers focus on the myriad legal needs of art market participants. From buying and selling art, art financing, estate planning, copyrights and intellectual property, philanthropy, corporate formation, and governance of both commercial and tax-exempt organizations and litigation, to providing in-depth and holistic legal services to art market participants, such as real estate, employment and benefits, tax, and regulatory matters, we are sensitive to the special needs of the industry.

Whether you are an active collector or a one-time buyer or seller, a dealer, a family office, or an art market participant, we are here to help. Our priority is clear communication and straightforward and practical advice to guide you through the challenges of today and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.

Our practice is recognized by Chambers High Net Worth in Art and Cultural Property Law - Nationwide, as well as in Legal 500’s Private Client Guide in the area of Art and Cultural Property - National.

Our Service Offerings

Art Financing

Our team represents collectors, galleries, and institutions on a wide variety of asset-based lending transactions. The combination of our art-market and asset-based lending knowledge allows us to provide unique insights and sophisticated advice into financing solutions using art as collateral to achieve our clients’ liquidity goals.  

Buying and Selling Art

We have forged a reputation as a leader in representing collectors, artists, galleries, art dealers, museums, and institutions in the purchase and sale of artworks in the primary and secondary market by relying on our impeccable corporate transactional expertise, intellect, teamwork, and practical advice. We approach any transaction holistically and from the perspective of our client.  

Copyright and Intellectual Property

We counsel galleries, institutions, corporate clients, and artists on a wide variety of complex copyright issues, visual arts rights, moral rights, copyright registrations, and other complex matters arising from artworks and artist’s rights.

Corporate Structuring

Our team provides a full spectrum of corporate transaction matters for galleries, start-ups, and corporate clients including entity formation, restructuring, sale of interest and exit strategies, and shareholder agreements.

Employment

We advise galleries and gallery employees in connection with employment and compliance-related matters, to ensure that they are compliant with workplace laws and minimize the legal risks that accompany sensitive individual or group employment decisions.

Exempt Organizations

Patterson Belknap has one of the country’s oldest and largest practices dedicated to the representation of tax-exempt organizations. We work in conjunction with these lawyers to advise cultural institutions, private foundations, museums, and artists in all aspects of their organization and management.

Litigation

It is often difficult to find an art law attorney with proven litigation skills, or a top-notch litigator with in-depth knowledge of art law. Patterson Belknap brings both of these skills to our art law practice. This helps us to secure for our clients the most favorable settlements possible in mediation or even prior to litigation. Our adversaries know that we are not afraid to go to court when necessary, and we represent clients in litigation, disputes, and government investigations.

Real Estate

Galleries and cultural institutions are placing greater emphasis on their real estate holdings, and our team provides guidance to manage and develop these holdings. We have assisted in the development of institutional and cultural facilities in the greater New York City area, and throughout the country.

Tax

Based on the particular needs and business objectives of our art law clients, we analyze the merits of different ownership structures, counsel the requirements of tax law, and address the long- and short-term implications of business transactions and investments in the United States and globally.

Trusts & Estates

Working in conjunction with the firm’s Trusts and Estates practice, we are well-suited to handle clients with substantial art collections. Drawing on other resources within the firm, we counsel fiduciaries on legal issues related to art owned by high-net-worth individuals.