University of Liverpool and Partners Introduce MusicFutures IP Clinic to Strengthen Intellectual Property Awareness in the Music Industry

University of Liverpool and Partners Introduce MusicFutures IP Clinic to Strengthen Intellectual Property Awareness in the Music Industry

(IN BRIEF) MusicFutures has launched its IP Clinic and Lab at ACC Liverpool to provide accessible, expert guidance on intellectual property, contracts, and business strategy for musicians, producers, and music-tech innovators, with a strong focus on early-stage, preventative support rather than dispute resolution; the initiative connects creatives with academic and industry expertise to improve IP literacy, reduce legal risks, and support innovation within the Liverpool City Region, while also enhancing legal education through real-world student involvement and strengthening collaboration between universities, industry partners such as Kanaval, and the wider creative community.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 27-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The MusicFutures initiative has officially launched the first session of its IP Clinic and Lab on 27 March 2026, introducing a new platform designed to support musicians, producers, and music-tech innovators with accessible expertise in intellectual property, contracts, and business strategy. The initiative is based at MusicFutures HQ within the ACC Liverpool, which is set to become part of the upcoming Liverpool Experience Campus.

The newly established clinic is focused on removing traditional barriers to legal and strategic IP support by offering tailored, non-contentious services. It is specifically designed to assist independent artists, startups, and smaller enterprises in understanding how to protect and commercialise their creative output. Rather than addressing disputes, the clinic concentrates on early-stage education and preventative guidance, ensuring creators can confidently navigate areas such as copyright, trademarks, patents, licensing, and trade secrets.

By equipping participants with essential knowledge from the outset, the clinic aims to minimise risks such as infringement or loss of ownership, empowering creatives to make informed business decisions while maintaining control over their work. The initiative complements, rather than replaces, the services offered by traditional law firms.

A key objective of the MusicFutures IP Clinic and Lab is to strengthen the connection between innovation in music and legal awareness. By fostering collaboration between creatives, academic institutions, and industry professionals, the programme contributes to improving intellectual property literacy across the Liverpool City Region. This approach supports innovation while promoting inclusive economic growth within an already dynamic music ecosystem.

Dr Sabine Jacques, who leads the clinic and serves as IP and AI Policy Lead, highlighted the importance of accessible legal guidance for creators, noting that many artists are often required to navigate complex legal landscapes without sufficient support. She emphasised that the clinic is built on principles of fairness, accessibility, and inclusion, helping creatives understand their rights and develop sustainable careers.

Professor Richard Koeck added that the initiative reflects a broader ambition to bridge legal expertise with creative experimentation. By supporting both established professionals and emerging innovators, the clinic enables participants to safeguard their work while exploring new opportunities within the evolving music and technology landscape.

From an academic perspective, Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas highlighted the educational value of the initiative. He noted that the clinic enhances clinical legal education by allowing students to engage with real-world cases, building practical skills while contributing to community engagement. The programme also strengthens ties between the university and the wider creative sector by making legal knowledge more accessible.

The clinic has been developed in partnership with Kanaval, bringing specialist intellectual property expertise into the programme. Rory Taylor, who has experience both as an IP lawyer and music promoter, underlined the importance of such initiatives in supporting both aspiring legal professionals and creative talent, ensuring they are equipped to protect and monetise their work.

Operating as a structured, non-contentious advisory service, the clinic follows a clear process for participants. This includes an initial consultation with trained students supervised by legal experts, followed by case review and research, and culminating in a written advice letter typically delivered within three weeks.

The MusicFutures IP Clinic and Lab is open to musicians, music-tech innovators, and creative entrepreneurs seeking early-stage support. Interested individuals can register their interest or request a consultation through the clinic’s official channels.

The broader MusicFutures programme is led by the University of Liverpool in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, alongside more than 27 collaborators. The initiative builds on Liverpool’s extensive network of over 1,500 music-related businesses, aiming to advance inclusive and sustainable innovation across music, technology, and policy, while contributing to the future of music research and development in the UK.

Media contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool