Media Law
Carter-Ruck has unrivalled expertise in advising a wide range of individuals and organisations who find themselves subject to adverse or intrusive media coverage and who need fast and reliable advice on their legal rights.
The firm's claimant practice is the largest in the country, being described in Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession as 'unsurpassed'.
Where consulted before publication under its MediaAlert service, Carter-Ruck is often able to persuade a publisher or broadcaster to change its intended story or even to decide not to publish it at all. If this does not prove possible then the option of obtaining an injunction to prevent publication will be considered. The firm has an excellent record over recent years of securing injunctions prohibiting publication, particularly of private information. We are often able to secure injunctions in a matter of hours. We also have considerable experience of working (often alongside PR agencies) for blue chip corporations and other clients facing sustained and hostile media interest.
Where defamatory or intrusive material has already been published Carter-Ruck has vast experience in providing swift and clear advice on the legal options available. Our forceful approach and reputation in both the libel and privacy fields commands the respect of editors and programme makers, which in turn means that claims are often resolved by negotiation and without the need for formal action. If, however, litigation is necessary this is pursued in a robust and determined manner with a constant focus upon our clients' ultimate objectives.
The firm has a dominant presence in the media litigation sector and, in a given year, it can be involved in more than half of all the libel and privacy claims issued in the High Court. Our lawyers have secured many of the highest ever damages awards in those fields, as well as unprecedented front page apologies in national newspapers.
In addition to the core sectors of libel (defamation) and privacy law, Carter-Ruck's lawyers have extensive experience in the fields of malicious falsehood, confidentiality and trade secrets. We also advise on intellectual property matters such as copyright, trademarks and passing off, together with advertising and marketing issues. Furthermore, as well as dealing with 'old' media, the firm is at the forefront of new media issues and regularly advises clients on all aspects of internet law, including blogs, social networking sites, downloads and podcasts.
Carter-Ruck has been among the pioneers of creative solutions in relation to the funding of media litigation and this has permitted the firm to represent a number of individuals who might not otherwise have been able to obtain specialist advice, working on a no win, no fee basis with the backing of after the event insurance cover. For further details please see Funding.
Although best known for our claimant work, our advice is also often sought by media clients including newspaper, magazine and book publishers, broadcasters and online publishers.
View our Lawyers
View our Recent Work
Recent Work
Following the commencement of proceedings for libel, Liam Gallagher has received the apology he had sought from his brother, Noel, over false comments made by Noel after Oasis had to cancel a gig due to Liam having laryngitis.
The Court of Appeal has upheld Russian businessman Boris Berezovksy's £150,000 libel victory against Russian state television and Vladimir Terluk.