Paddington Bear at centre of legal dispute over royalty payments

Michael Clutterbuck, the son of the producer behind the Paddington Bear TV show is involved in a legal battle with the author Michael Bond’s former business, Paddington and Company Ltd. over potentially royalties.

Pursuant to a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in the 1970s, Mr Bond would give TV producer Graham Clutterbuck 10 per cent of all future worldwide Paddington merchandise royalties after certain deductions.

Mr Clutterbuck grew concerned about the level of payments in recent years, having received only £30,000 a year on average since 2016, despite Paddington’s popularity with the release of two films. The worldwide Paddington merchandise market was reported in 2017 to be worth £5m.

Following a High Court case, Mr Clutterbuck’s company will now be allowed to send independent auditors into Paddington and Company to inspect royalties accounts to see whether enough has been paid. Paddington and Co Ltd however say the sums already paid are correct and in line with the agreement.

Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood. Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

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Shalish Mehta

Shalish is an experienced dispute resolution solicitor who joined the firm in 2002 ago upon qualifying as a solicitor and provides a proactive approach whilst retaining the personal touch to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. He acts on behalf of both private individuals and commercial clients. He can assist and advise at any stage of a dispute including mediation through to court action and injunctions. Shalish is a keen sportsman, regularly playing cricket and five-a-side football and also watching live sport. He enjoys city breaks and takes great pleasure in sampling different cuisines from around the world. Shalish is fluent in Gujarati and will happily represent those for whom Guajarati is the first language, in English. He is also happy to offer his services as a translator to our clients as necessary. What clients say about Shalish: “We feel the service was perfect and found our solicitor, Shalish Mehta, very professional and helpful in all aspects”