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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

Thailand has exponential growth in the OTT market, accounted for by a high rate of video subscriptions in the past year, according to market research by SpotX, a video advertising platform.

Content streaming is gaining momentum nationally, and is contributing to an influx of advisory work say lawyers. Over the past year, media lawyers have advised production companies on content restrictions as well as entertainment companies on broadcasting licensing and regulation.

In other developments, the government tightened the emergency decree imposed more than a year ago to deal with fake news. The new rules prohibit sharing news that “causes public fear”.

Six Thai journalist associations urged the government to retract the restrictions. In a joint statement to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the grouped stated: ‘The clause ‘news that may cause public fear’ allows authorities to proceed with legal action against the media and the public without clear criteria.

‘Even if the public or media share factual information, state agencies may use this clause as grounds to file a complaint or threaten them.’

THAILAND

TIER 1

The Baker McKenzie team acts for clients across the copyright spectrum. Television production companies, online service providers and fashion houses form the firm’s diverse client base. The media practice group advises on the licensing of intellectual property, distributorship arrangements and legal aspects of franchising.

LawPlus represents clients from the film and music industries, providing specialist advice on a range of copyright matters. The IP and IT department is managed works with the wider team providing local and cross-border advice.

Tilleke & Gibbins works with clients from the film, television and radio segments on intellectual property-related matters. The team provides ongoing assistance to Google and has assisted Tata Communications on net neutrality and zero rating.

TIER 2

Hunton Andrews Kurth maintains leadership in the local legal market with dynamic media sector coverage that includes entertainment and sports. Bangkok-based lawyers work on transactions, negotiations and dispute resolution on behalf of clients around the world.  

With a digital media focus, the Rajah & Tann team has extensive experience advising on content license and distribution agreements. The TMT department works with media regulators on behalf of its clients. The team is also recognised for its knowledge of data protection compliance.    

Present since 1990, Siam Premier International has established a leading position with separate departments for media, telecommunications and intellectual property. The firm’s practitioners advise on contentious and non-contentious intellectual property and technology law.

TIER 3

International Legal Counsellors Thailand represents producers, presenters and actors. With a division dedicated to entertainment, the firm’s lawyers have extensive experience drafting motion picture contracts, including artist, modelling and presenter service contracts. The team also provides sector-related tax planning assistance.

Formerly the Bangkok office of White & Case, Weerawong C&P has become one of the largest independent law firms since its establishment in 2009. The practice specialises in intellectual property and works a range of cross-border cases.

  REGIONS WE COVER

  Middle East and North Africa

  North America

  Asia-Pacific

  Western Europe

  Central and Eastern Europe

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