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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

Mexico has a booming media industry with growth across multiple segments including OTT, gaming, eSports and a second-place position in Latin America as the largest advertising market, according to Statista.

The OTT segment is projected to grow by 8.23% between 2023 and 2027, leading to a a market volume of USD3584 million in 2027.

Gaming continues to grow in popularity, with a new market entrant. Novibet, a sports and gaming provider, expanded outside of Europe for the first time, launching in Mexico in November 2022.

Commenting on the expansion, Rodolfo Odoni, President of Novibet, said: “Our technological superiority combined with the proven readiness of our team to respond to industry challenges are the two pillars upon which we are building Novibet’s entry into the demanding Mexican market, as the first stop of our broad expansion in the Americas.”

Lawyers say media departments have been occupied over the past year with legal instructions from broader TMT clients. Legal teams have advised on the provision of telecoms services, data privacy matters, consumer protection and e-commerce.

In other developments, changes to the legal market structure have led to moves in the rankings, with Acedo Santamarina moving up to Tier 1 and BGAL Asociados moving up to Tier 2. Echaide Mendoza & Asociados made its debut appearance in the rankings in Tier 3

TIER 1

Acedo Santamarina is traditionally known for its media and technology focus and broader emphasis on data privacy and corporate transactions. Since its establishment in 2009, the firm has built a leading practice specialised in the communication industry. The team regularly advises authorities including Federal Telecommunications Institute and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation on related projects.

The media team at BGBG Abogados has extensive experience negotiating corporate agreements and advising on television content. The firm assists with the preparation and participation in national and international public bids and government contracts related to telecommunications and broadcasting. Lawyers also advise on satellite systems, radio and government relations.

Core areas of focus at Dentons López Velarde include regulation, corporate law and litigation disputes. The firm’s experience includes structuring and negotiating the use of frequency bands and telecommunication networks. Under the leadership of Sergio Legorreta, lawyers assist clients with acquisitions, incorporations and the operation of cable television.

Sports and entertainment specialist Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes acts for athletes and artists from multiple media sectors, assisting with transactions, privacy and intellectual property matters. The team also handles contract negotiations, advises on tax, sports arbitration and disciplinary proceedings.  

TIER 2

Baker McKenzie handles a multitude of complex media cases. Since becoming operational in Mexico in 1961 the firm has become a “legal powerhouse” say peers. The firm’s media team advises on a range of transactions with cross-border elements. In highlighted work lawyers assisted Amazon with the provisions of its digital and media content in Mexico, including ebooks and films. In other work the team advised Grupo Imagen on the restructure of its television series production agreements and joint ventures with leading production studios.

Hogan Lovells enhances local and global coverage through its collaboration with full-service firm Barrera, Siqueiros y Torres Landa, increasing its capacity across Latin America. The firm’s international experience in media sector cases ranges from print and broadcast to film and computer games. The team also advises rights holders from sporting institutions and distributors to exhibitors.

TIER 3

Gonzalez Calvillo has a combined focus on media, telecommunication and intellectual property. Lawyers advise on mobile and satellite-based services, cable television and radio. The team assists with mergers and acquisitions, private equity and debt offerings, and obtaining permits. Acting for international clients, the firm’s litigators assist with administrative and civil suits connected with IP rights.

Robles Miaja Abogados is a small but sophisticated practice with a TMT, e-commerce and antitrust focus. The team provides advice on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, antitrust and constitutional litigation. Lawyers work with local and overseas clients on complex cross-border cases.

Sesma, Sesma & McNeese represents leading private companies in the radio and television sectors. The team’s focus areas include information technology, data protection and strategies. The practice regularly advises on foreign investment, telecommunications, international commerce and broadcasting.

TIER 4

With a primary focus on intellectual property, Galicia’ work involves negotiation of franchise agreements, license transfer and the use and promotion of intellectual property. Other core areas of advice include regulation of information, data protection and intellectual property litigation.

Greenberg Traurig’s multidisciplinary approach broadens the scope of its sector coverage. In the area of broadcasting, the team advises on sector-specific tax regulation, competition law and foreign investment. Practitioners have in-depth experience assisting with multiple commercial cases and operating projects. Lawyers also negotiate technical supply and content provision agreements for pay television distribution.

Jáuregui y Del Valle’s media focus is on sports, entertainment and gaming. Representing domestic and international clients, the firm assists publically-owned companies on various matters including public bid processes and negotiations of procurement. The practice has a broad client base that includes Televisión Azteca, DirecTV International and Disney.

  REGIONS WE COVER

  Middle East and North Africa

  North America

  Asia-Pacific

  Western Europe

  Central and Eastern Europe

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MEXICO