Hall Of Fame

Leading Individuals

Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Media and entertainment

BAIC HUKUK's practice is instructed by broadcasters, media production companies, and advertising agencies. The team is jointly led by Güngör Ciğerli and Duygu Akan.
At Biçer Güner Attorneys-at-Law, managing partner Burçak Kurt Biçer has experience of assisting global media clients with regulatory matters and business structuring issues to comply with Turkish law.
Karabayraktar IP Consultancy & Law Firm handles a range of matters for clients in the media and entertainment industry, including the transfer of IP rights. Eray İnceoğlu, Gökçe Uzun Karabayraktar, and Utku Salih Karabayraktar co-lead the team.
Led by Burçak Ünsal, the team at Ünsal Law Firm regularly advises entertainment and media entities on contracts, licensing, and compliance matters.

Media and entertainment in Turkey

Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki

In addition to its strong presence in Istanbul, Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki houses a team in Ankara that is well versed in appearing before a number of regulatory bodies, for example the Radio and Television Supreme Council and the Information Communications and Technology Authority. Kağan Dora brings experience in advising clients in the media and entertainment industry on a range of matters, including data protection compliance and licensing. Dora co-heads the practice with Mahmut Karyağdı, who focuses on contentious work, Bora Ikiler and Şahin Ardıyok.

Practice head(s):

Kağan Dora; Şahin Ardıyok; Mahmut Karyağdı; Bora İkiler


Testimonials

‘The team is highly successful at leveraging their understanding of the relevant regulators to provide a practical risk-based assessment of the matters they are assisting with. Both in terms of structuring their advice for projects and in terms of providing guidance on how to structure regulator outreach, they are always willing to be adaptive and practical.’

‘Mahmut Karyağdı is able to rely upon his extensive experience in the field to provide timely and practical advice that takes into consideration commercial necessities.’

Key clients

Wavemaker İletişim Planlama Hizmetleri Limited Şirketi (a group company of WPP Turkey)


EssenceMediacom Turkey Medya A.Ş. (a group company of WPP Turkey)


GroupM Medya Hizmetleri Limited Şirketi (a group company of WPP Turkey)


Connect Dijital Hizmetler A.Ş. (a group company of WPP Turkey)


The And Partnership İletişim Hizmetleri Anonim Şirketi (a group company of WPP Turkey)


Rafineri Advertising Agency


Advertisement Agencies Association (“Reklamcılar Derneği”)


Mynet İnternet


Mynet Games


Twitch


Johnson and Johnson Sıhhi Malzeme Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi


Sony Columbia Pictures Corporation Limited


Twitter Inc.


United International Pictures


Bein Media Group Turkey (Krea/Digiturk)


Work highlights


  • Provides ongoing advice to GroupM Medya Hizmetleri Ticaret Limited Şirketi (“GroupM”) on a range of matters, including contract negotiation processes with individual influencers.
  • Advised United International Pictures on music licensing matters in Turkey.
  • Acted for Bein Media Group Turkey (Krea/Digiturk) in a successful challenge to a decision issued by the Turkish Competition Authority concerning broadcasting rights of Turkish football.

BTS & Partners

BTS & Partners is well known in the Turkish market for advising large international social media platforms, streaming services, and gaming companies on data protection and compliance, regulatory, and licensing issues, among other areas. The practice is led by the quartet of Tugrul SevimSelin Beceni, who handles online content law matters concerning social media, Zeynep Unlu, who is well versed in handling advertising matters, and Yasin BeceniEce Ozelgin and Mine Hazal Senol are names to note.

Practice head(s):

Yasin Beceni; Selin Beceni; Tugrul Sevim; Zeynep Unlu


Other key lawyers:

Ece Ozelgin; Mine Hazal Senol


Testimonials

‘The team is well aware of the media and advertising industry.’

‘Their professionalism makes BTS Law Firm outstanding. BTS always brings more results than required. They respect and value their clients.’

‘BTS’ individuals are always willing to help. In addition, they are always trying to provide the easiest solution. Associate Mine Hazal Senol is an exceptional specialist.’

‘BTS is well-known in the media and entertainment field. The team is fully experienced in digital business and always ready with practical solutions.’

‘Their dedication and expertise have consistently exceeded our expectations. Their ability to provide tailored solutions to complex legal challenges has been invaluable. They have been prompt in addressing our inquiries and providing updates on the progress of ongoing matters.’

‘Zeynep Unlu and her team’s deep legal expertise and strategic acumen have consistently impressed us. Their ability to analyze complex situations, provide insightful guidance, and develop innovative solutions has been instrumental in our decision-making process.’

‘Their dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. Their responsiveness and accessibility have been particularly noteworthy.’

Key clients

Apple


Digiturk


LC Waikiki


LinkedIn


Meta


Microsoft Corp & TR


Sahibinden


Netflix


Work highlights


  • Provides ongoing advice to Meta on a range of legal matters pertaining to the client’s social media platforms.

ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law

The TMT team at ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law frequently handles compliance and regulatory matters for high-profile, international clients. Gönenç Gürkaynak and Ceren Yıldız co-lead the group; the duo bring extensive experience in advising on a broad range of issues concerning the media and entertainment sector, including broadcasting and data protection. Noyan Utkan is singled out for his contributions.

Practice head(s):

Gönenç Gürkaynak; Ceren Yıldız


Other key lawyers:

Noyan Utkan


Testimonials

‘The team has a very good understanding of the inner workings of Turkish Courts and has been able to secure quick results. They have a strong grasp of freedom of speech concerns that are at the center of internet access and content restrictions.’

‘ELIG’s practice is unique in that they have a team of experts with extensive experience in global removals and understanding of the Turkish laws. They go the extra mile to ensure that their client’s needs are met, especially on urgent and sensitive matters.’

‘The team consists of all highly skilled and experienced professionals. They are also very dedicated to their work and always go the extra mile to get the job done.’

‘Noyan Utkan is one of the great lawyers from ELIG. He has a deep understanding of the law.’

‘This team has excellent experience in its media and entertainment practice as a result of the wide range of legal issues they have worked on in this sector.’

‘Gönenç Gürkaynak and Ceren Yıldız offer excellent legal assistance that one can rely on when facing legal challenges in the media and entertainment field in Turkey.’

‘Their client portfolio consists of leading global internet companies, which gives them a unique experience on online mediums and a good sense of the regulatory dynamics.’

‘Ceren Yıldız and Noyan Utkan are very responsive when handling sensitive legal issues.’

Key clients

Google LLC


Google Reklamcilik ve Pazarlama Ltd. Sti.


Automattic Inc.


Twitter, Inc.


Twitter Internet Icerik Hizmetleri Ltd. Sti.


Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein

Led by Can Sözer, the practice at Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein is well versed in advising on a broad range of work in the media and entertainment sector, include licensing, data protection and compliance, regulatory issues, and advertising matters. The team has a strong track record in acting for clients before the the Radio and Television Supreme Council and the Information Technologies and Communication Authority. Berfu Öztoprak and Aybüke Gündel Solak bring experience in assisting prominent entities, such as Disney, Spotify, and TikTok.

Practice head(s):

Can Sözer


Other key lawyers:

Berfu Öztoprak; Ecem Elver; Yiğit Acar; Aybüke Gündel Solak


Testimonials

‘The team is very resourceful, responsive, and collaborative on media and entertainment law.’

‘Can Sozer and Berfu Oztoprak are both outstanding lawyers with timely and diligent work. They do good quality documents for bilingual clients in Turkish and English.’

‘They have a high-level of expertise. They analyze and advise with a holistic approach taking into account all the relevant laws and regulations.’

Key clients

Disney


Netflix


Spotify


Tencent


TikTok (Bytedance)


Pinterest


Amazon


Yemeksepeti


Apple Distribution International


Booking.com


Work highlights


  • Advised Disney on renewing licenses for multiple channels.
  • Advised Tiktok on day-to-day matters concerning access-blocking and content takedown procedures.
  • Advised Netflix on commercial contract matters.

Gün + Partners

Gün + Partners stands out for its 'deep expertise and experience in the media and entertainment area'. The practice is well known for handling a wide spectrum of matters relating to music, sports, advertising, television, and cinema. Led by Hande Hancar and Uğur Aktekin, the team regularly handles licensing deals, talent agreements, regulatory and compliance issues, dispute resolution, and sponsorship agreements. Baran Güney brings expertise in advertising and consumer law.

Practice head(s):

Hande Hançar; Uğur Aktekin


Other key lawyers:

Baran Güney; Havva Yıldız


Testimonials

‘They are one of the leading firms in Turkey for media, entertainment, advertising, and IP.’

‘They have deep expertise and experience in the media and entertainment area.’

‘Ugur Aktekin is a giant in the field.’

‘Hande Hancer is smart, responsive, and a trusted advisor.’

‘Gün + Partners is a great and accessible firm to work with. The team is well-rounded, very knowledgeable and quick in their response.’

‘Hande Hançer and Baran Güney are very friendly and skilled lawyers. Their advice on advertising is clear and easily applicable.’

‘They are a great firm with a great team of lawyers who are experts in their field. The advice is clear and concise.’

‘The team is efficient, effective and really practical.’

NSN Law Firm

Based in Istanbul, NSN Law Firm's team stands out for its 'extensive knowledge and experience' in the media and entertainment space, and regularly acts for film and television producers, advertising agencies, broadcasters, and social media platforms. Under the leadership of Nazlı Selek and Bilge Derinbay, the group is well known for handling licensing agreements, advertising and marketing issues, and copyright infringements. Hande Ülker Pehlivan is a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Nazli Selek; Bilge Derinbay


Other key lawyers:

Hande Ülker Pehlivan


Testimonials

‘The are competent, easy to contact, collaborative and experienced.’

‘They stand out for their extensive knowledge and experience, in-depth legal analysis.’

‘The media and entertainment law team provides advice on advertising regulations and other regulatory matters. Their communications with the administrative authorities are excellent.’

‘The team is great at advising on regulations related to the media sector. They never miss the chance to inform us on any crucial legal developments.’

‘They provide comprehensive consultancy services in the field of media & entertainment law. Their commitment to handle the litigation process was exceptional. Under the leadership of Bilge Derinbay, NSN approached my case with unwavering determination and confidence.’

‘Bilge Derinbay’s extensive legal knowledge in copyright law and determination are particularly commendable for delivering dependable solutions.’

‘NSN Law Firm provides high-quality legal consultancy services in the field of media, advertising and copyright law.’

‘Bilge Derinbay is one of Turkey’s leading legal experts in the field of media and advertising law. This is why the service provided under her leadership is of exceptional quality.’

Key clients

BEŞIKTAŞ KÜLTÜR MERKEZI A.Ş. (BKM)


BKM MUTFAK


ASSOCIATED PRESS


SIKORSKI MUSIC PUBLISHING (A CONCORD COMPANY)


PROMO VERITAS


BORUSAN HOLDING A.Ş.


BORUSAN SANAT


BORUSAN CONTEMPORARY


CALLING MAG


BORUSAN OTOMOTIV İTHALAT VE DAĞITIM ANONIM ŞIRKETI


A.O. SMITH INCORPORATION


COLGATE-PALMOLIVE TEMIZLIK ÜRÜNLERI SANAYI VE TICARET A.Ş.


ZEY MEDYA REK. ORG. İNŞ. TURZ. GIDA SAN. VE TIC. LTD. ŞTI.


MOSKITOS FILMS


ALI SUNAL


MAÇA FILM


BIG BLOOM FILM YAPIM A.Ş.


MUUD MEDYA DİJİTAL YAYINCILIK ANONİM ŞİRKETİ


BELÇİM BİLGİN


EZO SUNAL


YILMAZ ERDOĞAN


KONTAK FILM


JUST PRODUCTION FILM TICARET LIMITED ŞIRKETI


TOLGA ÇEVİK


DEMETAKBAĞ


SABAH DURU


DURU FILMCILIK SINEMA VE DIŞ TIC. LTD. ŞTI.


DIGIFLAME


BLOOMBERG LP


Work highlights


  • Advised Besiktas Kultur Merkezi A.Ş. (BKM) on the production of a Disney series broadcasted on the Disney + platform.

Gökçe

Gökçe's team has 'in-depth understanding of the complex legal nuances unique to Turkey's media and technology sectors'. The group acts for a solid client base of gaming, e-sports, broadcasting, advertising, and marketing entities in a range of matters. The practice is led by the triumvirate of Görkem Gökçe, Bedii Kaya, and Ali Paslı. Yagmur Yollu and Elif Aksöz are singled out for their contributions.

Practice head(s):

Görkem Gökçe; Ali Paslı; Bedii Kaya


Other key lawyers:

Yagmur Yollu; Elif Aksöz


Testimonials

‘First and foremost, their unwavering commitment to client success sets them apart. Each attorney is dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the clients and delivering tailored solutions.’

‘The team values collaboration and teamwork. Attorneys and staff work closely together to pool their collective expertise, ensuring that clients benefit from a multi-faceted approach to their legal matters.’

‘Görkem Gökçe has been recognized for his exceptional advocacy skills and a proven track record of winning complex cases. His attention to detail and dedication to clients makes him a valuable asset to the team.’

‘Elif Aksöz is known for her meticulous research and attention to detail, which has consistently led to successful outcomes for clients.’

‘As a team, they are fast and efficient. They always give you solutions right away.’

‘The legal team has exceptional expertise and experience. Each member of the team has a thorough understanding of the complex legal processes unique to Turkey, as well as the sophisticated requirements of businesses operating in the country.’

‘Gökçe’s considerable strength lies in their deep knowledge of both domestic and international markets.’

‘The team has an in-depth understanding of the complex legal nuances unique to Turkey’s media and technology sectors, and they are equipped to navigate complex regulations and craft innovative legal solutions.’

Key clients

Codeway Studios


Deep Vision


Scoutium


Robomotion


Dynasty Studios


Gybe Games


Devium Technology


Sihirli Bilet


Eternal Fire E-Sports


Alictus


Onedio


Narcade Games


All Stars Music / Sony Music Publishing


IMeanIt Creative


Gram Games


HUYA (nimo.tv)


Gameguru


Masomo (a Miniclip company)


Zeo Technology


Work highlights


  • Acting for gaming company Masomo in disputes with service users.
  • Assisting Swipeline with multiple agreements.

Güner Law Office

Under the leadership of Ece Güner, the team at Güner Law Office has a solid track record in advising on a broad range of matters within the media and entertainment industry, including employment work, dispute resolution, IP issues, regulatory matters, and corporate and M&A work. The group is also adept at representing clients before the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council. Burçak Kurt Biçer and Uğurkan Şeber left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Ece Güner


Key clients

The Walt Disney Company


Huzur Radyo TV A.Ş.


A&E Networks


Viacom International Media Networks


The New York Times Company


Dow Jones (The Wall Street Journal)


Deezer S.A.


NBC Universal


Warner Bros Discovery


Work highlights


  • Provides ongoing advice to The Walt Disney Company in relation to broadcasting, contractual, and intellectual property matters.
  • Assists Warner Bros Discovery with matters concerning its Turkish subsidiaries.
  • Acts as counsel to NBC Universal on OTT regulations in Turkey.

Koc Attorneys at Law

Alper Koç leads Koc Attorneys at Law's team, which is often instructed in licensing, broadcasting, distribution, production and copyright law-related matters in the media and entertainment sector. Öykü Besen brings experience in handling television and streaming issues.

Practice head(s):

Alper Koç


Other key lawyers:

Öykü Besen


Key clients

HBO Max (HBO Nordic, HBO Turkey), Warner Media Europe, Warner Media Turkey


MBC Group – Middle East Broadcasting Center


O3 Medya (KSA)


Al Arabiya News Network


MBC Studios


Shadid


O3 Medya


Lanistar Medya


NO 4 Film


CB Film


CB Medya


Moroglu Arseven

Moroglu Arseven's team focuses on handling high-profile media and entertainment matters for clients in the sports sector. The group acts for coaches, agencies, sports clubs and individuals in contentious and non-contentious work. Benan Arseven and Isik Ozdogan co-head the practice, and Metin Abut brings experience in representing athletes and agents in matters.

Practice head(s):

Benan Arseven; Işık Özdoğan


Other key lawyers:

Metin Abut


Testimonials

‘They stand out for their professionalism, responsiveness, integrity and expertise. They are truly a top-level law firm all around.’

‘Metin Abut is a go-to lawyer for any case.’

‘They have set the bar extremely high from sponsoring cutting-edge sport, media, technology, and IP sessions to making a difference in industry. They are a go-to firm.’

‘Benan Arseven and Metin Abut are thoughtful and professional. Their level of care, conscientiousness, and attention to detail is unparalleled.’

OZDAGISTANLI EKICI ATTORNEY PARTNERSHIP

Burak Ozdagistanli leads the TMT team at OZDAGISTANLI EKICI ATTORNEY PARTNERSHIP, which has an excellent reputation for handling data protection, e-sports, social media and gaming work. Hatice Ekici Tağa handles IP matters in the media and entertainment sector, and Sumeyye Uçar brings experience in advising on advertising and marketing law issues.

Practice head(s):

Burak Ozdagistanli


Other key lawyers:

Hatice Ekici Tağa; Sumeyye Uçar


Testimonials

‘Burak Ozdagistanli is a very good IP professional.’

‘The dedicated team at Ozdegistan Ekici is always available. They have an explicit client focus.’

‘Sümeyye Uçar is good at handling tricky mediation issues.’

Key clients

Sony International Entertainment


Vava Cars


Eccho Rights AB


Reckitt Benckiser


Socios


Work highlights


  • Assisted Eccho Rights AB with distribution agreements and production and co-production agreements with local TV channels and producers.
  • Advised Reckitt Benckiser on compliance issues relating to its advertisements.
  • Assisted Vava Cars with advertising matters.

ADMD/Mavioglu & Alkan Law Office

ADMD/Mavioglu & Alkan Law Office is well placed to assist with a broad range of media and entertainment matters, including copyright and IP protection, distribution agreements, and related corporate and M&A work. Under the leadership of Kardelen Lule, the team acts for a broad client base, including radio stations, advertising agencies, social media platforms, and gaming companies.

Practice head(s):

Kardelen Lule


Other key lawyers:

Can Cetingoz; Emine Ates; Orhan Yavuz Mavioglu; Mine Tamusta


Testimonials

‘ADMD is very easy to work with and they are very dependable.’

‘Kardelen Lule is solution oriented and assists with advertising and PR campaigns, the use of digital and mobile platforms, data optimization, privacy issues and content related matters.’

‘ADMD is a top-tier firm that offers high-quality and personalized services.’

‘Kardelen is a superb expert in media laws and regulations.’

‘An exceptional team of lawyers.’

‘Kardelen Lule is exceptional in her role, showcasing her experience, diligence, and a kind disposition. Can Cetingoz also stands out as a hardworking and creative professional.’

‘The firm has an outstanding reputation, characterized by a knowledgeable and highly experienced team.’

‘Both Mr. Mavioglu and Ms. Lule excel in addressing media-related matters. They truly showcase their exceptional expertise in this field.’

Key clients

Accurate Digital


Al Tayer Group


Amdocs


BICS


BMI


Chery Automotive


Coalition Inc.


Cup of Joy


IFS


Lobby Reklam


PFM


Sagemcom


Stary


Telecom Italia


Typhoon Defence


Gen Temizer

Based in Istanbul, full-service firm Gen Temizer is sought after by media sector clients to advise on broadcasting licenses, regulatory issues, gaming subscriptions, and data protection and privacy matters, among other areas. The ‘highly skilled’ Baran Gen heads up the TMT practice, in which Ceren Ceyhan is a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Baran Gen


Other key lawyers:

Ceren Ceyhan


Testimonials

‘They have good expertise in their field.’

‘Gen Temizer Özer has a diligent team that is practical and result orientated.’

‘Baran Gen is a highly skilled lawyer.’

Key clients

Balderton Capital


BBC


Bloomberg


Çamaşırhane


Deezer


Diffusion Capital Partners


Dream Games


Hadi Yazılım


Libra Softworks


Meta


Osborne Clarke


PlayStation


Reed Smith


Sunday


Tencent Music Entertainment


Work highlights


  • Advised Sony Interactive Entertainment on a B2C subscription service.
  • Advised the BBC on data protection issues.