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Specialist Guide to the
Global Leaders in Media Law Practice
Singapore has had a year of legislative change, a transforming marketing segment, particularly influencer marketing, and has an upcoming year of change in digital infrastructure.
Further to the Online Safety Act being passed in February last year, the IMDA issued a Code of Practice on Online Safety which became effecting in July 2023.
The new law is intended to improve online safety, an area of concern that legislators around the world are responding to. The primary purpose of the Act is to keep the internet safe for children and give adults more choice over what they see online. Under the Act, the IMDA is authorised to
designate social media companies that must comply with the code. The list of designated social media services includes Facebook, HardwareZone, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Other areas of important change include influencer marketing, which is in a state of transformation as the market moves in favour of more meaningful collaborations that focus on niche audiences.
TIER 1
Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow is known for its focus on media and advertising law. The firm advises extensively on a range of intellectual property matters, domestic and cross-border. With two decades of experience, the firm has extensive experience working on a multitude of cases, contentious and non-contentious matters. Lawyers advise on commercial exploitation of intellectual property in the media and technology industries.
Working closely with its regional offices in Hong Kong and China, Bird & Bird ATMD focusses on commercial services. Core competence areas are sports law, data protection and sector-related tax advice. The practice is well regarded for expertise in intellectual property law, domestic and cross-border transactions. Lawyers also regularly advise government agencies, regulatory bodies and public institutions on a range of industry-related caes.
Drew & Napier “provides a professional service on a consistent basis” say clients. The practice is distinguished for its media law specialisation and case handling that clients describe as “above expectation”. The firm works closely with media regulator MDA and industry leaders including Spotify, Scripps and Discovery Communications. The firm is described by clients as “pragmatic, thorough and responsive”, and is recognised for its in-depth knowledge of the pay-television sector.
TIER 2
Joyce A. Tan & Partners has a strong focus on media. The firm is gaining recognition for its specialisations across media sub-sectors, from online and print to entertainment and advertising. Lawyers assist with film production, sports and cases of defamation. Areas of focus include regulatory and transactional work.
Pinsent Masons MPillay has an international focus on cross-border transactions. The practice is among the local leaders for entertainment and technology matters. Lawyers advise on licensing agreements, copyright and data protection. Clients include social media companies and film studios.
Rajah & Tann is well established in the legal market for its broad coverage of media cases. The firm integrates media and entertainment, intellectual property, technology and telecommunications. With a full-service approach, the team works across a range of cases, from advisory to corporate and commercial.
WongPartnership works with media regulatory bodies and some of the world’s best known content producers in the motion picture and music industries. The practice is widely respected for its sector specialisation, attracting television networks and other creative industry clients that include filmmakers, song writers, producers and production houses. Lawyers also advise on sector-related investment, securitisation, distribution and exploitation projects.
TIER 3
CMS is instructed by leading media organisations, local and international. The firm’s work includes corporate, commercial and dispute resolution. Acting for A+E Networks, the team assisted with the production, sponsorship and distribution of the series MasterChef Asia. Lawyers also advised on the launch of HOOQ, a regional internet television service, and a joint venture between Sony, Singtel and Warner Bros.
Dentons Rodyk is noted by peers for its focus on multiple areas of media, from entertainment law and gaming to publishing and broadcast. The practice is popular among clients including joint venture parties, content creators, start-ups and individual talent. The team works on digital distribution agreements, mobile media arrangements, merchandising and sponsorship deals.
TIER 4
Sports and media firm Harry Elias Partnership is one of the few firms that focus on all aspects of sports. Lawyers have extensive experience establishing and reorganising sports associations. The team also advises on international regulations and requirements for various sports.The firm is recognised for its work advising publishing clients in cases of defamation.
Lee & Lee media lawyers are skilled at developing new licensing and transactional frameworks and strategies. With in-depth experience, the team regularly drafts and reviews media, software and related technology agreements. The full-service firm is appointed by entertainment sector clients in cases involving intellectual property and regulatory matters.
TIER 1
Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow
Bird & Bird ATMD
Drew & Napier
TIER 2
Allen & Gledhill
Joyce A. Tan & Partners
Pinsent Masons MPillay
Rajah & Tann
WongPartnership
TIER 3
CMS
Dentons Rodyk
OrionW
Shook Lin & Bok
Taylor Vinters
TIER 4
CNPLaw
Harry Elias Partnership
Lee & Lee
Withers KhattarWong
RANKING AND EDITORIALS
REGIONS WE COVER
Middle East and North Africa
North America
Asia-Pacific
Western Europe
Central and Eastern Europe