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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

Lawyers say the industry has seen a substantial increase in the TMT sector, locally and internationally. OTT platforms have generated a high level of work for industry lawyers, who have been instructed over the past year to advise on governance regulation, advertisement and content regulation, as well as data protection and risk assessment.

In related developments, PTCL and Ufone 4G signed an agreement with Evision to launch a video streaming platform in Pakistan. The OTT platform launched in February 2023, and hosts a collection of Hollywood and Pakistani entertainment content.

Lawyers say the increasing role of regulatory authorities and government agencies headquartered in Islamabad, such as the Competition Commission, Pakistan Telecommunications.

Authority and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority will support law firm functions across these practices.

Press freedom also became topical over the past year after the country’s electronic media regulator closed two cable networks. In a statement, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority said that it conducted ‘surprise inspections’ in Muzaffargarh and surrounding areas.

The inspections were conducted following violations of the regulator’s directives and orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding the airing of illegal Indian channels or content.

TIER 1

Ali & Associates has leading industry expertise with a high portfolio client base. The firm acts for Disney, TV One, music channel 9XM and Independent Media Corp. In highlighted work the team acted for a subsidiary of Sony Television on the bidding process for exclusive global television rights for Pakistan’s cricket matches, auctioned for the first time for a period of five years. Lawyers have in-depth knowledge of media law and work on cross-sector deals and cases.

RIAA Barker Gillette has two decades of experience in the local legal market, with offices in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Kabul. The firm’s media law focus attracts clients such as Pak Media Communications and Merchant Holdings. Lawyers handle a range of matters involving online media and the music sector, from advisory and transactional to contractual and litigation.

Mandviwalla & Zafar acts for leading broadcasting companies and satellite operators. The team advises on agreements for satellite channels and distribution platforms. Lawyers also advise on regulatory frameworks for establishing television channels.

TIER 2

HaidermotaBNR & Co works closely with its affiliated firm in Dubai, Anjarwala, Collins & Haidermota. The firm’s TMT lawyers work on multiple cases involving corporate and commercial transactions and have significant experience acting for clients in the Middle East, Pakistan, UK and Canada.

Meer & Hasan is one of the region’s most established firms specialising in media law. The firm’s experience includes acting for the BBC in a case of unauthorised representation by a local radio station. In a separate case, lawyers advised on the use of insignias of Pakistan Armed Forces in the popular US television series Homeland, aired by US channel Showtime.

Media sector work at Vellani & Vellani is closely connected with the firm’s intellectual property specialisation. Advising local and international clients, lawyers advise on licensing requirements, the protection of intellectual property rights, investments, regulations and tax.

TIER 3

Founded in 1983, Irfan & Irfan is an established name in the legal market. The firm’s core competence areas are intellectual property, cyber law and e-commerce. Lawyers advise on data protection, online content and copyright. Members of the firm have served on government panels and committees focussed on national laws relating to e-commerce and digital information.

Khursheed Khan’s areas of practice include entertainment, advertising, gaming, theatre and film. With a broad industry focus, the firm’s lawyers advise on television and motion pictures, sports law and joint ventures. The team has in-depth knowledge of digital media, copyright and data protection.

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