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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

Market trends in Lithuania over the past year include rapid growth in the digital media sphere, and changes to legislation governing the online gaming segment.

Lithuania has the largest media and entertainment market in the Baltic region. The country has a high number of internet users, reaching 82 per cent of nationals aged 16-74, increasing to 99 per cent for those aged 16-29, according to 2021 national statistics. Further growth in expected in the course of 2022, following the roll out of the 5G network the previous year.

Go3 strengthened its position in the Baltic region, gaining an OTT leadership position after it reached the milestone of 300 thousand subscribers in less than two years.

Jan Wykrytowicz, the TV3 Group PayTV CEO commented: ‘Reaching the 300K subscriber milestone several months ahead of the plan is an

important validation of our strategy and efforts.

We will continue investing in the Go3 original productions and international content acquisitions to provide our viewers with the best local and international entertainment.

‘The subscriber number growth for us is just as important as the growth of the average viewing time, which doubled over last year.’

In September last year, the Lithuanian legislature approved amendments that would allow gaming licenses to be granted to operators without a land-based presence. The government expects the changes to generate EUR8 million per year in revenue for the state.

LITHUANIA

TIER 1

Sorainen handles a full spectrum of matters connected with media sector cases, inducing tax and IT services, project financing and employment matters. The firm has more than a decade of experience that includes media-related dispute resolution, arbitration and advice on data protection. The firm is appointed by leading media companies including Google, Skype, Modern Times Group and Nordic Gaming.

TGS Baltic has high market visibility, matched by its extensive experience. The team advises on licensing, regulation, advertising and intellectual property related to broadcasting. In representative work, the firm assisted a leading international entertainment broadcasting group with one of the biggest disputes over the alleged infringement of authors’ rights in Lithuania. In other work the team advised the BBC on a multi-million film finance project.

The Triniti Jurex team advises broadcasting organisations, content creators, journalists and producers on licensing, regulation, advertising and IP-related matters. Trusted as a legal advisor of various e-platforms for entertainment, the Triniti Jurex team’s work is closely related to data protection and privacy. The firm’s media lawyers handle data protection, IT & telecoms, IP, media and competition law, as well as dispute resolution.

Ellex Valiunas has a long-standing focus on the media and entertainment industries. Known for its high profile client base, the firm handles complex commercial disputes, advises on non-competition agreements and assists with the sale of television and radio stations. The firm’s work involves advice on IP and IT law. In highlighted work, the team represented leading Lithuanian basketball players in a complex multi-jurisdictional dispute.

TIER 2

Cobalt has vast involvement in regulatory aspects of media sector cases. The team advises on regulatory frameworks of electronic communications and broadcasting. Lawyers also assist with copyright, privacy, licensing and data protection. The firm has 15 years of experience advising high-profile clients. The firm’s clients include radio, television and print media companies.

Glimstedt assists media and telecoms operators with online defamation, advertising and e-commerce. The team drafts privacy policies, internal corporate documentation relation to technology, data protection and planning strategies. Other areas of work include advice on juridical and extra-judicial settlements of disputes. The team handles cross-border regulatory issues and acts for institutional investors.

Primus is active in multiple cases relating to broadcasting. The firm is appointed by a number of Estonian radio and television broadcasting companies in relation to licensing, operation of stations, intellectual property matters and dispute resolution. The team acted for Estonian cable operator Starman in negotiations with television network operator Levira. The case involved the establishment of a digital terrestrial television network.

TIER 3

AAA Law’s media work stems from its focus on intellectual property and technology. The team in its work on intellectual property management and protection, advice on author’s rights and defense of breached rights. The team also handles online disputes, data protection and the regulation of e-commerce and electronic advertising.

The media and communications team at Eversheds Saladžius advises on national and EU regulatory compliance and notably on convergence in telecommunications, broadcasting and online segments. Clients include a US-based data communications distributor and a British television quiz producer.

TIER 1

Ellex Valiunas

Sorainen

TGS Baltic

Triniti Jurex

TIER 2

Cobalt

Glimstedt

Primus

Venckutė & Karnickas

Vilgerts

TIER 3