Publishers of newspapers, periodicals and other print materials play a pivotal role in enlightening the members of our free society. They frequently are on the front line of First Amendment controversies involving free speech, defamation, privacy and open records. Yet publishers also have to face all the normal operational challenges of any business. Manning Fulton lawyers understand the dual nature of publishers’ concerns, and provide sophisticated counsel that helps them sustain and build the future of their publications and enterprises.
The fields of free speech and editorial liability involve complex points of constitutional law. We advise publishers regarding:
- Defamation and libel
- Trespass and rights of privacy
- Prepublication review and prior restraint
- Reporter privileges and confidential information sources
- Open records laws.
There are also a host of day-to-day issues that have a special impact on publishing companies. Our involvement with publishers of all sizes and in various media has made our lawyers well-versed in:
- Perfection of trademarks and trade name rights in logos and publication titles
- Filing trademarks and protecting copyrighted materials
- Pre-publication review
- Advertising and advertising agency contracts and fulfillment
- False advertising and product disparagement
- Exhibitor contracts involving trade show space and facility leases
- Printing contracts, and issues involving printers and printing deadlines.
Finally, as experienced business advisors, we know how to help publishers deal with the normal challenges of any company, such as organizational structure, financing, negotiations with bankers, employee contracts and benefits, financing new publications and acquisition and sale publishing operations.
We understand the industry and the business needs of publishers. Whether your situation involves a constitutional challenge, an editorial guild contract or an acquisition that will build editorial circulation, Manning Fulton lawyers can work with you in building your publishing company’s future.
Publishing Industry Contact Lawyer: Sandra M. Clark
