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Specialist Guide to the
Global Leaders in Media Law Practice
Foreign intervention in media has come into question this year as the Hungarian government approved a bill on the Defence of National Sovereignty. The new law is intended to prevent the influence of foreign interests that threaten the country’s national security.
Independent Hungarian media outlets warned the law could make it ‘difficult or even impossible for independent newsrooms, journalist and media companies to operate’.
A government spokesperson commented on X, stating that the office would ‘function autonomously with an independent budget, focusing on analysis, evaluation and investigation to safeguard constitutional identity by scrutinising foreign interventions in Hungary’s democratic and decision-making processes’.
In other industry developments over the past year, Hungary’s NFI Studios is expanding to meet the high demand for soundstage space from international film and TV producers.
Announced in February 2023, the major expansion is part of the country’s economic protection program, and intended to boos the country’s film industry.
In related news, Hungary’s video streaming market is projected reach USD22.62 million this year, and is expected to reach USD24.98 million by 2027, according to Statistic.
TIER 1
CMS houses one of the largest TMT groups in the country. Working with its UK office, the local team assisted a Polish telecommunications operator with the launch of its satellite-based television platform. The team works on wider sector-related matters such as advertising tax, regulatory compliance and disputes.
Media lawyers at Lakatos, Köves and Partners provide "timely and pro-active responses”. The team is also described by clients as proactive and reliable. The TMT group worsk on transactional cases connected with cable television, radio, print and online media.
TIER 2
Lendvai and Partners is one of Hungary’s leading media specialists focussed on corporate transactions. The firm advises onn high profile cases including the cross-border acquisition of a Czech newspaper distributor by the Hungarian subsidiary of a global media company. The team also assisted a London-based television broadcaster on infringement of a television series title.
Lengyel Allen & Overy Ügyvédi Iroda works with audio-visual sector clients, advising on cross-border transactions. The Budapest team is backed by the firm’s global network of lawyers and works closely with neighbouring CEE regions. Key practitioner Hugh Owen represents international clients and has particular experience advising on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and takeovers.
Oppenheim’s industry commitment is evidenced by its media, publishing and entertainment practice group. Covering contentious and non-contentious work, the team advises on contract negotiations, licensing and disputes. The team has extensive knowledge of data protection, copyright and commercial transactions.
TIER 3
bpv Jádi Németh specialises in info communications and media. The firm advises on wide-ranging issues from sector-related transactions and licensing activities to marketing and regulatory matters. Krisztina Ivanics manages the media pracftice, which works closely with the copyright and data privacy department that is led by Andrea Jádi Németh. Other areas of advice include data processing, digital software and e-commerce.
Intellectual property is the primary focus of Hegymegi-Barakonyi & Fehérváry Baker McKenzie. The team advises a range of clients including games and software producers, television production companies and publishers. Lawyers regularly assist clients from the audio-visual sector on matters ranging from license agreements to litigation.
TIER 4
Balazs & Kovatsits Legal Partnership has a good track record advising on copyright matters connected with software, literary works and compositions. The team has extensive experience drafting license contracts and advising on e-commerce, data protection and competition law.
Copyright and data protection are among core focus areas at VJT & Partners. The team advises global media and entertainment companies on local data protection policy, advertising and marketing. Lawyers also have extensive experience advising on the transfer and assignment of copyright.
TIER 1
CMS
Dentons
Lakatos, Köves and Partners
TIER 2
DLA Piper
Lendvai and Partners
Lengyel Allen & Overy Ügyvédi Iroda
Oppenheim
TIER 3
Bird & Bird
bpv Jádi Németh
Hegymegi-Barakonyi & Fehérváry Baker McKenzie
Réti, Antall & Partners, member of PwC
TIER 4
Balazs & Kovatsits Legal Partnership
Kinstellar
VJT & Partners
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