TURKEY

Turkey’s media market has been subject to legislative changes over the past year, as well as industry growth across segments, including a VoD market to projected to reach USD428 million in 2023, according to research from Statista.

In October 2022, parliament adopted a media law intended to prevent the spread of ‘false or misleading information’ online. The disinformation law became the subject of controversy as it includes prison terms of up to three years.

A coalition of 22 international press freedom organisations raised collective concerns about the state censorship, stating: ‘The bill provides a framework for extensive censorship of online information and the criminalisation of journalism.’

In other market developments, Turkey’s digital media market is subject to vast growth, with a market value of USD2,100.00 million in 2023. Video games is the market’s largest segment, valued at USD1,527.00 million this year, according to Statista.

Turkey continues to hold its position as a global leader in the export of television series. The export of Turkish films and serious in 2023 is estimated to be in excess of USD1 billion in value. The country’s export products are distributed to more than 150 countries.

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Gün + Partners has a high profile portfolio with clients from the broadcast and music sectors. Areas of specialisation include internet, private broadcasting and electronic communication. The firm’s service areas include advisory, transactional, dispute resolution and compliance. Clients single out the firm for its work on due diligence.

The TMT group at Güner Law Office works with some of the country’s largest media companies advising on regulatory and transactional matters. The highly regarded practice has a dedicated intellectual property practice, specialising in all aspects of copyright law. The firm is also distinguished for its litigation and arbitration expertise.

Specialising in advertising, media and entertainment, NSN Law Firm routinely assists advertising agencies, radio broadcasters and television producers. Lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the gaming sector, with experience assisting computer games companies and intermediary firms conducting sweepstakes and contests. The team has a reputation for excellence, and extensive experience advising on local and multinational media cases.

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Cerrahoglu Law Firm’s experience includes merger and acquisition advice to radio channels. The firm represents world-leading media companies, advising on media legislation and commercial law. The team negotiates a number of corporate transactions between Turkish partners and global media corporations.

CBC Law is a full-service law firm based in Istanbul, serving local and international clients. The team has extensive expertise in the fields of intellectual property, media and entertainment as well as technology. The firm advises a range of clients on the establishment of IP TV services, VOIP services and telecommunication services, such as in-car internet. The firm manages intellectual property portfolios, supporting clients in trademark, copyright, and patent law. Cetinkaya also has considerable experience in dispute resolution, business crime, compliance, corporate, employment and tax law. Lale Defne Mete leads the Media and Entertainment team.

Lawyers at ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law have extensive experience advising media-sector clients. The team works on a range of cases including the launch of new media platforms, film productions and distribution arrangements. Lawyers have extensive experience working on a multitude of cases relating to media, entertainment and information technology law.

Gökce Attorney Partnership has deep knowledge and experience in the media sector, acting for leading individual and companies that have game-changing business models. Adopting Gökce's long-lasting principle of "Answers. Not Theories.", the media team excelled its skills in intellectual property law, data protection, e-commerce and internet law. Gökce represents its clients on complex disputes and provides advice on daily business on traditional and digital media. Led by partners Görkem Gökçe, Prof. Dr. Ali Pasli and head of the team Derya Evirgen, the team's clients range from authors, artists, publishers, producers, game developers, streaming platforms and online content providers, such as Spotify, Sony, Masomo/Miniclip, All Stars Music, Nimo.tv, Zynga, Gram Games, Eternal Fire and Onedio.

Pekin & Pekin’s media and entertainment team operates under the management of the corporate practice, combining expertise in the area of tax, banking and dispute resolution. Corporate transactions account for a significant proportion of the firm’s work - with deals involving the print industry. The full-service practice,has a remarkable reputation with over four decades of activity.

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Çaga & Çaga acts for magazines and newspapers, entertainment companies and advertisers. The team advises on media-related investments, management and re-organisations. Lawyers provide cross-practice assistance on tax and commercial disputes.

Öncel, Aydin & Uygun Attorney Partnership combines e-commerce, IT and media law under one practice group. With particular focus on mergers and acquisitions, the team advises on investments, compliance and legislation. Lawyers are also have experience in handling copyright and advertising disputes.

Litigation specialist Suluk International Property has significant experience in the area of rights protection. The firm includes a team of is highly regarded litigators and respected figures in the legal market. In related work, the team advised Turksat, the country’s only cable television operator, on re-transmission rights. In other work the team assisted with sublicensing issues relating to a television series screened on local television channels.

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Gültekin Law Office has two decades of experience advising clients in the media sector. The firm works with clients on media-related investments, management and organisation and daily operations. Other core areas of emphasis include advertising regulations and licensing.

TIER 1

BTS & Partners

Gün + Partners

Güner Law Office

Moroglu Arseven

NSN Law Firm

TIER 2

Cerrahoglu

CBC Law

ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law

Esin Attorney Partnership, member of Baker McKenzie

Gökce Attorney Partnership