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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

Lebanon’s media industry struggle continues with the closure of its leading English-language newspaper, Daily Star, after efforts to save the title last year by suspending its print editions.

The Daily Star folded on 31 October 2021 after years of financial struggle, and is the latest among several newspapers to stop printing amid the worst economic crisis in 150 years,say lawyers.

Meanwhile, radio stations and TV channels emporarily suspended broadcast activities. The political party Future Movement’s radio station Al-Sharq and Future TV also suspended broadcasting.

Kamal Richa, Director of Radio Al-Sharq, told Arab News: “The radio station, which was established in 1994, has never stopped broadcasting. But we had to turn off our generators due to the shortage of diesel, and broadcasting stopped a few days ago.” 

Music service Anghami relocated its headquarters from crisis-hit Lebanon to the UAE. The service was founded eight years ago by entrepreneurs Eddy Maroun and Elie Habi, and has growth to acquire more than 70 million users across the Middle East and North Africa.

Co founder Eddy Maroun, who is also the CEO, told Al Jazeera: “We always had a vision for the whole Middle East and North Africa region – that’s why we also have offices in Dubai, Cairo and Riyadh.” He added: “The Abu Dhabi headquarters move is in line with our vision to grow more into a pan-Arab platform.” 

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”. Lawyers are routinely praised by clients for their negotiations skills and the “excellent service provided of international standards”. 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.  

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.  

  REGIONS WE COVER

  Middle East and North Africa

  North America

  Asia-Pacific

  Western Europe

  Central and Eastern Europe

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