The Legal 500

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a formidable force across the technology, media and telecoms (TMT) space, and its client roster includes UPC, Chello Media and Kopint-Datorg Zrt. It continues to advise Magyar Telekom on content sourcing, e-health products and mobile payments. The team consistently delivers ‘a level of quality that is always the same, irrespective of who is dealing with the particular task’. Practice head Dóra Petrányi is an ‘influential authority’, and ‘stands out with her skills and ability to find business-minded solutions for clients’ issues’.

Horváth & Partners DLA Piper is well versed in film and television, and acts for clients such as ITV and the Hungarian Media Counsel. Practice head Mónika Horváth ‘delegates work effectively to very capable colleagues’, but remains involved in all issues. The group recently advised GK Films on a movie production and acted for Averna Technologies Inc on regulatory matters. Senior associate Zoltán Kozma gives ‘clear, considered advice’.

Lakatos, Köves and Partners is ‘a very well-run firm’ that operates with ‘skill’ and ‘integrity’. Notable recent instructions include advising TDF-owned Antenna Hungária TV and Radio on IT transformation matters, and representing Nokia in a levy dispute with Artisjus Collecting Society. In co-operation with colleagues in other CEE offices, the team recently advised GML on the sale of GTS Central European Holding. Practice head Péter Lakatos has admirable ‘negotiation skills’. Clients also appreciate the firm’s transparent billing process.

Regulatory and transactional advice lie at the core of Réczicza White & Case LLP’s TMT practice, and clients remark on its ‘in-depth knowledge of the industry and legal institutions’ and ‘excellent’ negotiation skills when ‘dealing with very difficult counterparts’. The team recently advised Invitel Holdings on acquisitions in the cable transmission sector and continues to advise the Ministry of National Development on legislation. István Réczicza leads the group.

Eördögh Bird & Bird has endured a decline in the number of TMT mandates of late, and recently lost a prominent counsel when András Lendvai joined Kõvári and Tercsák – Salans Ügyvédi Iroda. Senior associate Titusz Puskár continues to provide regulatory advice to multinational companies including Lexmark, 3M and Richemont. Andrea Simándi left the firm in January 2012.

Kajtár Takács Hegymegi-Barakonyi Baker & McKenzie advises several IT and telecoms giants on transactions and also has regulatory expertise, which it brought to bear for Tesco in its role in the realisation of Hungary’s first mobile virtual network operator. Other clients include Google and JPMorgan Chase. Pál Takács leads the team.

Kõvári and Tercsák – Salans Ügyvédi Iroda recruited media expert András Lendvai as counsel from Eördögh Bird & Bird. He is highly recommended for his experience in regulatory matters and litigation.

Oppenheim advised Upstream SA on a gaming venture with Vodafone Hungary, and Sanoma Digital Media on IP issues. Ivan Bartal heads the two-lawyer team.

David Dederick heads Siegler Law Office/Weil, Gotshal & Manges’ eight-lawyer team. Instructions included handling programming service agreements for HBO Central Europe and advising Magyar Telekom Nyrt on regulatory matters.

János Tamás Varga’s ‘professional’ team at VJT & Partners ‘focuses on the key issues’. Recent work has included large outsourcings and data protection matters as well as advice to Yahoo! on Hungary’s new media legislation. ING and Hewlett-Packard are key clients.

Andrékó Kinstellar’s transactions-focused practice acts on M&A and data protection for clients. The team recently advised Turk Telekom on the acquisition of Invitel’s wholesale business.

Newly promoted TMT head Viktor Vasi at Forgó, Damjanovic & Partners Law Firm led advice to Magyar Televízió in a dispute with a TV producer. Zoltán Forgó and Gábor Damjanovic are also recommended.

Morley Allen & Overy Iroda has handled a number of corporate transactions for UPC, Magyar Telekom Nyrt and IKO Group.

Nagy és Trócsányi has a history of acting for mobile phone operators on antitrust matters and in litigation. The firm is a member of the Lex Mundi network.

Krisztina Rozgonyi heads PRK Partners’ TMT team, which recently advised the BBC World Service Trust on the digital switchover, and handled domestic regulatory issues for Elliott Associates.

Laszlo Partos leads Partos & Noblet’s TMT group, which advises Chellomedia, Viasat and Hungarian Radio.

Reti, Antall & Partners’ strength lies in electronic and print media disputes.