Art Law

 

Our founder Mr. C. P. Lin is a passionate art collector as well as a successful lawyer – a factor which led to and still drives our deep knowledge and experience in this area.
 

Our team of specialists works with collectors, dealers, auctioneers, cultural institutions, Customs and other authorities. We can advise you on all aspects of art law.
 

If you are involved in buying and selling individual pieces of art or collections, we advise on:
 

• Determining authenticity

• Art dealers’ rights and liabilities 

• Individual purchaser’s and sellers’ rights and liabilities 

• Contractual and property issues in an auction scenario

• Insurance and logistics when transporting artworks

 

Artworks may be owned by an individual, a family, a trust or an institution. We advise on appropriate ownership structures, including charities and foundations. We can also assist on the implications of gifting an artwork and the most tax-effective way to do this.

 

We have also assisted many parties in organising auctions and exhibitions, both in Hong Kong and internationally. Negotiating terms of a loan – and security for the art work during the exhibition period – is essential and can be complex.

 

Whether you are purchasing a piece of art or loaning it to an exhibition, we can assist with:

 

• Transport and insurance issues of individual artworks or collections

• Export and import licences and approval 

 

We also advise on intellectual rights and licensing issues where relevant.

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Our Experience
 

Recent matters handled by our art law team include:

• Advising on and drafting all documentation to establish an art gallery in Hong Kong

• Advising on and drafting auction terms & conditions

• Acting for buyers and sellers in contentious art transaction disputes

• Liaising with Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas government agencies in relation to export, tax and authentication issues