A new initiative has launched in Liverpool to help musicians, producers, and music-tech innovators protect their works

Today marks the launch of the first session of the MusicFutures IP Clinic and Lab, a new initiative that has been established to empower musicians, producers, and music-tech innovators with accessible, expert guidance on intellectual property (IP), contracts and business strategies.

Located in MusicFutures HQ at the ACC Liverpool (soon to be Liverpool Experience Campus), the clinic aims to break down barriers to legal and strategic IP advice and provide crucial support to independent artists and small enterprises looking to protect and commercialise their creative works.

The MusicFutures IP Clinic and Lab offer tailored, non-contentious services focused on education, early–stage support, and preventative guidance, rather than legal dispute resolution. As such, it does not compete with legal services offered by law firms.

It seeks to ensure that all creators, regardless of size or stage, have the tools they need to protect their intellectual property from the outset and deliver briefings that help understand areas such as copyright, trademarks, patents, licensing and trade secrets. By doing so, it reduces the risk of infringement or ownership loss, giving musicians and music innovators the confidence to make informed decisions and pursue their passions while protecting their creative output and rights.

The clinic’s launch is an important step in raising awareness about the value of intellectual property in the music industry and music tech innovation. MusicFutures is committed to fostering a deeper understanding of IP among local talent and industry professionals, which in turn strengthens the region’s already thriving music economy. By connecting local creatives with academia and industry experts, the clinic helps to increase IP literacy, drive innovation, and promote more inclusive economic growth.

Dr Sabine Jacques, MusicFutures Clinic Director and IP and AI Policy Lead said:

“Too often, music makers and innovators are expected to navigate complex legal and business systems alone, usually now when they can least afford mistakes. We believe everyone deserves clear, supportive guidance that helps them understand their rights, protect what they create, and make choices that feel empowering. This clinic is rooted in fairness, access, and inclusion, ensuring that talent in the Liverpool City Region can grow sustainably, stay in control of their work, and shape their own futures on their own terms.” 

Professor Richard Koeck, MusicFutures Director said:

“We are incredibly proud to launch the MusicFutures IP Clinic & Lab. Our goal is not only to provide tailored, accessible guidance for music sector professionals, but also to support the music-tech innovators emerging through our funding programmes. By connecting legal expertise with creative experimentation, we want to help artists and innovators protect their work while confidently developing new ideas for the future of music.”

Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, Dean of the University of Liverpool’s School of Law and Social Justice said:

“The launch of the MusicFutures IP Clinic & Lab marks an important development in both our teaching and our engagement with the wider creative community. Clinical legal education offers students the opportunity to work with real legal problems and clients, helping them to develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of the social context of the law. At the same time, the clinic strengthens the university’s relationship with the community by making legal knowledge and support more accessible. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that legal education is not only academically rigorous but also socially responsive.”

The clinic has been developed in partnership with leading legal firm Kanaval. These collaborations bring a wealth of expertise in intellectual property law, ensuring that clients receive reliable, high-quality advice and support.

“As an intellectual property lawyer who has also spent the past 17 years working as a music promoter, it’s both exciting and rewarding to support aspiring lawyers and talented music creatives through the MusicFutures IP Clinic & Lab. Initiatives like this are essential for the Liverpool City Region, helping to ensure that creators and innovators have the knowledge and support they need to protect and commercialise their work,” said Rory Taylor, Director, Kanaval Consultancy.

The MusicFutures IP Clinic and Lab operates as a non-contentious service, meaning that it focuses on providing support before legal issues arise, rather than resolving disputes.

The MusicFutures IP Clinic and Lab is here to help musicians, music-tech innovators, and creative entrepreneurs.  

Those keen to take the first step toward in protecting their  creative work can get more information or book an initial consultation by clicking here or contacting  Musicfuturesclinic@liverpool.ac.uk.

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