Firms To Watch: TMT

With its September 2023 absorption of pioneering computer law boutique Altmark y Brenna, Zang, Bergel & Viñes Abogados has very much positioned itself as a player in the TMT sector, certainly as regards the digital transition segment; led by Juan Pablo Altmark, the firm's new computing law practice handles matters including technological implementation, data protection, AI, blockchain, cybercrime, and the contracting of technology and computing services.
Cristian Elbert and Angeles Bernachea are the main contacts at ECIJA Argentina which advises both technology and other companies with digitalisation and technology-related matters, and counts fintech and online sales as key areas of activity; the practice can also draw on the cutting-edge expertise of the firm’s practice group in Spain, which is very much recognised as a market leader in the tech sector.

TMT in Argentina

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie’s international network of TMT experts makes it a natural choice for international and domestic businesses seeking advice on all telecoms licensing and regulatory matters, as well as digitalisation, e-commerce, data and privacy, cloud computing and user-generated content. The practice also has extensive expertise in media rights’ collections, publishing contracts and compliance with advertising regulations. ‘Impressive’ technology law expert Guillermo Cervio leads the practice alongside Roberto Grané , who handles transactional and regulatory matters. The team also calls on support from ‘creative’ partner Martin Roth, who undertakes e-commerce, data protection and privacy law work; and associates Valentina Grané (content regulation and telecoms) and Valentina Salas (social media and technology).

Practice head(s):

Guillermo Cervio, Roberto Grané


Testimonials

Advice is clear, to the point and practical. The course of action suggestions are thought out, consistent, and give peace of mind to act.

They stand out from their competitors because of the concern they show for the customer and their business. Roberto Grané is a pragmatic lawyer, with an exceptional business approach distinguishes him from the rest.

Both Guillermo Cervio and Martín Roth have extensive knowledge. They are clear and resolve doubts.

Key clients

AB InBev (Privacy/Technology)


Amcor


Argenova


Audi


Bank of America


Booking


Bytedance


Corteva


Cubic Telecom


Cogent


Corteva


Dentsply Sirona


Eaton


Edge


Endava


ESPN


Expedia


Gates


Google


Honeywell


HP


ICON


ICU Medical


IMS Argentina


Iridium


JustAnswer


LGT Bank


Longevo


LVMH Moët Hennessy


Louis Vuitton


Mastercard


McAfee


Netflix


Nintendo


Oracle


Porsche


P&G


Porsche


Rincon Mining


Salesforce


Sartorius


Sigi Technologies


Snowflake


Sony


Sony Music Publishing Argentina


Spotify


Tibro Netherlands BV


Twitter


Uber


UCrop.IT


Verizon


WhatsApp


Zenvia


Work highlights


  • Coordinating projects across the region for Meta, including handling all correspondence and advising on day-to-day legal matters.
  • Reporting on all ongoing cases filed in Argentine courts against Twitter to assess potential courses of action and mitigation strategies.
  • Assisting Iridium on compliance with monthly filings before regulatory authorities and the preparation of documents.

Beccar Varela

Beccar Varela’s full-service TMT practice is called on for advice and assistance regarding data protection and privacy, software licensing, digital advertising and fintech, as well as telecoms infrastructure matters that include landing rights, cell tower construction, satellite networks and subsea cabling. The team’s wide-ranging client base includes infrastructure and service providers, content developers, multimedia and entertainment groups, and software and technology developers. The practice is co-led by Emilio Beccar Varela, a respected industry figure with vast experience across media and entertainment, telecoms, IT and IP; and litigation and disputes-focused Florencia Rosati. Versatile counsel Mariana Lamarca Vidal is the main contact at associate level and has a broad practice that includes coverage of various TMT-related corporate, contractual advisory and litigation matters.

Practice head(s):

Emilio Beccar Varela; Florencia Rosati


Testimonials

It is an interdisciplinary team of professionals, which facilitates legal consultations related to all areas. The issues are dealt with from various angles and in general we receive complete answers according to our needs.

What sets them apart from other law firms is the quality of the advice they provide on all legal aspects, which give us security when making decisions. When it comes to technology and personal data processing, we recommend Florencia Rosati and Martin Beccar Varela.

Key clients

Samsung Electronics Argentina


DiDi Mobility


Gilead Sciences


Cheil Worldwide


4H Agency – SkinClub


Primavera Sound


RTB House Services


Seaborn Networks


Play Digital


Ank


Work highlights


  • Advised Samsung Electronics Argentina on the legal aspects of data protection.
  • Advice to DiDi regarding the services it provides in Argentina, including data protection issues.
  • Advised Gilead Sciences on data retention policies.

Bomchil

Telecoms regulatory expertise is a key strength at Bomchil, with the practice also well known for the depth of its TMT-related disputes and class action experience. Other areas covered by the team include multi-jurisdictional data privacy and data protection mandates, and media, fintech and cryptocurrency matters. Administrative law specialist Francisco Gutiérrez leads the team and has a solid track-record in the regulated industries, with deep knowledge of the TMT sector. Antitrust team head Marcelo Den Toom is another key name, with vastly experienced M&A practitioner Marcelo Bombau providing support in an of counsel role. Data protection, new technology and privacy-focused senior Francisco Zappa is the main contact at associate level, with M&A counsel Paula Beveraggi recognised for her knowledge of broadcasting regulations. Since publication, Zappa has been promoted to the partnership - effective as of January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Gutiérrez


Testimonials

The way this practice interacts with the other departments of the firm means that there is always a global and integrative response covering all our needs as a client. The relationship with all members of the team, and with other members of the firm, is pleasant, fluid and always available.

Always updated and very well connected, they not only analyse the particular case but also offer options and experiences to provide an answer with practical application. Ariadna Artopoulos and Francisco Zappa are always a guarantee of a good response, excellent care and good results.

Key clients

Squire Patton Boggs (Australia)


Prime Video


AT&T


Televisión Federal (Telefe)


SBA Communications Corporation


Huawei


Bloomberg


American Express


Corporación America


Work highlights


  • Advised Prime Video on its  Argentine business operations, notably on the provision of streaming services.
  • Advised AMEX Argentina on data privacy matters related to its daily operations.
  • Advised Paramount Global and Televisión Federal (Telefe) on the sales of open-air TV channels in the cities of Mar del Plata, Neuquén and Tucumán.

Marval O’Farrell Mairal

Marval O’Farrell Mairal provides clients with a ‘truly exceptional’ integrated TMT practice and is the go-to legal adviser on civil and contentious matters for Argentina’s big three telecoms operators, as well as telecoms infrastructure, subsea fibre optic cable and satellite providers. The group also has deep knowledge of all aspects of the television, software and online gaming sectors, and also handles blockchain, fintech and crypto-asset related matters. The ‘simply fantastic’ telecoms and broadcasting practitioner, Daniel Di Paola, co-leads the team alongside vastly experienced broadcast, internet, media and telecom partner, Javier Etcheverry Boneo; and IT and privacy expert, Gustavo Giay. Partner Diego Fernández contributes with extensive data protection, privacy and cybersecurity expertise.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Di Paola; Javier Etcheverry Boneo; Gustavo Giay


Testimonials

Marval takes a global perspective and has expert knowledge and communication skills.

Javier Etcheverry Boneo has vast practical experience in regulated market matters.

Daniel di Paola is simply fantastic — he’s knowledgeable, responsive, creative, and  very focused on his clients’ business needs.

Marval’s TMT legal team is truly exceptional in its field, and it is a real pleasure to have them represent us in any matter related to technology, media and telecommunications.

This team is comprised of highly trained and experienced attorneys who have in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations that govern the field of technology and communication.

‘They are experts in crafting sophisticated contracts, protecting intellectual property rights, and resolving complex disputes.’

Key clients

América Móvil / Claro Argentina


Warner Bros Discovery


Samconsult


The Walt Disney Company


Meta


GlobeNet Cabos Submarinos


ICE


Empresa de Energía del Conosur


Quantfury


Blockchain.com


Clear Secure


Wikimedia Foundation


Globant


MercadoLibre


Aztlan


Netflix


Menta Tickets


Work highlights


  • Advised WarnerBros Discovery on regulatory filings related to the acquisition of AT&T assets in Argentina.
  • Advising Claro Argentina, DirecTV and Telecentro in a judicial claim against a Presidential Decree declaring all information, communication and technology services as essential and strategic public utilities.
  • Advising GlobeNet Cabos Submarinos on day-to-day business and regulatory filings related to a corporate reorganisation that includes the incorporation of Brazilian media company Oi.

Allende & Brea

Allende & Brea’s telecom, media, technology, e-commerce and fintech clients turn to the firm for advice on a range of TMT matters, including software licensing, outsourcing, data protection, privacy policies, internet and entertainment law. Novel technology issues are a particular focus  area, with the practice also handling litigation related to data breaches, computer contracts and privacy policies. Pablo Palazzi – who handles technology transactions, IP issues, internet and technology law – leads the practice, with further senior support coming from IP-focused senior associate Lucila Lódola De San Martín, who also picks up work related to internet law, entertainment law and broadcasting regulations.

Practice head(s):

Pablo Palazzi


Testimonials

The team is efficient and aware of business needs and provides responses in good time.

Pablo Palazzi is one of the most internationally recognised specialist lawyers.

Key clients

Spotify


Discovery – Discovery Plus


Apple TV


Facebook


WhatsApp


Amazon


Instagram


LinkedIn


Snapchat


OLX


Mercado Libre


Apple


Warner Bros. Entertainment


Wix.com


PepsiCo


TikTok


Moni Online


Work highlights


  • Assisted Spotify with the launch of a new service in Argentina; with a particular. focus on licensing and local data hosting.
  • Assisted Facebook with data protection and privacy laws, specifically in relation to the Facebook platform and app, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
  • Undertook training for F Hoffmann-La Roche regarding data privacy matters for the employees.

O'Farrell

Telecommunications regulation is a key focus area for O'Farrell, which played a key role in the privatisation and related licensing of the Argentine telecoms industry in the 1990s. The practice is known for the depth of its expertise in telecoms taxation, securing municipal authorisations and related litigation, with commercial matters also covered. Practice head Agustin Siboldi has vast telecoms regulatory experience and was an influential figure in the wave of telecoms' privatisations of the 1990s. Public law and litigation experts Jorge Muratorio and Agustina Fanelli Evans are other key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Agustín Siboldi


Key clients

Cámara Argentina de Internet (CABASE)


Agencia de Conectividad de Córdoba


Claro Argentina


American Tower Argentina


Huawei


Movistar Argentina


Newsan


Datanhome


Transtelco


Farmacity


Nokia


Ford Argentina


RPB


Qatar Airlines


Ufinet


Work highlights


  • Ongiong advice to American Tower on core business decisions and the design and structuring of wholesale services.
  • Advising Claro Argentina in connection with the radioelectric spectrum allocations to render advanced mobile services, including 5G.
  • Advised Farmacity on its e-commerce development plans.

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen’s full service TMT practice handles a range of telecommunications, regulatory, intellectual property, data, privacy, e-commerce and freedom-of-speech matters. The group also has experience across TMT M&A, subsea fibre optic cables, licensing, rights collections and consumer protection. Experienced name partner Mariano Grondona – who handles telecom regulation, privacy matters, product liability and TMT-related dispute resolution – leads the practice alongside Arnaldo Cisilino, who undertakes work related to internet claims, data protection, and new projects and products. Associates Pía Politi (data law and technology) and María Carolina Abdelnabe Vila (data protection regulations, antitrust and consumer protection) lead the second line. Since publication, Abdelnabe has been raised to the partnership - effective as of January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Mariano Grondona; Arnaldo Cisilino


Testimonials

What makes this practice unique is professionalism and commitment.

They have great knowledge of the industry and its challenges, and provide effective and consistent solutions to the issues raised.

Work highlights


  • Advise a number of multinational companies on data protection regulations, including revision of privacy policies, registration of databases with the Argentine Data Protection Authority and general advice.

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja is known for its expertise in regulatory matters related to authorisations, permits and licenses for the provision of broadcasting and telecommunications services. Intellectual property is another strong area, with internet, IT, software licensing and fintech matters also covered, as well as class actions, copyright litigation and transactional matters in technology, entertainment, sports and broadcasting. Appointed practice head in 2021, young partner Juan Zocca is an administrative law specialist with a primary focus on TMT matters - particularly as regards telecommunications, media and broadcasting services; he co-leads the practice alongside IP, data privacy and new-technologies partner Alejandro Barrientos; IP specialist Dámaso Pardo; and corporate and M&A lawyer, Santiago Balbi.

Practice head(s):

Dámaso Pardo; Alejandro Barrientos; Santiago Balbi; Juan Zocca


Key clients

Grupo Werthein


Lumen Technologies


Deutsche Telekom Global Business Solutions


Barrik Gold Corp


SITA


Encompass TIBA Latin America


Univision


ABA


Digital House


Thomson Reuters/ Hormigas Argentinas


Prisma


Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina (CAF)


Supercanal


Work highlights


  • Provided local and cross-border legal counsel to Grupo Werthein on the acquisition  of Vrio Corp from AT&T.
  • Advised Deutsche Telekom Global Business Solutions Argentina on license and registration procedures to provide telecommunications services.
  • Advised the Barrick Group on various telecommunications matters related to its mining activity in Argentina.

Richards, Cardinal, Tützer, Zabala & Zaefferer

Richards, Cardinal, Tützer, Zabala & Zaefferer has a strong focus on disruptive technologies and digitalisation, and supports clients in the blockchain, quantic computing, AI, machine learning, analytics, IoT, big data and data processing segments. Fintech and crypto matters are also handled, with the firm additionally providing advice on IP, data privacy, streaming services and telecoms regulation. The practice is co-led by IP, IT, fair trade, advertising law and data privacy specialist, Lisandro Frene; and IT licensing and technology expert, Juan Pablo Cardinal.

Barreiro, Oliva, De Luca, Jaca, Nicastro

Representing clients in business and corporate matters, Barreiro, Oliva, De Luca, Jaca, Nicastro maintains a special focus on technology, handling contractual agreements, disputes and funding rounds as well as regulatory advice for clients in the e-commerce, software, edtech, fintech, IT-services, data, and gaming segments. A corporate specialist, founding partner Gonzalo Oliva Beltrán works regularly with technology clients and leads the practice. Senior associate Lucía López Laxague, who covers general corporate and data matters, provides key support.

Practice head(s):

Gonzalo Oliva-Beltrán


Testimonials

The team has deep knowledge of the sector. They understand how to communicate the complexity of the country to international clients and work with technical rigour to find solutions.

Martínez de Hoz & Rueda

Technology companies as well as corporates in other sectors call on Martínez de Hoz & Rueda for advice on a range of tech-related matters, including software licenses, data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, cloud computing and IT law. The team also works on regulatory and contractual issues, with corporate digital transformation -most notably in the banking sector- a particularly busy area. Martín Lepiane -whose practice tales in the banking, finance and TMT spaces- co-leads the team with senior associate Marcos Blanco, who handles privacy, data protection and fintech matters. Since publication, Blanco has been promoted to partner - effective as of January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Martín Lepiane; Marcos Blanco


MBP Partners - Abogados

Fintech and digitalisation in the banking sector are the primary TMT-focus areas for MBP Partners - Abogados, which draws on its banking practice expertise to advise digital banks and fintechs on the regulatory aspects of their operations. The team is led by firm co-founder Ignacio Meggiolaro, who is recognised for his know-how regarding the banking, finance, fintech, capital markets and compliance areas.

Practice head(s):

Ignacio Meggiolaro


Ojam Bullrich Flanzbaum

Ojam Bullrich Flanzbaum, best known as an IP specialist firm, has strengthened its offering in technology and privacy-related matters with the launch of a dedicated TMT team. The practice handles matters involving the artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain and cybersecurity segments, providing due diligence, IT compliance and e-discovery services; data privacy is a particularly strong area of activity. IT and privacy expert Mariano Peruzzotti, who joined as a partner from Marval O’Farrell Mairal in early 2021, leads the team.

Practice head(s):

Mariano Peruzzotti


Testimonials

I have worked with Mariano Peruzzotti for a number of years, as colleagues and now as a client. He always gives me peace of mind.

Key clients

Alarm.com


Laboratorio Elea Phoenix


INC


Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City


Chubb Seguros Argentina


Octillo Law


Work highlights


  • Advised one of the leading cloud computing platforms in matters related to the protection of personal data and privacy in different Latin American jurisdictions.
  • Advised WarnerMedia on adjusting privacy practices to the requirements of Argentine law.
  • Advised Volkswagen on the rollout of digital services in Argentina.

Sáenz Valiente & Asociados

Sáenz Valiente & Asociados specialises in complex regulatory matters and disputes, supplemented by expertise in M&A and competition law, and is known for representing media, entertainment and telecoms companies. Communications-law expert María Lucila Romero is a key name in the team, with senior partners José Maria Sáenz Valiente (h); Ignacio Sáenz Valiente and Damián Cassino providing further support.

Practice head(s):

José María Sáenz Valiente (h); Ignacio Sáenz Valiente; Damián Cassino; María Lucila Romero