The Legal 500

Studio Professionale Associato a Baker & McKenzie recently assisted a client with cloud computing services agreements, and advised QVC Television on the launch of a teleshopping broadcasting channel. It is also the legal partner to an EU-funded project aimed at building technology solutions compliant with applicable privacy and data security requirements in network monitoring. Milan-based Lorenzo de Martinis is the technology contact, whereas Rome-based Raffaele Giarda leads on telecoms matters.

DLA Piper is ‘an excellent firm with consistent levels of service delivery’. It is well known for negotiating contracts with all platforms, and for all types of distribution and regulatory issues, as well as for new technology launches. Italo de Feo acts on complex online and outsourcing matters, and Giangiacomo Olivi is also recommended. Additionally, the firm has a renowned online gaming practice, whose lawyers are ‘genuine experts in this field’.

Portolano Colella Cavallo Studio Legale’s highly rated practice spans transactional, regulatory and litigation advice, running from the film and television sectors through to telecoms, e-commerce and technology. Francesco Portolano is ‘an amazing lawyer who never fails to impress’ – he advises clients on a range of media matters, with a particular focus on transactions. Laura Liguori focuses on internet law and data protection. Ernesto Apa’s ‘professional dedication and knowledge of the law is peerless, and his work is performed in an exceptionally competent manner’. Domenico Colella left the firm.

Bird & Bird’s ‘dedicated lawyers provide in-depth analyses of each legal issue’. The team acted for Csinfo in judicial proceedings and regulatory issues, advised Noble Group on a licensing and development agreement for sales management software, and assisted Crédit Agricole in reviewing outsourcing contracts. Massimiliano Mostardini ‘cares for his clients’ and is recommended along with Simone Cadeddu and Osvaldo Lombardi. Eutimio Monaco joined CMS Adonnino Ascoli & Cavasola Scamoni.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer acts for TMT clients in corporate, litigation, antitrust and IP matters, and also assists with regulatory matters such as filings and proceedings before the regulators. It assisted 3 Italia with regulatory issues and proceedings relating to the construction of its mobile network and antenna sites, and advised Bally Technologies on the framework for the supply of video lottery terminals and gambling systems. The team represented BBC Worldwide on negotiations with Mediaset group to launch a TV channel on a Mediaset Premium Pay TV platform, the leasing of digital terrestrial television transmission capacity, and its relationship with Italy’s regulatory authority. Luca Ulissi is ‘prepared, fast and helpful’.

Hogan Lovells Studio Legale is ‘simply outstanding’. It advises Google and its European subsidiaries on all legal issues in Italy, and recently assisted PayPal with the negotiation of commercial agreements with merchants. It also advised eBay on partnership and sponsorship contracts, and the drafting of standard contractual terms. Marco Berliri is ‘brilliant’. Massimiliano Masnada was promoted to of counsel.

Bonelli Erede Pappalardo frequently acts on outsourcing matters. Recently the team advised Apax Partners, TA Associates and Madison Dearborn Partners – as minority shareholders of Weather Investments – on VimpelCom’s acquisition of Weather Investments through a share-swap transaction.

Carnelutti Studio Legale Associato advised radio stations Radio 105 and RMC in network contracts. Blockbuster Italia and the Mediapason group are also regular clients. Luca Arnaboldi is the principal contact.

Cugia Cuomo & Associati advises on telecoms and information technology services, including outsourcing. Fabrizio Cugia di Sant’Orsola is a multimedia and telecoms expert.

Dewey & LeBoeuf Studio Legale assists TMT clients with M&A, corporate finance, commercial contracts, IP, tax and regulatory issues, in addition to litigation and arbitration. Stefano Speroni and Rino Caiazzo are the key contacts.

Mondini Rusconi Studio Legale has ‘a pragmatic approach when assessing the risks in legal matters’. The practice predominantly acts for cinema, music and publishing clients. Giorgio Mondini, Anna Carabelli, Silvia Mondini Vitiello, and Giacomo Bonelli are well regarded.

Chiomenti Studio Legale assists Mediaset with new media and IT issues. The practice also advised Finelco on developing a digital TV channel dedicated to music. RTI is also a client. Stefania Bariatti is an experienced practitioner.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is known for its expertise in TMT-related antitrust and M&A. Telecom Italia is a client.

Dalla Vedova is recommended for telecommunications law. Name partner Marco Dalla Vedova is a well-respected regulatory lawyer and litigator.

Gallavotti Honorati de Marco & Partners’ ‘lawyers are experienced and quick to react’, and the team is recommended for entertainment law and IT matters. Mario Gallavotti and Antonio Bernardini are well regarded.

Avv.Ti Guendalina Ponti e Lorenzo de Sanctis Studio Legale is recommended for film financing. Guendalina Ponti is the key contact.

Jones Day advises the TMT industry on business acquisitions, corporate structures, regulatory compliance, antitrust, trade regulations, IP, and litigation. The team assisted with the acquisition of a controlling stake in a group of companies belonging to HIM Group, which is active in the digital music and artists’ management business in China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. Stefano Macchi di Cellere is recommended.

Libertini Mario Studio Legale is noted for its telecoms experience. Name partner Mario Libertini is a regulatory expert and well-regarded litigator.

NCTM Studio Legale Associato’s Vittorio Noseda is known for ICT-related mergers work.

Pirola Pennuto Zei & Associati’s Francesca Lodigiani is recommended for media-related matters.

Studio Legale Associato in affiliation with Simmons & Simmons LLP attracts instructions from software companies. The practice also recently advised a mobile telecoms operator on IT procurement, regulatory and litigation issues. Filippo Fioretti is recommended.

Valli & Associati’s Andrea Valli is an expert in telecommunications law.