Keith Ashby

For over two decades, Keith’s practice has been focussed primarily in the media and entertainment sectors. He has extensive experience providing advice on a wide range of issues which arise in these sectors including the newspaper, publishing, music, film and television industries.

He regularly advises clients in respect of all media related issues including defamation, breach of confidence, misuse of private information and data protection. Since its inception, he has represented the regulator of the newspaper and magazine industries in the UK, the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

Keith has expertise in a broad range of music, film and television related disputes including management and band disputes, publishing disputes, audit claims, memorabilia disputes, breach of contract disputes and intellectual property infringement. He advises publishers, production companies and broadcasters on clearance issues arising from screenplays, scripts and other works.

Keith also advises clients ranging from high profile individuals, corporates, brands, ‘not for profits’ and charities on a broad range of matters, including commercial disputes.

Keith represented witnesses in module 1 (the Press and the Public) and module 3 (the Press and the Politicians) in the Leveson Inquiry into the Culture, Practice and Ethics of the Press, in which the Chairman described the evidence he submitted as a tour de force.

The Legal 500 notes that Keith is highly regarded for his expertise in defamation, misuse of private information and breach of confidence matters. Previous editions recommend Keith for his "highly strategic approach" and for giving "clear advice in an accessible and reassuring way", noting that he "gives consistently good advice, and is a very clear communicator", and describing him as a "standout star" and a "very intelligent, strategic and calm counsel" who is "always hardworking and very helpful".