What is the difference between a contract lawyer and a commercial solicitor?

The terms are often used interchangeably. In England and Wales, all lawyers who draft commercial contracts are regulated solicitors. “Contract lawyer” and “contract solicitor” refer to the same qualified professionals.

Do I need a lawyer to draft a contract?

You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but a poorly drafted contract can cost far more to resolve than the original legal fee. For low-value, low-risk arrangements, a good template may suffice. For anything significant such as a new business relationship, a licensing deal, a franchise arrangement, professional drafting protects you if things go wrong.

How long does it take to draft a contract?

For a straightforward commercial services agreement, we can typically produce a first draft within a few working days. More complex contracts take longer depending on the negotiation required.

Can you review a contract someone else has drafted?

Yes. Contract review is one of our most common instructions. We identify unfavourable or unusual clauses, advise on the risks, and suggest amendments.

What should a commercial contract include?

Every commercial contract should clearly define what is being supplied, the price, how and when payment is made, what happens if something goes wrong, how the contract ends, and which law governs the agreement. IP ownership, confidentiality, data protection, and liability caps are also important depending on the nature of the deal.

Can a contract be enforced if it is not signed?

Potentially, yes. An unsigned contract can still be binding if both parties have acted on it. This is exactly why it is important to understand what you are agreeing to before any work begins, not just before you sign.

Fashion Law Solicitors

Protect your fashion brand, designs and business interests with expert legal advice from experienced fashion law solicitors. We provide practical support with intellectual property, contracts and disputes.

Lana James
Fashion Law Team

Fashion Industry

Team – FAQs

Fashion is one of the most legally complex creative industries. From protecting original designs to enforcing trade marks against fast-fashion imitators, the legal challenges facing fashion brands, designers and retailers are constant and often high stakes.

Freeman Harris acts for fashion businesses of all sizes, from independent designers to established brands and online retailers. Our team brings together expertise in intellectual property, contracts and dispute resolution to give fashion clients practical, commercially minded advice.

Freeman Harris provided clear and practical advice when we needed to protect our brand and designs. Their team quickly understood the issues we were facing and helped us take action against a competitor. We felt supported throughout the process and would highly recommend them to any fashion business.

Amelia Thompson

Founder of an Independent Fashion Brand

How can we help?

Contact our team anytime for a no-obligation chat about your legal matter. Once you speak with us, you will notice the difference yourself.

Call 0207 790 7311 or email contact@freemanharris.co.uk.

Recent Cases

Fashion Brand – Acted to protect a fashion brand against trade mark infringement by a competitor.

Fashion Supplier Dispute – Advised a fashion business on resolving a contractual dispute with a supplier.

Intellectual Property for Fashion Brands

Your creative work is your most valuable asset. Whether you are a designer, manufacturer or retailer, protecting it requires expert legal support.

Trade Marks

Listed among the top trade mark filers in the UK and EU by CITMA, Freeman Harris has extensive experience advising fashion clients on trade mark registration, renewal and enforcement. We help clients protect their brand names, logos and distinctive product features, and act for them in trade mark infringement disputes where a competitor is copying or free-riding on their reputation.

Copyright

Original designs, textile prints, photography and digital content are all capable of copyright protection. Copyright arises automatically in the UK, but enforcing it requires prompt action and clear evidence of ownership. Our solicitors advise fashion designers and brands on copyright ownership, infringement claims, licensing and assignment, both in the UK and internationally through our network of associates across key markets.

Registered and Unregistered Design Rights

The UK and EU both offer design protection for the appearance of a product, including shape, pattern and ornamentation. Registered design rights provide stronger, more enforceable protection. We advise on registration strategy and act in design right disputes, including applications to invalidate a competitor’s registered design.

Contracts for Fashion Businesses

Legal disputes in fashion often begin with a poorly drafted contract. Whether you are working with manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, models, photographers or brand collaborators, having the right agreements in place protects your business and prevents misunderstandings from becoming expensive disputes.

Freeman Harris drafts and reviews:

Supplier and manufacturing agreements
Distribution and wholesale agreements
Licensing agreements for designs and brand IP
Influencer and brand ambassador contracts
Model and photographer release agreements
Non-disclosure agreements

We also advise on contract disputes where a supplier has failed to deliver, a collaborator has breached agreed terms, or a licensing arrangement has broken down.

Fashion IP Disputes

When someone copies your design or infringes your trade mark, acting quickly matters. Freeman Harris handles contentious IP work for fashion clients, including cease and desist letters, urgent injunctions, and litigation in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) and the High Court.

We advise both claimants and defendants in trade mark, copyright and design right disputes, and regularly assist fashion brands in taking down infringing products from online marketplaces.

Why Freeman Harris?

We understand the pace of the fashion industry and the commercial realities that come with it. Our fees are transparent, our advice is direct, and we focus on outcomes that protect your brand and your business.

If you are a fashion designer or brand looking for legal advice, contact our team for an initial conversation.

Fashion Law Team

Ian Freeman
Managing Director
Ian has extensive experience advising businesses on commercial, intellectual property and contractual matters. He provides practical, commercially focused advice to fashion brands and businesses dealing with complex legal issues and disputes.
Talha Fazlani
Lawyer
Talha specialises in intellectual property and commercial disputes. He advises fashion brands and businesses on protecting their intellectual property, resolving disputes and safeguarding their commercial interests.
Lana James
Paralegal
Lana supports clients across a range of commercial and legal matters. She assists fashion businesses with practical legal support and helps ensure clients receive a clear and efficient service.

Fashion Law FAQs

All your frequently asked questions about contract law by our legal team.

What is the difference between a contract lawyer and a commercial solicitor?
The terms are often used interchangeably. In England and Wales, all lawyers who draft commercial contracts are regulated solicitors. “Contract lawyer” and “contract solicitor” refer to the same qualified professionals.
Do I need a lawyer to draft a contract?
You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but a poorly drafted contract can cost far more to resolve than the original legal fee. For low-value, low-risk arrangements, a good template may suffice. For anything significant such as a new business relationship, a licensing deal, a franchise arrangement, professional drafting protects you if things go wrong.
How long does it take to draft a contract?
For a straightforward commercial services agreement, we can typically produce a first draft within a few working days. More complex contracts take longer depending on the negotiation required.
Can you review a contract someone else has drafted?
Yes. Contract review is one of our most common instructions. We identify unfavourable or unusual clauses, advise on the risks, and suggest amendments.
What should a commercial contract include?
Every commercial contract should clearly define what is being supplied, the price, how and when payment is made, what happens if something goes wrong, how the contract ends, and which law governs the agreement. IP ownership, confidentiality, data protection, and liability caps are also important depending on the nature of the deal.
Can a contract be enforced if it is not signed?
Potentially, yes. An unsigned contract can still be binding if both parties have acted on it. This is exactly why it is important to understand what you are agreeing to before any work begins, not just before you sign.

Contact our Fashion Law team

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