Members of the Guild of Motoring Writers can access a new legal helpline that will provide advice on topics such as copyright protection, legal best practice and how to take a publisher to court for non-payment of contributor fees.
The free consultation is being provided by specialist automotive legal firm Healys. The firm’s team of legal experts have in recent months assisted the Guild with the creation of a memorabilia trust and are already providing members with legal quotes for use in editorial copy.
The Guild committee is frequently asked for advice on legal issues. These can include how to protect the copyright on words or images submitted for publication, what to do if copyright has been infringed, and how to obtain financial remuneration from publishers for work undertaken but for which no payment has been received.
Initially, members are referred to the two legal advice packs which can be found as pdfs on the Guild website (www.gomw.co.uk). If these do not cover the specific issue raised, the administrators of the new Guild Legal Helpline can forward the case onto solicitor Clive Robertson at Healys for a legal opinion.
Robertson will contact the individual member to offer advice and suggest ways that the matter can be taken forward. This first consultation is being provided free of charge by Healys. Should a member wish to take the matter further and engage the services of Healys to act on their behalf, this will be at the normal commercial rates arranged between the company and the journalist.
ABOUT HEALYS – Founded 36 years ago, Healys is a Limited Liability Partnership, fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and operating from offices in the heart of London and the South Coast in Brighton.
“I am delighted to see the new Guild Legal Helpline established,” said Guild Chairman Richard Aucock. “The free initial consultation will help provide answers to many of the everyday questions our members face. It will also help lessen the anxiety and uncertainty they may feel when contemplating more complex legal action.”
Members who feel their legal question is not covered by the website legal packs should and would like to use the new Guild Legal Helpline should contact the Guild secretariat by email with a concise outline of the circumstances of their case. Email: ho****@go**.uk
