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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

China’s industry activity over the past year includes regulatory, legislative and business developments across broadcasting, gaming and OTT markets.

The government introduced new rules in August 2021 relating to the allowable length of time for online gaming or minors, as well as rules on gaming content a month later.

Earlier in the year, the National Radio and Television Administration published a draft broadcast law fit for the internet era. The draft reflects the industry’s growing complexity, containing 10 chapters with 80 regulations, compared with six chapters and 55 regulations in the current law.

In business developments, Alibaba Group Holding announced plans to divest its equity shares in one of China’s largest TV broadcasters just nine months after it bought them.

Alibaba plans to sell its 5 per cent share in Mango Excellent Media at an estimated loss of

CNY2.3 billion (USD356 million), according to a corporate filing to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange published in September.

Mango Excellent Media owns Mango TV, which is popular for its variety of shows in China, and is one of several media-related investments funded by Alibaba. The filing also states that Alibaba is seeking a waiver from an agreement not to sell the shares for one year.

The planned sale follows mounting political and regulatory pressure from the Chinese government, which has intensified its scrutiny of the media and technology industry over the past year.

TIER 1

Sports and digital media are Bird & Bird’s core focus areas. The firm represents high profile clients in the sports industry, including Jazeera’s beIN Sport. The team advises mobile game publishers and corporate clients on sports-related sponsorships. Data protection is also a key area of focus for the firm, which works with clients from the Asia-Pacific region on related-matters.

Lawyers at Fangda Partners advise on commercial and regulatory aspects of the telecommunications, media and internet markets. The team works with content providers and broadcasters on licensing and outsourcing contracts, e-commerce, advertising, intellectual property and advices on regulatory changes.

Media and Entertainment expert Hylands Law Firm is recognised by peers and clients for its film and television specialisation. The team advises on adaptation and creation of script, investment and financing, Sino-foreign co-productions and the import and export of film and television content. Lawyers also represent music and recoding companies, print publishers and sports industry clients.

O’Melveny & Myers is a recognised leader for media law. Its sector coverage includes entertainment, sports, internet and emerging technologies. The team acts for high profile television, music and new media companies, strategic investors and individual talent.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is known for its sector-related corporate and transactional work. Lawyers advise strategic and financial investors on all aspects of the TMT sectors in Asia, including strategic acquisitions and joint ventures. The firm’s clients include, DreamWorks Animation, Tencent and Universal Studios.

TIER 2

Baker McKenzie has been doing business in China for 40 years. With its primary emphasis on intellectual property, the firm is a popular choice for copyright cases across segment including entertainment, sports and technology. The team also focusses on cross-border litigation and enforcement in both regions.

Clifford Chance’s cross-border advice dominates its TMT work. The practice is well regarded by peers for its advice on anti-trust and competition law. Practitioners specialise in sector-related public-to-private transactions, mergers and overseas acquisitions.

Simmons & Simmons has a dedicated TMT practice specialising in corporate and commercial matters. The firm has a diverse portfolio that includes leading online, e-commerce and entertainment companies. The team has extensive experience representing multinational companies, including software companies and venture capital investors in China and the US.

Wanhuida Intellectual Property is among the region’s leaders for copyright, enforcement and litigation. Present since 1992, the firm has a high profile client base that includes multinational companies. Lawyers at the firm are highly reputed for their litigation skils.

TIER 3

Covington & Burling is appointed by Hollywood studios and leading independent production studios. The team advises television companies, sports organisations, funds and investors, individual actors and directors. The practice is also known for advice on complex regulatory matters.

Deacons primarily focusses on intellectual property advice to media and entertainment clients. The firm is appointed by multinational companies that include Hollywood studios, production houses and distributors, music publishers and advertisers. Llawyers assisted Hong Kong’s largest television network, advised Twentieth Century Fox on high-profile film projects in China and advised on the establishment of a distribution company.

TIER 4

Grandall Legal Group concentrates on intellectual property advice with key areas of work including unfair competition, licensing, investment and financing of rights. Lawyers also assist with overseas mergers and acquisitions and act for companies establishing a presence abroad. Other service areas include telecommunications, IT and e-commerce.

King & Wood Mallesons has a global focus on entertainment, data protection and privacy. The media group advises on complex regulatory requirements, transactions and disputes. Other areas of focus include digital advertising, technology and sector-related tax.

Liu, Shen & Associates specialises in intellectual property. Founded in 1993, the practice has an established copyright division with long-standing emphasis on protection and enforcement. The firm’s media group also handles litigation and dispute resolution.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges acts for media and entertainment clients on corporate and transactional cases ranging from spin-offs and IPOs to financings and restructurings. The team has extensive experience advising overseas clients on complex contractual and licensing disputes.