Full service law firm DSK Legal has added another feather to its cap with the launch of its new Art Law practice.

Stressing the need for a dedicated practice area in this field, a press release issued by the firm states,

"A rise in collection activity in our country, coupled with the significant increase in the value of art, antiquities and other collectibles, justifies greater attention to these works by all stakeholders."

To this end, DSK Legal will collaborate with Aura Art Development Pvt. Ltd, a firm that provides integrated art infrastructure solutions. The release states,

"With our extensive experience in media laws, intellectual property rights protection, and estate planning, we decided to combine our strengths in these practice areas to start an art law practice.

To provide a complete offering in this space, the art law practice team collaborates with Aura Art Development Pvt. Ltd (which provides integrated Art Infrastructure Solutions), international law firms that have significant experience in this area of practice, and experts and accountants having the relevant experience."

The Art Law practice will provide advisory services on maintaining appropriate documentation, valuation, insurance, establishing a holding structure for collections of art collectors, setting up private museums/foundations, succession planning, assisting with due diligence, authentication and forensics for art, documentation when acquiring or lending art pieces, tax and exchange control considerations, protection of intellectual property and policy advocacy.

DSK will also advise on disputes related to art, including title disputes, authenticity disputes, bidding disputes, insurance claims, and taking action against infringing or fake works.

As stated in the release,

"We see this as a fast-growing area, having received valuable inputs and encouragement from well-known artists and art collectors, and look forward to providing value to our clients in this space."

The Art Law practice will be headed by DSK Legal Managing Partner Anand Desai and Partner Chandrima Mitra.