People | Alex Hardy

Alex is a solicitor in the Publishing and Intellectual Property Groups. Alex advises clients on a broad range of commercial and intellectual property matters with a particular focus on publishing, digital media and technology. She has experience in advising on the structure and finance of agreements for the exploitation of intellectual property rights in traditional and digital media. Alex also works with the firm’s Technology and eCommerce Groups, consulting on digital services and campaigns aimed at young people. She has drafted terms and conditions, privacy notices and data protection guidelines for websites, competitions and social media campaigns. Since 2009 Alex has been member of the Children’s Privacy Group, a network of lawyers and privacy experts working to improve standards for child safety online.

Recent work includes:

• advising on website compliance with the Cookies Regulation;
• working with technology companies providing new routes to market in the publishing industry including digital subscription services, virtual learning environments and promotional apps;
• creating a suite of publishing agreements for a new imprint offering content via ebook and print-on-demand platforms; and
• advising on publishing agreements for TV production companies, well-known charities, business brands and individuals, including celebrities.

Alex joined Harbottle & Lewis in 2011 from Hachette UK where she worked for both the Orion and Octopus publishing groups. She is also a member of the UK Publishers Association’s Legal Committee.