Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Industry focus: Media and entertainment

With Nele Somers at the helm, Artes assists clients including media personalities, actors and athletes with a range of advisory and contentious matters.
Emmanuel Cornu, Steven Callens and Philippe De Prez preside over the media and entertainment offering at Simont Braun. Regulatory, corporate and contractual matters stand out as areas of expertise.

Firms in the Spotlight Industry focus: Media and entertainment

Lauwers Law

Lauwers Law logo

Lauwers Law stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of tax law, renowned for its profound expertise and a uniquely tailored approach that effectively navigates the complexities of tax law across Belgium’s diverse regional landscape.  Our comprehensive services cover a broad spectrum of tax-related matters, including corporate taxation, international tax law, VAT, and …

View Profile...

Industry focus: Media and entertainment in Belgium

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP has established itself as a popular destination for clients from across the media and entertainment spectrum, including film and television production companies, newspaper publishers and international media clients. Helmed by Filip Van Elsen, the firm’s broader TMT expertise means it is additionally well placed to advise on wider convergence issues in the media sector. IP and IT specialist Geert Glas‘ mixed advisory and contentious practice is frequently relied upon by broadcasters, publishers and content providers. Wouter Van De Voorde is equipped to handle transactional work in the media and entertainment space, while Peter Van Dyck frequently advises media clients on advertising, IP and liability questions. Edward Taelman departed in March 2024.

Practice head(s):

Filip Van Elsen


Other key lawyers:

Geert Glas; Wouter Van de Voorde; Dirk Arts; Peter Van Dyck


ALTIUS

ALTIUS is known for its ability to guide clients such as broadcasters publishing houses and music publishers through a variety of work including IP issues, publicity rights and regulatory compliance matters. The firm is also praised for having the most experienced and available team of lawyers in the Belgian sports sector’. Sports law experts Sven Demeulemeester and Grégory Ernes jointly lead the practice alongside Olivier Vrins, who excels in issues connected to copyright, brand protection and publicity rights. Alexander De Bleeckere is a known name for libel, slander and defamation cases, while Willem-Alexander Devlies further expands the sports law expertise at the firm.

Practice head(s):

Sven Demeulemeester; Grégory Ernes; Olivier Vrins


Other key lawyers:

Alexander De Bleeckere; Willem-Alexander Devlies


Testimonials

‘‘The Altius sports law team is by far the most experienced and available team of lawyers in the Belgian sports sector. They have a very broad expertise, clientele and network, built up over the years, which allows them to provide me the best possible service, giving me a clear advantage towards my competitors, both in contractual and litigation matters.’

‘Sven Demeulemeester has very wide knowledge and expertise in both employment and sports related matters, a very experienced lawyer in the sector. Willem-Alexander Devlies is always available for help and is a real problem solver, clearly an up-and-coming man in the sector. Both are also very connected and recognised both nationally and internationally. ’

‘All I can say about Altius is that no matter how short the timings are and no matter how complicated the demands, they always seem to be able to deliver quality work on time, which makes them a very reliable and professional partner.’

‘I would like to especially mention Willem-Alexander Devlies, who has been doing outstanding work since I have started working with him a couple of years ago, especially his ability to deliver quality work on complex legal matters within a short period of time is exceptional.’

Key clients

PACE Rights Management LLP


Mediahuis NV


VRT – Flemish Radio/TV Broadcaster


Pipe Entertainment


Club Bruges FC


Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht


Royal Antwerp Football Club


KRC Genk


Standard de Liège


Royale Union Saint-Gilloise


Lommel SK


KV Kortrijk


KV Mechelen


Cercle Bruges


KMSK Deinze


City Football Group


Cardiff City FC


Tout Puissant Mazembe FC


UEFA


Pro League


Trek Baloise


Alpecin Deceuninck


Wasserman


Sport and Entertainment Group (SEG)


Forza


Belgian Tennis Association


Belgian Volleyball Association


Work highlights


  • Assisted PACE Rights Management LLP with its intervention in the appeal proceedings that SABAM brought against a ruling that it had abused its dominant position by charging excessive tariff rates.
  • Represented a former television personality in a court case against a production company responsible for a highly successful Flemish TV series which has been distributed to numerous countries globally.
  • Represented football club Lommel SK in arbitration proceedings before the Belgian Centre for Sports Arbitration (C-SAR).

Crowell & Moring

A regular fixture before the Raad Van State, the Market Court and agencies such as the Gaming Commission, Crowell & Moring also pulls together a strong advisory offering with intellectual property law, regulatory issues and the termination of artist management deals among the firm’s areas of expertise. Practice co-head Thomas De Meese‘s extensive media law experience is called upon by publishers, film distributors and broadcasters, while fellow co-head Jan-Diederik Lindemans‘ practice extends to advising media and entertainment clients on the defence of their various IP and personality rights. Sari Depreeuw‘s specialist knowledge in the realm of new technologies is frequently brought to bear for clients such as record labels and music festivals. Yung Shin Van Der Sype, who joined from Alston & Bird LLP in September 2022, is an authority on e-sports issues. The team was further strengthened by Edward Taelman, who arrived from Allen & Overy LLP in March 2024.

Practice head(s):

Thomas De Meese; Jan-Diederik Lindemans


Other key lawyers:

Sari Depreeuw; Yung Shin Van Der Sype; Marieke Van Nieuwenborgh; Eric Montens; Karl Stas; Edward Taelman


Testimonials

‘The firm has longstanding experience in the media and entertainment sector and an excellent understanding of sensitivities and dynamics of the sector.’

‘Karl Stas is a sound lawyer very knowledgeable for the gaming industry and administrative procedure.’

‘Eric Montens is a sound contractual and corporate lawyer.’

Key clients

Dutch Filmworks International Holding


Electronic Arts


Federation of Flemish Music Festivals


IPM Group


Liberty Global / Telenet


Universal Music


Weareone.world / Tomorrowland


Telenet


Unibet


Events Confederation


ARTTS


DPG Media


Backcatalogue


Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Antwerp (KMSKA)


Homework CommV


Belgian Esports Federation


The GreenShot


Work highlights


  • Advised the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Antwerp (RMFAA) on a complex copyright matter concerning the scenography of various showrooms in the Museum, which had been redesigned by external architects.
  • Defended Belgium’s leading major music festivals, concert venues and mass sport event organisers against the Flemish government’s decision to impose a complete ban on serving drinks in cans and PET-bottles during events.
  • Advised different betting and gambling clients on the Belgian regulatory framework, on advertising, personality and portraits rights issues, on copyright law, and on partnership agreements and licence termination questions.

Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird pulls together a strong offering in media and entertainment with standout expertise in matters relating to broadcasting, advertising and content licensing and distribution. Benoit Van Asbroeck and competition and trade expert Hein Hobbelen oversee the team; Van Asbroeck is well versed in matters concerning digital technologies and the European Electronic Communications Code. José Rivas is notably active in mandates concerning sports sector clients.

Practice head(s):

Benoit Van Asbroeck; Hein Hobbelen


Other key lawyers:

José Rivas


Key clients

FIFA


DigitalEurope


European Commission


Work highlights


  • Assisted a Belgian holding company active in retail and online betting with securing the innovation income deduction for the royalty income from its in-house innovative software via a ruling procedure.
  • Represented a complainant in the European Commission’s investigation regarding Apple’s in-app purchase terms for e-books and audio books.

CMS

CMS is well placed to handle both large international and domestic projects for a client base that includes major technology and e-commerce companies alongside cable channels and international football organisations. IP and domain name disputes specialist Tom Heremans jointly leads the team with electronic communication regulations expert Dirk Van Liedekerke. The team benefits from access to the firm’s network of local media law experts across a wide range of EU member states.

Practice head(s):

Tom Heremans; Dirk Van Liedekerke


Key clients

Proximus


FIFA


Napoleon


Meta


Anda Ackx


Warner Bros & Discovery Channel


Work highlights


  • Represented Meta in Belgian court proceedings brought against Facebook,Inc., Facebook Ireland and Facebook Belgium by the Belgian Data Protection Authority for alleged infringements of EU and national rules on privacy protection.
  • Represented FIFA before the EU Court of Justice involving complex questions of international jurisdiction. Represented FIFA also in front of Belgian courts regarding the application of the notion of “sportive successor”.
  • Assisted and represented Napoleon Group in respect of a series of commercial and regulatory matters, including several disputes before the Constitutional Court, the Administrative Supreme Court and the civil courts.

DLA Piper

From television and film, to printed media, to influencer marketing and gambling, DLA Piper’s far-reaching practice incorporates expertise in regulatory issues, corporate work, tax law and finance matters. The team is additionally praised for fielding ‘true professionals and experts in the field of media and entertainment IP litigation’. Alexis Fierens heads up the team and has specific expertise pertaining to media and entertainment-related IP rights. In Antwerp, Michaël Heene has a notable focus on contentious and advisory work in the audiovisual sector. Based in Brussels, data protection specialist Heidi Waem is a key contact for journalists and media companies.

Practice head(s):

Alexis Fierens


Other key lawyers:

Michaël Heene; Heidi Waem; Emma Stockman


Testimonials

‘The legal team at DLA Piper is a key long-term legal partner for our company. With offices in virtually every country of interest, I can rest assured that my company’s litigation needs will be met with quality and professionalism in any jurisdiction.’

‘Special recognition must be given to Alexis Fierens at DLA Piper Belgium. Mr. Fierens and his team are true professionals and experts in the field of media and entertainment IP litigation.’

Alexis Fierens has the unique ability to passionately micro-litigate a complex and technical IP case and at the same time orchestrate other legal teams across the world at the macro-level.’

Key clients

The Walt Disney Company / Fox


Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie (VRT)


Nemzeti Média- és Hírközlési (National Media and Infocommunications Authority Hungary)


Concord Music


777 Partners


Eagle Football Holdings


Glory Kickboxing


Roblox


Royal Antwerp Football Club


KV Oostende


LG Electronics


Marriott Hotels International


Snap Fitness


Kinepolis


Duracell


Work highlights


  • Advising The Walt Disney Company, following the launch of its Disney+ platform in Belgium, on matters including the amended Audiovisual Media Services Directive and its implementation in Belgium.
  • Represented VRT with regard to a ‘me too’ claim against one of its TV presenters which was brought before the Criminal Court of Mechelen and subsequently the Brussels Court of First Instance.
  • Advised the Eagle Football group of companies on Eagle Football Holdings Bidco Limited completing its acquisition of a significant controlling stake in Olympique Lyonnais Groupe (OL Groupe).

Edson

Edson‘s offering incorporates expertise in the videogames sector, print media space and broadcasting industry. The team is also described as fielding ‘experts in the iGaming industry’ and is handling a growing number of cases relating to streaming platforms. Pieter Paepe co-chairs the practice and is a known name in Belgium for his wide-ranging knowledge of gaming law. Christoph De Preter is able to bring his in-depth knowledge of IP matters to bear for a multitude of media and entertainment clients.

Practice head(s):

Pieter Paepe; Christoph De Preter


Testimonials

‘Great professionals who are experts in the iGaming industry.’

‘Business-oriented, proactive and always on top of things.’

Key clients

Kindred Group


Belgian Games


Lannoo


Betsson


DPG Media


Work highlights


  • Successfully assisted Belgian Games on all legal and strategic matters in relation to the Belgian tax shelter for investments in videogaming companies.
  • Advising Kindred (previously ‘Unibet’) on all gaming regulatory matters in Belgium and assisting in various strategic litigation cases before the Belgian Council of State.
  • Co-advising several media and videogame companies on the implementation into Belgian law of the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market.

MVVP

Film and TV production companies, broadcasters and record labels are among the diverse client base that turn to MVVP for assistance with an array of IP, corporate and M&A work in the media and entertainment space. A triumvirate of partners head up the practice: Peter Marx has a focus on copyright and trade mark work; Olivier Sasserath‘s industry expertise is reflected in his work for the Belgian collecting management organisation, SABAM; and Herman Croux is well versed in copyright contract law.

Practice head(s):

Peter Marx; Olivier Sasserath; Herman Croux


Key clients

Sabam


Fobic Film


A Private View


Walking the Dog


Rosas


Wiels


Universal Music Publishing


Stichting Brein


Mirage Films


Stibbe

Stibbe advises players in the industry spanning sports associations, media platforms, record labels and broadcasters on an array of contentious and advisory matters. The firm has also developed a strategic focus on the fast-growing gamification sector. TMT specialist Erik Valgaeren heads up the practice; his varied portfolio of work incorporates advice on pre-employment background checks and compliance with the Electronic Communications Act. Sports law expert Elisabeth Matthys frequently handles litigation involving discrimination issues and anti-doping rules. Publishers rely on Ignace Vernimme for informed counsel on diverse trade mark and copyright issues.

Practice head(s):

Erik Valgaeren


Other key lawyers:

Elisabeth Matthys; Ignace Vernimme; Carolien Michielsen


Work highlights


  • Provided advice to Warner Media regarding (the aftermath of) Covid-19 and various measures and precautions to be respected by a HBO camera crew coming from the US to Belgium.
  • Defending the Royal Football Association of Belgium in several lawsuits, including regarding the Financial Fair Play regulations, licensing, contract and corporate law, third party ownership regulations and transfer issues.
  • Assisting Momentum Capital with a dispute against a major international recreational park and a broad spectrum of intellectual property rights issues.

AdaStone Law

AdaStone Law‘s clients include professional associations, broadcasters, distributors and producers. Practice strengths range from media-related contracts to film financing issues and collective rights negotiations. Agnès Maqua and Hannah Tacheny jointly oversee matters with the latter equipped to advise on media rights, notably for sports sector clients. Katrien Maris is another key contact.

Practice head(s):

Agnès Maqua; Hannah Tacheny


Other key lawyers:

Katrien Maris


Key clients

Nostalgie – NRJ Belgium


RMB


NRJ France


Ln24


Film Matters Belgium (FMB)


Politico Europe


Studio L’Equipe


DreamWall


Comité Olympique Interfédéral belge (COIB)


Digital Factory Belgium


Auxipress


Story me


Work highlights


  • Assisted NGroup with its request submitted to the Belgian regulator (CSA) to amend its radio programme and with lobbying for the removal of a web radio creation section from a Belgian draft bill.
  • Assisted the Belgian representative of the International Olympic Committee and the federator of the Belgian sports federations (COIB) with negotiating and drafting contractual arrangements with commercial partners for the Paris 2024 Olympic games.
  • Acted as legal counsel for Dreamwalll in the negotiation of an NDA and contract services with two distributors (channels) in Qatar and Dubai concerning the provision of a range of content.

CRESTA

Described as a team that ‘works quickly and accurately’, CRESTA is recognised for its competence in advising high-profile international football players. The firm is also well placed to handle cases before international basketball and international volleyball’s dispute resolution bodies. Sébastien Ledure heads up the practice; he is praised for being a ‘good negotiator’ and for being ‘thorough in his approach to the deal process’. Arnaut Kint‘s ‘strong industry knowledge’ is highlighted, while Wouter Janssens, Xavier Mansat and Quinten Van den Bergen are further key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Sébastien Ledure


Other key lawyers:

Wouter Janssens; Arnaut Kint; Xavier Mansat; Quinten Van den Bergen


Testimonials

‘They provide a holistic personal service to sports clients and have deep relationships with footballers, in particular.’

‘Sébastien Ledure is thorough in his approach to the deal process and brings enthusiasm and momentum.’

‘The Cresta team works quickly and accurately. They are specialised in sports regulations and the enforcement of athletes contracts.’

Key clients

Red Lions


Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee


Intermarché Wanty Gobert Matériaux


Tangram Sports Management


Proball Event Management


Rize Management


Fredrick Archer


Spirou Charleroi


LZ Sport Pro


Playground


MAX Agency


Zelos


Work highlights


  • Serving as trusted advisors to a Belgian footballer in various sports, commercial, personal and corporate matters, including all aspects related to his transfers involving Chelsea FC and Internazionale Milano.
  • Successfully representing a Dutch footballer in legal proceedings before the Amsterdam Courts against former agency Sports Entertainment Group on the topics of conflicts of interest, lack of transparency and disproportionate commission fees.
  • Assisting a Dutch footballer with all sports, commercial, tax and corporate matters, including negotiations with FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, PUMA and Red Bull.

Deloitte

The core features of the media and entertainment offering at Deloitte Legal are the group's IP and IT expertise, which is leveraged by clients within the sports and audiovisual industries, and corporate and M&A work, including venture capital issues and cross-border restructurings. Willem-Jan Cosemans, Yannick Van den broeke and Matthias Vierstraete stand at the helm of the practice, with Cosemans equipped to advise on issues extending to intellectual property rights in digital assets such as the image rights of players in NFTs. Former practice head Tim Baart retired in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Willem-Jan Cosemans; Yannick Van den broeke; Matthias Vierstraete


Key clients

Club Brugge


Pro League


Tenbeo


Telenet


Vlaamse Sport Federatie


City Football Group


JC Decaux/Publiroute


Game Mania


Doggybites


Lecter Media


Cartamundi


FCV Dender EH


Antwerp Diamonds FC


Geronimo Productions


Mediagenix


Nintendo


Work highlights


  • Advised the Pro League in relation to the exploitation of NFTs and advice relating to intellectual property rights in digital assets.
  • Advised Lecter Media on the divestment of its 50% shareholding in the Fabiola Group to the production company Roses Are Blue.
  • Advised digital advertising company Doggybites on its collaboration with Ahold Delhaize, including the drafting of an IP license and development agreement, a strategic collaboration agreement and an escrow agreement.

Everest

Everest‘s team of ‘dedicated lawyers’ has an exclusive focus on sports and is active across an array of advisory and contentious work ranging from advice on football transfers to match-fixing litigation and disciplinary investigations. Former competitive cyclist Mathieu Baert heads up the team and centres his practice on sports-related dispute resolution; he is praised for working ‘fast and with focus‘.

Practice head(s):

Mathieu Baert


Other key lawyers:

Lore Vanden Berghe


Testimonials

‘The firm has a specialist on almost every different aspect which makes it easy for us to rely on them for all the advice we need.’

‘Mathieu Baert works fast and with focus. He is very creative, professional and a nice person to work with.’

‘A team of dedicated lawyers working hard to succeed.’

Key clients

International Tennis Integrity Agency


International Tennis Federation


Pro League Vzw & NV


A-Group


HCSB BV


GDM Sports


United Games


Royal Belgian Hockey Federation


Flemish Judo Federation


Flemish Sports Federation


Work highlights


  • Assisting the International Tennis Integrity Agency in its position as civil party in an international match-fixing case involving an organised criminal network and more than €9m of criminal transactions.
  • Represented the Pro League in sports-related litigation before both sports related tribunals and government courts; cases vary from licensing files, calendar and championship disputes and television rights issues.
  • Assisted A-Group with transfers including Charles De Ketelaere to AC Milan, Vincent Janssen to RAFC Antwerp and Jan Vertonghen to RSCA Anderlecht.

HOYNG ROKH MONEGIER

HOYNG ROKH MONEGIER‘s in-depth expertise of intellectual property issues in the media and IT landscape is called upon by media actors ranging form publishers to broadcasters and collective management organisations. The team, led by copyright and media law expert Fabienne Brison, frequently handles contentious proceedings in the space and is also active across advisory and contractual work.

Practice head(s):

Fabienne Brison


Key clients

PlayRight


Anne Frank Fonds


Wilde Productions


SEMU


The Palm Beach BVBA


Liedekerke

Liedekerke‘s media and entertainment practice has a strong focus on IP, IT and data protection cases, with the firm handling a variety of advisory, contentious and transactional work at both a national and international level. The firm’s contentious work includes counterfeiting seizures, infringement actions and the implementation of border measures involving customs authorities. Etienne Kairis heads up the practice and frequently wins plaudits for his ability to develop and implement strategies for the protection of intellectual property. Sarah Van Den Brande frequently leverages her expertise in copyright, trade marks and designs to handle contentious work for the likes of the AGICOA group. Bernard Vanbrabant further extends the contentious IP expertise at the firm.

Practice head(s):

Etienne Kairis


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Van Den Brande; Bernard Vanbrabant; Myrtle Gevers


Testimonials

‘Liedekerke has a great team of longstanding practitioners with a wealth of industry and court experience. The team has been working together for years making the service seamless.’

‘Overall they offer great availability and responsiveness. It is a pleasure working with them.’

Key clients

IMPS


Agicoa


VAAAM AG (RYDE GmbH -KodakOne)


Vlaamse Nieuwsmedia


Euronews


Work highlights


  • Representing the three main Belgian press publishers’ alliances in litigation before the Constitutional Court in relation to the action for annulment brought by Meta and Google (Google Ireland and Google LLC).
  • Assisting the AGICOA group and its Belgian affiliate with several litigation proceedings against BAVP (Belgian collecting society of producers of audiovisual works), against Telenet, Proximus, Orange, Voo and Brutélé.
  • Advising Euronews on its reorganisation and assisting with all the employment law related aspects of the reorganisation.