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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

Screen Scotland published a new strategy that outlines ambitious plans for the economic and creative growth of Scotland’s film and TV sectors over the next six years.

The strategy was published in March 2024 and commits to backing emerging talent, production skill and film education, as well as the development of new audiences.

Speaking about the strategy, Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland explained: “We’re starting this new strategic period from a position of strength. Many of our films are now enjoying international recognition through A-list festival debuts and commercial distribution. The number and scale of films and TV series shooting year-round in Scotland has rapidly increased, employing Scottish crews, locations and facilities.”

Ms David continued: “These tremendous results have come about through a focussed work programme, close collaboration with industry and dedicated funding. We fully intend to build on this in order to continue to effect positive change in the Scottish film and TV sector.”

Scotland’s booming film industry is expected to have a record-breaking year on account of global streaming companies recommissioning successful TV series in the region.

In other industry developments, the Scottish Government has backed the establishment of a national games strategy, in recognition of the significant commercial and transformative potential of games.

According to the Scottish Games Network, gaming contributes over GBP188.5 million to the Scottish economy each year, making the gaming sector as large as fintech, data and cybersecurity.

TIER 1

Bannatyne Kirkwood France & Co specialises in media law and intellectual property. The firm has a particular emphasis on defamation and is known for its in-depth pre and post publication advice. Lawyers represent clients including Associated Newspapers, The Scotsman Publications and Scottish & Universal Newspapers. The practice is also appointed by political figures.

Brodies is regularly instructed by publishers for pre-publication advice and pre-broadcast content review. With a client base that includes BBC Scotland and Channel 4, the firm’s core competence areas include defamation, contempt, privacy and data protection. Lawyers also work with clients from the video games and new media sectors.

Levy & McRae has established a leading media law department that is the firm’s strongest area of business. The boutique firm is a litigation-only practice known for its expertise in defamation law, commercial litigation and regulatory issues. With two decades of experience, the firm has represented some of the largest print publishers and broadcast networks.

Mellicks Solicitors media law is a market leader in the field. The firm has over three decades of experience acting for some of the largest print and online publications in the country. Lawyers offer pre and post publication advice to those clients on all matters which may arise including contempt of court, defamation, privacy, data protection, copyright and regulatory compliance. Lawyers also represent private clients in defamation and privacy claims and provide advice on reputation management issues, including complaints to IPSO.

TIER 2

Burness Paull’s media emphasis is driven by intellectual property litigators with particular expertise in sports-related matters. The team advises clients including Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Rugby Union and Celtic FC. Lawyers also work on outsourcing and overseas data transfer, data sharing, use of personal data online and data breach management.

CMS assists broadcasters, publishers and gambling operators with matters ranging from defamation, advertising and marketing. The firm has extensive experience advising a vast range of industry cases, working from its offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Lawyers are singled out for their sector advice on copyright, data protection and privacy.

DLA Piper focusses on several segments including film, audio-visual privacy, digital media and games. With cross-practice and cross-border experience, lawyers assist with production and rights acquisitions, staging and exploiting live sports events and advise on competition law.

Pinsent Masons lawyers advise on film and television investments, the procurement of new programmes, acquisition of broadcasting rights and multi-platform works including online games. The TMT group advises Creative Scotland on a range of matters which include developing the potential of film makers in Scotland.

TIER 3

Shepherd and Wedderburn acts for global TMT organisations, regulators and industry associations. The team advises on regulatory issues related to market entry, product launch assessments and is routinely involved in matters connected with cloud computing, data protection and data retention.

Thorntons Solicitors focuses on publishing, social media, television and music sectors. Clients include individual music artists and international corporations. Lawyers advise on advertising, marketing and convergence between traditional media and online. In highlighted work the team advised on the acquisition of online streaming rights of funded television content and sponsored television programmes.

TIER 1

Bannatyne Kirkwood France & Co

Brodies

Levy & McRae

Mellicks Solicitors

TIER 2

Burness Paull

CMS

DLA Piper

Pinsent Masons

TIER 3

Addleshaw Goddard