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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

Artificial intelligence has launched the next big wave of innovation globally, and Hungary is no exception. Lawyers say the fast-moving and topical matter of AI has occupied firms over the past year, along with sector-focussed transactional work.

Other developments include an all-time high for film industry revenue, which exceeded HUG250 billion, marking a 20 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

Csaba Káel, Government Commissioner for the Hungarian film industry and chairman of the board of the National Film Institute, described the increase as a “qualitative leap for the Hungarian film industry”.

The OTT segment is also subject to growth, with revenue projected to reached USD24 million in 2023. OTT video advertising is the country’s largest segment, with a market volume of USD187.60 million this year.

Over the past year, media freedom has been “fragmented”, say lawyers, after the Fidesz-controlled Media Council blocked the frequency license renewal of independent station Tilos Rádió.

Media Freedom Rapid Response expressed serious concern over the decision by the country’s powerful media regulator on grounds that the decision weakens media pluralism.

In legal market changes, positive peer feedback has led to validation for a move in the rankings for Hegymegi-Barakonyi és Tarsa Baker McKenzie, which moved up to Tier 2.

TIER 1

CMS houses one of the largest TMT groups in the country. Working with its UK office, the local team assisted a Polish telecommunications operator with the launch of its satellite-based television platform. The team works on wider sector-related matters such as advertising tax, regulatory compliance and disputes.

Media lawyers at Lakatos, Köves and Partners provide "timely and pro-active responses”. The team is also described by clients as proactive and reliable. The TMT group worsk on transactional cases connected with cable television, radio, print and online media.

TIER 2

Lendvai and Partners is one of Hungary’s leading media specialists focussed on corporate transactions. The firm advises onn high profile cases including the cross-border acquisition of a Czech newspaper distributor by the Hungarian subsidiary of a global media company. The team also assisted a London-based television broadcaster on infringement of a television series title.

Lengyel Allen & Overy Ügyvédi Iroda works with audio-visual sector clients, advising on cross-border transactions. The Budapest team is backed by the firm’s global network of lawyers and works closely with neighbouring CEE regions. Key practitioner Hugh Owen represents international clients and has particular experience advising on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and takeovers.

Oppenheim’s industry commitment is evidenced by its media, publishing and entertainment practice group. Covering contentious and non-contentious work, the team advises on contract negotiations, licensing and disputes. The team has extensive knowledge of data protection, copyright and commercial transactions.

TIER 3

bpv Jádi Németh specialises in info communications and media. The firm advises on wide-ranging issues from sector-related transactions and licensing activities to marketing and regulatory matters. Krisztina Ivanics manages the media pracftice, which works closely with the copyright and data privacy department that is led by Andrea Jádi Németh. Other areas of advice include data processing, digital software and e-commerce.

Intellectual property is the primary focus of Hegymegi-Barakonyi & Fehérváry Baker McKenzie. The team advises a range of clients including games and software producers, television production companies and publishers. Lawyers regularly assist clients from the audio-visual sector on matters ranging from license agreements to litigation.

TIER 4

Balazs & Kovatsits Legal Partnership has a good track record advising on copyright matters connected with software, literary works and compositions. The team has extensive experience drafting license contracts and advising on e-commerce, data protection and competition law.

Copyright and data protection are among core focus areas at VJT & Partners. The team advises global media and entertainment companies on local data protection policy, advertising and marketing. Lawyers also have extensive experience advising on the transfer and assignment of copyright.