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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

Lawyers highlight a move towards litigation against libelous postings and comments on the internet, amid the fight against hate speech, as well as heightened activity from collecting societies.

Axel Anderl, Dorda, told MLI: “The collective societies are extremely active and aggressive towards media companies as the levies generated declined during COVID and they are now trying to find new sources of income.”

Other developments include the Constitutional Court’s ruling that free reception of programmes from the Austrian National Public Broadcaster (Österreichischer Rundfunk) via the internet is not in accordance with the constitution.

Gunther Gram, Höhne, In der Maur & Partner, explained: “This assessment is based on the unequal treatment of viewers who stream programming online and those who receive it via traditional broadcasting. A new regulation must be adopted in this regard by January 1, 2024.”

Changes in the legal market structure have led to movements in the rankings, with DORDA rising to Tier 1 and Ploil Boesch moving up to a Tier 2 position in 2023 rankings.

TIER 1

The team at DORDA is praised by clients for its pre-publication advice, speed and efficiency. Lawyers are also noted for having a high level of technical skill. Newspaper publishers say they appoint the firm as it provides “the highest level of expertise in media law.” The team advised TV2 Group on the transfer of its entity that operates television channel TV2 to a jurisdiction outside of its base in Hungary. The firm also acted for Styria Media Group on digital media and IP matters.

Höhne, In der Maur & Partner has an outstanding reputation for media and entertainment. The firm’s media lawyers are described by clients as “strategic and pro-active” with leading expertise in print and broadcasting law. The firm also represents clients in film, music and digital media sectors. The firm is appointed by high profile individuals in cases of privacy violation.

Korn Rechtsanwälte is widely recognised in the Austrian legal market for its dominance and media focus. With three decades of sector commitment, the practice is notably appointed by clients from the traditional media sector, including publishers and broadcasters. The team also advises clients from the online and sports segments. The team regularly advises on internet, copyright and competition law.

Ruggenthaler, Rest & Borsky has established a strong position in legal market and is popular among media clients. One client describe lawyers as “highly skilled and experienced media lawyers” who have “profound knowledge of the media market.” The firm represents Austrian newspaper KURIER and has advised Mediaprint on multiple cases connected with media law and competition.

TIER 2

Noll, Keider specialises in media law and copyright. Highly recommended by peers nationally, the firm is praised for the extensive knowledge of its lawyers. The practice is among the country’s most prominent, highlighted for its industry dedication. The firm is singled out for his in-depth knowledge of media law and competition law.

Broadcast law expert Ploil Boesch has a distinctive practice focussed on radio and television regulation and licensing. Clients include local and international broadcasters. The team handles cases that include representation in regulation and licensing proceedings, cooperation contracts and cable and satellite infrastructure agreements.

Zöchbauer & Partner is well regarded for with media sector work and advice on privacy protection. The practice is respected among peers and described as a leading industry practitioner. The firm is noted for its market visibility and active involvement in local media cases.

TIER 3

Polak & Partner’s media work is driven by its intellectual property specialisation. The department focus includes litigation, data protection and licensing. In highlighted work, the team represented a client from the sports sector in litigation on publicity and privacy rights.

Kunz Wallentin’s primary areas of practice are film law, sports law and copyright. The team advises on financing, production and exploitation of motion pictures. The practice works with international sports organisations and athletes. Lawyers also advise broadcasting companies, television producers, musicians, advertising and new media agencies on all matters related to copyright issues.

Maria Windhager has high visibility and handles cases diligently, say competitors. The firm’s core service areas are media law and privacy rights law. The team acts for clients from the radio, television, press and social media segments. Lawyers are praised by peers who say the firm is often quoted when an expert is needed in media law.

TIER 4

Focussing on licensing and regulatory matters, CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz advises commercial broadcasters, film makers and clients from the sports industry. The team is recognised for its broad experience advising on copyright, including conditional access law, distribution, unfair competition and publishing law.

The protection of intellectual property is one of the core competences of Graf Isola. The practice group, led by Dr Claudia Csaky and Dr Ferdinand Graf, provides its clients with comprehensive advice in all areas of IP & IT Law and is widely respected for their in-depth knowledge of trademark, patent, copyright law and all aspect of information technology law. Working closely together with its specialists from competition/antitrust law as well as corporate/M&A, its long-standing clients, many of them from the healthcare or communications sector, enjoy the benefits of the full-service law firm and regularly entrust the team with high-profile proceedings up to the Supreme Court.

TIER 5

E+H combines competition law, intellectual property and IT. The team works on significant cases advising public and private clients and is widely recognised for its work on antitrust and competition law.

Hasch & Partner has a reputation for intellectual property defence that makes it a popular choice for copyright protection in cases in and out of court. Lawyers routinely advice on intellectual property law, competition law and local and international commercial law.

Petsch Frosch Klein Arturo lawyers have long-standing experience advising on multiple aspects of intellectual property law. Founded in 1956, the firm has an established position working with local and international clients on copyright protection, competition law and litigation. The firm also has an office in Milan with Austrian practitioners working with the firm’s international network of lawyers.