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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

SINGAPORE

Government attention over the past year has been on online safety, as well as broader industry regulation around market competition.

Singapore passed a social media law intended to strengthen online safety, in a move that requires platforms to block access to harmful content. The Online Safety Bill was passed by parliament in November following two days of debate, and imposes fines for failure to remove harmful content ‘within hours’.

Social media platforms face fines of up to USD715,000 if they fail to comply with the new law, intended to protect users from content deemed “egregious”. The law allows the national regulator, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), to order online platforms to block access by users in Singapore, regardless of where the content is hosted or initiated.

The Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, told parliament that the new law aims to deal with gaps not addressed by other legislation. Ms Teo explained: “If such harmful content existed only on websites, IMDA would be able to deal with them under the existing Broadcasting Act.” She added: “But today, users are much more likely to consume content from the feeds of Social Media Services.”

In April last year, the IMDA issued a converged competition code to govern competition and market-related matters in the telecoms and media segments, which became effective in May.

TIER 1

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow is known for its focus on media and advertising law. The firm advises extensively on a range of intellectual property matters, domestic and cross-border. With two decades of experience, the firm has extensive experience working on a multitude of cases, contentious and non-contentious matters. Lawyers advise on commercial exploitation of intellectual property in the media and technology industries.

Working closely with its regional offices in Hong Kong and China, Bird & Bird ATMD focusses on commercial services. Core competence areas are sports law, data protection and sector-related tax advice. The practice is well regarded for expertise in intellectual property law, domestic and cross-border transactions. Lawyers also regularly advise government agencies, regulatory bodies and public institutions on a range of industry-related caes. 

Drew & Napier “provides a professional service on a consistent basis” say clients. The practice is distinguished for its media law specialisation and case handling that clients describe as “above expectation”. The firm works closely with media regulator MDA and industry leaders including Spotify, Scripps and Discovery Communications. The firm is described by clients as “pragmatic, thorough and responsive”, and is recognised for its in-depth knowledge of the pay-television sector.

TIER 2

Joyce A. Tan & Partners has a strong focus on media. The firm is gaining recognition for its specialisations across media sub-sectors, from online and print to entertainment and advertising. Lawyers assist with film production, sports and cases of defamation. Areas of focus include regulatory and transactional work.   

Pinsent Masons MPillay has an international focus on cross-border transactions. The practice is among the local leaders for entertainment and technology matters. Lawyers advise on licensing agreements, copyright and data protection. Clients include social media companies and film studios.

Rajah & Tann is well established in the legal market for its broad coverage of media cases. The firm integrates media and entertainment, intellectual property, technology and telecommunications. With a full-service approach, the team works across a range of cases, from advisory to corporate and commercial.  

WongPartnership works with media regulatory bodies and some of the world’s best known content producers in the motion picture and music industries. The practice is widely respected for its sector specialisation, attracting television networks and other creative industry clients that include filmmakers, song writers, producers and production houses. Lawyers also advise on sector-related investment, securitisation, distribution and exploitation projects.

TIER 3

CMS is instructed by leading media organisations, local and international. The firm’s work includes corporate, commercial and dispute resolution. Acting for A+E Networks, the team assisted with the production, sponsorship and distribution of the series MasterChef Asia. Lawyers also advised on the launch of HOOQ, a regional internet television service, and a joint venture between Sony, Singtel and Warner Bros.

Dentons Rodyk is noted by peers for its focus on multiple areas of media, from entertainment law and gaming to publishing and broadcast. The practice is popular among clients including joint venture parties, content creators, start-ups and individual talent. The team works on digital distribution agreements, mobile media arrangements, merchandising and sponsorship deals.

TIER 4

Sports and media firm Harry Elias Partnership is one of the few firms that focus on all aspects of sports. Lawyers have extensive experience establishing and reorganising sports associations. The team also advises on international regulations and requirements for various sports.The firm is recognised for its work advising publishing clients in cases of defamation.

Lee & Lee media lawyers are skilled at developing new licensing and transactional frameworks and strategies. With in-depth experience, the team regularly drafts and reviews media, software and related technology agreements. The full-service firm is appointed by entertainment sector clients in cases involving intellectual property and regulatory matters.  

  REGIONS WE COVER

  Middle East and North Africa

  North America

  Asia-Pacific

  Western Europe

  Central and Eastern Europe

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