Media

Squire Sanders’ media lawyers recognize the demand for forward-thinking advice in an industry revolutionized by converging technology and new delivery systems. What were formerly distinct and separate media – film, television, radio, cable, satellite, wireless, Internet, video and music – now fuse into multimedia, requiring creative and aggressive advice in the areas of strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), contract negotiation and intellectual property protection.

With resources strategically located around the world, we advise clients in media, marketing, content production and delivery, and licensing, and offer comprehensive advice on corporate transactions (e.g., M&A, partnerships and fundraisings), intellectual property (e.g., brands and trademarks, domain name disputes and international infringement work), litigation and employment.

With leading industry knowledge, particularly in marketing services, sports and branded content, we are well versed in dealing with and advising on novel and complex situations.

Among the clients we represent are:

Film studios Television and radio companies E-businesses Event organizers and promoters Broadband cable companies Record companies Advertisers

Content and audiovisual producers Distributors of themed channels and audiovisual products Producers and distributors of video games Publishers Marketing services groups

Our lawyers draft and negotiate contracts for most aspects of the media industry, resolve conflicts and establish strategies for the protection and exploitation of intellectual property rights, and aid companies seeking to achieve regulatory compliance.

Our services include:

• Advising producers of film and television programs on production and financing
• Assisting broadcasters in protecting the value of copyrighted and noncopyrighted works
• Advising composers, musicians and recording companies on the use of musical works including their use in film and television and on the Internet

We also help clients meet the increasing demands that today’s content markets are making on all parts of the industry: forming international co-productions, negotiating international sales and distribution of products, fulfilling bond insurance, negotiating format acquisition, selling remake rights, contracting with foreign artists and establishing joint ventures for the production and distribution of themed channels.

Additionally, our lawyers have developed their own methodology in the international financing of audiovisual production projects and in the establishment of corporate structures to minimize royalty withholdings.

Advertising

Our marketing services practice includes advising clients on sponsorship of television programs and channels, broadcast regulations and obtaining approvals from advertising authorities. We also provide expertise in online media and advertising including adwords, metatags and cybersquatting.

We advise clients across the advertising and marketing services industry on creative content and how brands engage with consumers through the medium of entertainment and the increasing engagement of business with social media. We also have detailed expertise in related issues such as how bribery and corporate governance impact this sector. Media investment management and media buying are an important part of the practice, and our team plays a key role in the developing “branded content” sector.

Our clients include:

• Advertising agencies
• Public relations consultancies
• Market research and brand identity companies
• Advertisers

Our team operates across all media whether a project or campaign involves traditional press, television, radio, outdoor, mobile, digital or interactive media. We are especially highly regarded for our expertise in interactive media and first advised on the use of the Internet as a marketing medium as early as 1994.

We commonly speak at industry events on a wide range of current topics in the sector.

An important part of our practice comprises advising on corporate transactions, representing both buyers and sellers and acting on fundraisings in which we deploy a team made up of lawyers who focus on the sector.