Copyright © Media Law International 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Specialist Guide to the
Global Leaders in Media Law Practice
TIER 1
Raja, Darryl & Loh
Shearn Delamore & Co
Shin Associates
Tay & Partners
TIER 2
Christopher & Lee Ong
Naqiz & Partners
Rahmat Lim & Partners
Shook Lin & Bok
Zul Rafique & Partners
TIER 3
Chooi & Company
Law Partnership
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill
Skrine
Wilson Lim
Wong Jin Nee & Teo
TIER 4
Abdul Raman Saad & Associates
Cheang & Ariff
Ram Caroline Sha & Syah
Wong & Partners
RANKING AND EDITORIALS
TIER 1
Raja, Darryl & Loh leads the market with its media law specialisation. With particular expertise in defamation, lawyers routinely act for prominent individuals and publications in cases of libel, slander, malicious falsehood and contempt of court. The team has extensive experience representing print media and online media on freedom of speech, privacy protection and reputation management.
The media team at Shearn Delamore & Co works collaboratively with the firm’s IP, IT, and telecoms lawyers, providing multidisciplinary advice. The firm assists gaming clients, local and overseas, with the review of structure, content and compliance of computer games. The team also advises on data privacy and protection, entertainment law, satellite television operations and e-commerce.
TIER 2
Multidisciplinary lawyers at Naqiz & Partners work across segments and practice areas including corporate, commercial and transactional. The firm’s media division works closely with the TMT and IP practices and includes a focus on emerging technology, e-commerce and data privacy.
Rahmat Lim and Partners emphasis is on intellectual property and technology aspects of law that interact with media. The firm’s primary focus is on copyright management and protection. The team advises local and multinational companies on non-contentious matters including compliance, licensing and regulation.
The TMT group at Shook Lin & Bok brings together transactional, dispute resolution and regulatory expertise. Lawyers have notable experience advising on communications and content distribution. The team assists client with outsourcing arrangements and contract negotiation, management and exits. Copyright and e-commerce also form part of the firm’s focus areas.
TIER 3
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s IP and ICT group has a subdivision dedication to media, advertising and entertainment. Lawyers work with clients on celebrity endorsement and exclusivity agreements, advertising content for regulatory compliance issues and restrictions on advertising. Other focus areas include e-commerce, marketing and dispute resolution.
Established in 1963, Skrine has long-standing experience acting for domestic and international clients across segments of the entertainment industry including television, radio, publishing, music and advertising. Lawyers advise on competition, acquisitions and joint ventures. The team works with celebrities on the management of intellectual property rights and contract negotiation.
The TMT practice group of IP boutique firm Wong Jin Nee & Teo (WJNT) has vast experience in advertising compliance. Working closely with media agencies, in-house and external legal counsels, as well as corporate marketing teams to conduct legal review of advertisement content, the team routinely assists clients across various industries including the technology, financial, medical, F&B and consumer goods sectors. WJNT also regularly advises on data privacy issues, as well as regulatory, licensing and other IP-related matters in the gaming, technology and telecommunications segments. Key contacts for WJNT's TMT practice group include Jin Nee Wong and Joanne Kong.
REGIONS WE COVER
Middle East and North Africa
North America
Asia-Pacific
Western Europe
Central and Eastern Europe
Malaysian government is taking steps to enhance responsibility and accountability in the media industry with the proposed establishment of the Malaysian Media Council.
This legislative initiative is aimed at creating a
self-regulatory body to address local news reporting issues, combat misinformation, and uphold the welfare of media professionals. The MCD has underscored the government's commitment to press freedom, clarifying that it entails responsible reporting from credible sources within ethical boundaries.
The council is envisioned to foster self-regulation, enabling the media to set and enforce its own standards, thereby avoiding potential government overreach. The council's framework will include mechanisms for public complaints, a code of conduct, and dispute resolution procedures.
The bill, currently in the final drafting stages, is slated for presentation in Parliament by March 2024, following review by the Attorney-General's Chambers and Cabinet approval.
There is also a consideration for gender inclusivity, with a proposal that women represent a minimum of 30 per cent of the council's committee members.
Additionally, the Ministry of Communications and Digital is actively discussing with industry players to refine the bill and address other concerns such as advertising expenditure, with plans to establish a task force for more in-depth engagement.
The Malaysian Media Council will take on significant roles, like overseeing events such as the National Journalists’ Day, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision for a robust media sector.
This move represents a critical step towards a regulated media landscape that respects free expression while ensuring journalistic integrity
in Malaysia.