The publishing industry never stands still — from print to digital, from single-format to multi-platform, from one-off purchases to subscriptions and memberships. Each evolution brings new consumer law exposure, and as publishers continue to develop revenue models, compliance approaches built for one format don’t always translate to the next.
Our lawyers have decades of experience helping publishers adapt to new platforms and formats. We understand consumer law as it applies to publishing, and we know how revenue models across the media landscape work. That means practical, commercial advice that helps publishers reduce risk and grow new revenue streams while keeping readers’ trust.
Examples of how we help publishers
Preparing digital subscriptions, paywalls, memberships and newsletters for the DMCCA subscription regime, from sign-up and renewal to cancellation
Reviewing subscription prices, introductory offers and bundled packages to ensure pricing is clear and compliant
Reviewing promotions, affiliate and influencer partnerships and subscriber campaigns against advertising rules
Handling reader complaints, managing engagement with regulators and supporting publishers through consumer disputes
Drafting and reviewing subscriber, paywall, website and app terms to ensure they are fair, transparent and enforceable
Auditing sign-up, renewal and cancellation journeys across websites and apps for misleading or manipulative design
Navigating UK, EU and other requirements for publishers with readers in multiple territories
Equipping editorial, commercial and digital teams with practical consumer law training tailored to publishing
Our experience
Advised leading UK and international news publishers on consumer law compliance, including the development of subscription terms and conditions, digital subscription models, cancellation and renewal processes, and preparation for the DMCCA subscription regime.
Advised a global children’s media and publishing brand on the design and implementation of a consumer-facing casting competition, including competition terms and conditions, participant eligibility requirements, IP rights and child-focused consumer communications.
Advised a leading publisher on an end-to-end consumer law compliance audit of its consumer-facing sales channels, including customer journeys, terms and conditions, pricing practices, review mechanisms and digital commerce compliance, supported by a practical implementation toolkit for internal teams.
Delivered tailored consumer law training to the commercial and legal teams of an international publishing house, providing practical guidance on key compliance requirements for its consumer-facing activities.
Updated the consumer-facing terms and conditions of two direct-to-consumer brands following their acquisition by a global publisher, remedying material consumer law compliance issues and reducing associated legal and regulatory risk.
Advised a major US publisher and media business on the consumer law aspects of its entry into the UK market and provided ongoing support on related consumer-facing initiatives, including the structuring and operation of compliant consumer competitions.
Getting started
Whether you know exactly what you need or just want to talk something through, book a free 30 minute consultation to discuss your priorities – no strings attached.
Claire Livingstone
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