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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

“The modifications resulting from the transposition of the AVMS Directive and the consequent amendments to the Cinema Law and publication of a law regulating the Cinema Law were very relevant and impactful in the media sector, bringing a lot of legal work in this area”, explained Inês Arruda, Partner, Vasconcelos Arruda.

New entrants in Portugal have strengthened the SVoD market, and reinforced the need for technical legal advice, say lawyers. Over the past year, HBO Max was launched, replacing HBO Portugal, while Amazon Prime reinforced its presence with the launch of SkyShowtime.

Speaking about wider media trends, Ms Arruda commented: “It should also be noted that M&A operations and partnerships between companies in the media sector to strengthen their position against the competition, mediatic cases such as the merger of Viacom and CBS or WarnerMedia and Discovery, can also be considered a

trend that we have witnessed this year and that we will continue to witness in the coming years, as a result, once again, of an increasingly competitive market.”

Lawyers say that market complexities, such as legislative ambiguities, make detailed industry knowledge an essential requirement for law firms.

Pedro Lomba, Partner, PLMJ, explained: “The Copyright Code, the Advertising Code and the existing legislation do not regulate certain relationships of the modern digital world, such as the activity of social networks, even some issues of digital platforms or streaming.”

Mr Lomba added: “Legal work, legal interpretation and market knowledge is essential for good lawyering in the area.”

TIER 1

CCA Law Firm represents leading press groups, television cable networks and advertising agencies. The practice is widely recognised as a specialist in the area of media law with experience advising on compliance, regulation and corporate transactions. Lawyers litigate in multiple cases of freedom of speech and freedom of information. The team acts for clients including Cofina, Netflix and Havas.

The media team at Cuatrecasas acts for entertainment companies, television networks and music recording studios. Clients describe the team as “very professional, efficient and with in-depth knowledge of the law and the industry”. Lawyers are noted for their work on IP, media and data protection division.

PLMJ acts for investors and operators active in the media and technology sectors. Advice covers regulation of electronic communication, television and social media and software acquisition and licensing. Other areas of expertise include intellectual property and sports law. The team’s work includes arbitration of sports disputes, drafting of institutional regulations and contractual work.

Lawyers at Vieira de Almeida are well regarded for their knowledge of regulation and digital media. The practice has a combined focus on entertainment, advertising, technology and social media. In highlighted work lawyers assisted clients with media regulatory issues connected with the production of television shows in Portugal, licensing agreements and copyright.

TIER 2

Sports law expert Abreu Advogados is a popular choice among local and international clients. The team has broad-ranging experience advising on sports corporate law, labour law, intellectual property and tax law. The practice is highly regarded for its work on sports law and intellectual property.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados provides a broad range of services that are integrated with corporate, commercial and financial practice areas. The team is highlighted by competitors for its detailed knowledge of press freedom, privacy and image rights and data protection. Lawyers also advise on complex misleading and comparative advertising.

Sérvulo specialises in litigation and arbitration, regulatory compliance and sector-related corporate work. The practice works on a broad range of issues connected with the audio-visual and advertising sectors. Lawyers advise on freedom of expression, defamation, confidentiality violation and cases of false and comparative advertising.

With two decades of TMT focus, SRS Legal has built a leading practice that is popular among broadcast and sports clients. According to one client “The firm and its partners have the ability to set a profound link between the legal framework and its practical application, mainly in an extremely competitive business environment.” The team has extensive experience working with industry clients including NOS, Kantar Group and Sportfive.

TIER 3

CMS acts for broadcast clients on communication agreements, data protection and copyright. Other areas of focus include advertising, marketing and sponsorships. The team routinely advises on regulation and competition, technological development and licensing.

DLA Piper ABBC combines media with marketing and intellectual property. The team focusses on copyright and licensing, advertising and marketing and on image rights, freedom of press and respective limitations and boundaries. The firm also specialises in sports law representing athletes, associations of sports agents, federations and promoters of sports events.

Pbbr has a solid position in the market and is praised by clients and peers alike. According to one client, “The firm is extremely cooperative and responsive. Lawyers provide excellent and competent advice”. Clients highlight lawyers for providing “practical advice with excellent quality.” The team advised on the launch of local streaming businesses, on digital media regulation and on advertising campaigns. The practice also has a particular focus on IT and IP with wider emphasis on franchising, distribution and unfair competition.

TIER 4

Caiado Guerreiro advises several national and international television networks and telecommunications operators. The firm’s work includes advice on licensing and start-up operations. The media team also assists with contractual matters and negotiations with the authorities.

Macedo Vitorino is known for its regulatory, competition and merger and acquisition advice. The firm’s traditional focus on the telecommunications sector makes it a popular choice for clients offering converged services. The legal team advises on corporate finance deals and multi-jurisdictional asset deals within the TMT sector.

TIER 5

Alves Pereira & Teixeira de Sousa’s media and advertising specialisation has existed almost as long as the firm, which was established in 1990. The team acts for production companies, advertisers and media purchase agencies on contractual matters, statutory and regulatory requirements and intellectual property. Lawyers also represent clients in administrative proceedings.

Albuquerque Almeida specialises in copyright law, telecommunications and IT. The firm’s IP team advises on commercial matters, international contracts, in and out of court cases of unfair competition. Lawyers also assist with joint ventures and strategic cooperation agreements within the TMT sector.

With a sports and entertainment focus, Miranda is appointed by related clients in a range of broad cases. The team advises on competition issues resulting from regulatory and commercial restrictions, transfer systems and sports regulations, image rights and broadcasting rights.

Uría Menéndez - Proença de Carvalho specialises in broadcast regulation and transactional advice. The firm acts for television, radio and press clients on the sale and purchase of media companies, public tenders and the transfer of radio and television licenses and concessions. The team is noted for its advice on sports law, sponsorships and events.

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