Home About MLI Firm Rankings Products e-Zine Research & Methodology

Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

Political and economic difficulty in Lebanon has challenged the country's film industry over the past year and has led to the country’s only English-Language newspaper suspending its print edition after 68 years.

Covid-19 cases combined with the economic crisis have made project completion in the film industry increasingly complex.

Lawyers say the pandamic has worsened the situation but pre-existing difficulties have long challenged the industry, from censorship to a lack of support from the government for cinema.

The Daily Star is the most recent among several newspapers to stop printing in the past year after “virtually no advertising revenue”.

The Daily Star suspended print in February last year, stating that its website and social media platforms will continue to offer news coverage and content from Lebanon.

In the same month, popular music radio station, Radio One, went off air after 37 years, due to the economic crisis.

Lawyers say the that Lebanon needs a digital revolution to spur growth and increase productivity, adding that the country needs investment in digital infrastructure to create e-Lebanon.

TIER 1

Abou Jaoude & Associates leads the market with a dedicated new media law practice, advising traditional and digital companies on corporate and transactional cases. The firm’s media lawyers advise on advertising, and intellectual property, production and post-production. Other sector-related work includes advising on unfair competition law and acquisitions.

Clients highlight Alem & Associates for its “outstanding delivery, out-of-the-box solutions and strong negotiation skills”. Leila Laila, head of the media and entertainment department, is routinely singled out by clients who describe her as an industry expert. “Her negotiations skills are excellent and the service provided is of international standards” said one client. In representative work the team advised Charisma Group on its acquisition of regional exclusive license and production rights from CBS Studio for the television format of Entertainment Tonight.

Badri and Salim El Meouchi’s media focus is driven by its IP and IT department, which covers multiple segments including entertainment, sports and advertising. The team advises local and international clients on copyright, e-commerce, internet, licensing and sports sponsorship. Lead practitioner Chadia El Meouchi manages the firm’s Lebanon and Qatar offices.

TIER 2

Recognised as a regional leader, Baroudi & Associates specialises in media and advertising. Lawyers assist with dispute resolution, unfair competition, copyright and regulation. In representative work, the team acted for a leading Gulf-based media network in a dispute with the Lebanese Ministry of Information over an exclusive broadcasting contract.

Chedid Law Offices is a Dentons-associated firm. With access to an international network, the firm’s TMT group works on a broad range of cases. The team advises on cable and satellite television, advertising, regulation and unfair competition. Lawyers also act for clients from the publishing, film and music industries.

TIER 3

El-Khoury & Partners is highly specialised in intellectual property protection within the media and entertainment sector, assisting governments, publishing and e-commerce companies. The team advises on media, advertising, franchising and distribution agreements. Other areas of work include unfair trading and competition.

Levant Law Practice’s media focus is combined with its telecommunication work. The firm represented a leading international operator in the negotiation of licenses and advised on related agreements. Lawyers also acted for a leading television network in all its corporate activities and litigation matters.

Intellectual property forms the foundations of Obeid Law Firm’s sector specialisation. From cross-border advice to commercial law, the team works across a range of services. Team activity includes copyright protection, contract analysis, licence acquisition and technology transfer.

TIER 1

Abou Jaoude & Associates

Alem & Associates

Badri and Salim El Meouchi Law Firm

TIER 2

Baroudi & Associates

Chedid Law Offices - Associated with Dentons

Moghaizel Law Office

Mena City Lawyers

TIER 3

El-Khoury & Partners

Law Offices of Naoum Farah