MALAYSIA

Media and entertainment industry growth is expected to be above average over the next five years, with the internet acting as a key driver of market growth.

Plans for government collaboration with Telekom Malaysia will lead to high speed broadband infrastructure. In turn, fixed broadband access revenue is set to increase from USD 941 million to USD 1.20 billion by 2019, according to market analysis by PwC.

Advertising is one of the region’s most profitable segments and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of between 2.3 per cent and 4 per cent by 2019.

“The media industry is something the government is trying to encourage because it’s part of our multimedia corridor. We are trying to encourage it in Malaysia because there is convergence in animation for instance,” explained Lam Chei Say at Shearn Delamore & Co.

The film industry also benefits from tax incentives in the form of a rebate for films with local content.

Mr Say explained: “Films that are predominantly filmed in Malaysia are given a rebate of up to 30 per cent so there is interest. We have local talent so it makes sense for investors to be interested in having part of their production in Malaysia.”

Commenting on 2016 trends and developments, Mr Say highlighted continued online growth that will lead to broader market segment expansion.

He noted: “Everything is moving online so that will be an important area. We already have a lot of paid content from cable and I think that will continue. In terms of technology we have to keep up with how products are distributed.

“The online segment is becoming more and more important with advertising online, entertainment online, even gambling online so I think that is where the trend is.”

Ranking and editorials

TIER 1

Raja, Darryl & Loh

Shearn Delamore & Co

TIER 2

Naqiz & Partners

Skrine

Shook Lin & Bok

TIER 3

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill

Rahmat Lim & Partners

Tay & Partners

Zul Rafique & Partners

TIER 4

Cheang & Ariff

RamRais & Partners

Wong & Partners

Wong Jin Nee & Teo

RANKING AND EDITORIALS

TIER 1

Raja, Darryl & Loh leads the market with its media law specialisation. With particular expertise in defamation, lawyers routinely act for prominent individuals and publications in cases of libel, slander, malicious falsehood and contempt of court. The team has extensive experience representing print media and online media on freedom of speech, privacy protection and reputation management.

The media team at Shearn Delamore & Co works collaboratively with the firm’s IP, IT, and telecoms lawyers, providing multidisciplinary advice. The firm assists gaming clients, local and overseas, with the review of structure, content and compliance of computer games. Managed by Wong Sai Fong and Karen Abraham the team also advises on data privacy and protection, entertainment law, satellite television operations and e-commerce.

TIER 2

Multidisciplinary lawyers at Naqiz & Partners work across segments and practice areas including corporate, commercial and transactional. The firm’s media division works closely with the TMT and IP practices and includes a focus on emerging technology, e-commerce and data privacy. Managing partner Khairul Ismail leads the practice.

Established in 1963, Skrine has long-standing experience acting for domestic and international clients across segments of the entertainment industry including television, radio, publishing, music and advertising. Lawyers advise on competition, acquisitions and joint ventures. Key practitioners include Lee Tatt Boon and Charmayne Ong Poh Yin work with celebrities on the management of intellectual property rights and contract negotiation.

The TMT group at Shook Lin & Bok brings together transactional, dispute resolution and regulatory expertise. Lawyers have notable experience advising on communications and content distribution. The team assists client with outsourcing arrangements and contract negotiation, management and exits. Copyright and e-commerce also form part of the firm’s focus areas.

TIER 3

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s IP and ICT group has a subdivision dedication to media, advertising and entertainment. Lawyers work with clients on celebrity endorsement and exclusivity agreements, advertising content for regulatory compliance issues and restrictions on advertising. Other focus areas include e-commerce, marketing and dispute resolution.

Rahmat Lim and Partners works in association with Allen & Gledhill. The firm’s emphasis is on intellectual property and technology aspects of law that interact with media. The firm’s primary focus is on copyright management and protection. Led by Pauline Khor Hong Ping, the team advises local and multinational companies on non-contentious matters including compliance, licensing and regulation.

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