"The former heads of Manches’ IP litigation and publishing and media groups have joined forces to launch a boutique specialising in IP, media and entertainment law and dispute resolution. Ex-Manches IP litigation head Steven Maier and the firm’s former head of publishing and media Cathleen Blackburn formed Maier Blackburn which commenced operation on 1 January 2012. Specialising in publishing, media and entertainment law, the two-partner firm will serve international publishers, authors and rights holders across the UK, Europe and the US.

Clients include the JRR Tolkien Estate for which Blackburn is the retained worldwide legal adviser. The firm will also advise organisations in the arts, museums and heritage sectors. Maier had been a partner at Manches for 20 years while Blackburn joined the firm’s partnership in 1997 after its merger with legacy firm Morrell Peel & Gamlen (29 July 1997). Following the duo’s departure, Manches has consolidated its publishing and digital media capability with the hire of partner Sam De Silva from South East firm Taylor Walton to lead its technology and outsourcing practice."

http://www.thelawyer.com/manches-duo- ... -boutique/1010964.article

- wellinghall