Firms To Watch: TMT

Alessandri & Compañía Abogados' TMT and data protection practices are headed up by technology, data protection, cybersecurity and e-commerce expert Macarena Gatica ; she was recently re-elected Co-Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce Digital Regulation Board, and has since also been appointed director of Chile’s Direct and Digital Marketing Association.

TMT in Chile

Barros & Errázuriz

Fully aware of the regulatory changes in Chile', Barros & Errázuriz's TMT practice acts for both domestic and foreign companies, including fixed and mobile operators, satellite operators, digital applications, and free-to-air and paid television services. The team is also sought out by internet service providers, over-the-top (OTT) media services, technology providers, e-commerce and social media platforms, and telecom infrastructure companies; its experience covers the full range of corporate and regulatory matters as well as obtaining all necessary permits and licenses required under local legislation. Additionally, it is increasingly active in 5G and satellite broadband matters, as well as major technology projects in Chile. The practice is headed up by longstanding TMT specialist José Ignacio Ovalle, whose ‘knowledge of the industry is very impressive', and who advises on a wide range of regulatory and commercial issues impacting the telecoms and technology sectors. Elevated to partner level in April 2023, former senior associate Andrés Rodríguez is experienced in telecoms, IT and data privacy; and key associate Magdalena Rojas advises several telecoms service providers in Chile.

Practice head(s):

José Ignacio Ovalle


Testimonials

The team is fully aware of the regulatory changes in Chile and understands SUBTEL’s way of thinking – full knowledge of the TMT market’s legal aspects.

A prestigious and multi-service firm that ensures high-level multidisciplinary advice on complex issues, including international ones. Solid experience and knowledge that are used for highly relevant matters.

The main reason for hiring the services of this firm is that the lawyers have already successfully gone through the process on several occasions; therefore they not only have the knowledge, but also the experience of how to handle it.

Invaluable knowledge of SUBTEL, not only the institution’s people but what is really important or essential.

The team is always well informed about what other lawyers from the group are doing or the status of their progress, and they enjoy good communications with clients – the team’s experience is really invaluable.

José Ignacio Ovalle’s knowledge of the industry is very impressive – he knows exactly how to proceed, and anticipates estimated costs and times that help clients make decisions; and even when he is not directly involved in the process, clients can be sure that he is behind the scene ensuring that promises are fulfilled.

The experience and connections of Andrés Rodríguez are highly valuable, while associate Magdalena Rojas is a guiding light for clients’ needs. She works very diligently and with deep knowledge of the processes, progress status and next steps, which gives clients peace of mind.

Andrés Rodríguez manages his work very well and is a material component for clients’ regulatory decision-making in Chile.

Key clients

Telefonica Global Solutions


Lycamobile


Club de Golf los Leones


DiDi


Kwai


Universidad San Sebastián


Indumotora


Megamedia Radios


RDS


Internet Mobile Communications


One Web


Andean Telecom Partners


Complejo Portuario Mejillones


Larraín Vial


Everis


DirecTV Chile


Transelec


Stonepeak


Work highlights


  • Assisted OneWeb before SUBTEL in relation to the renewal concession and permit applications for the installation, operation and provision of satellite telecoms services in Chile.
  • Advised Stonepeak Partners on the purchase of the Latin American assets of telecoms company Lumens.
  • Advised Telefónica Global Solutions on the modification of its satellite service concession.

Carey

Market stalwart Carey houses a large, 16-strong practice with broad experience in the regulatory, corporate, financial and contractual aspects of the TMT, and sports and entertainment sectors. The practice’s specialisms include technology contracting, internet and net neutrality, Internet of Things (IoT), online content transmission, online platforms and cloud technologies. It also advises on AI, data protection, cybersecurity, robotics, blockchain, smart contracts, and cryptocurrencies. On the regulatory side, the group is experienced in obtaining licenses for telecoms services, including fixed, mobile and satellite services. Among the ‘very good’ multidisciplinary team’s leading practitioners, Alfonso Silva is a deeply experienced telecoms industry expert; Guillermo Carey acts for several high-impact technology companies on technology transfers and internationalisation issues; and at counsel level, Eduardo Martin is an adviser on TMT-related regulatory, commercial and transactional issues, while José Ignacio Mercado is a privacy, data protection and cybersecurity expert. Senior associate Raúl Mazzarella is also on hand to advise on TMT sector-related regulatory issues and deals.

Practice head(s):

Alfonso Silva; Guillermo Carey; Eduardo Martin; José Ignacio Mercado


Testimonials

A very good multidisciplinary team with specialists in several areas.

Able to provide a more personalised service.

Key clients

Crystal Lagoons


Algramo


NotCo


SMU


Knapp


Fuente Chilena


AmCham


ALD Automotive


Caja Compensación Los Héroes


WOM


Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura


Intelsat


British Telecoms


Grupo Werthein


Digital Bridge


Blanco & Negro


Work highlights


  • Advised Intelsat on the Chilean corporate, contractual and regulatory aspects of its in-flight connectivity services for the LatAm Airlines fleet in Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru.
  • Advised British Telecoms on the provision of its telecoms services in Chile.
  • Advised Desarrollo País on the commercial, corporate, M&A and regulatory aspects of the Humboldt Project, an approximately 14,000km optic fibre submarine cable that will join South America with the Australian continent.

Magliona Abogados

Magliona Abogados‘ impressive media client list includes household names such as Netflix and Amazon Studios. On the telecoms side, the nine-strong team acts for Entel and Orange; while in the technology segment, the group regularly advises Google and Ascenty Data Centers. The TMT practice comprises expertise in cybersecurity and data protection regulations, as well as combining specialisms in technology and IP with public policy and government relations expertise. The broad practice of managing partner Claudio Magliona covers technology law, fintech, telecoms, IP and entertainment law, and his workload also takes in licensing and software development agreements, data protection, computer crime, and film distribution, production and financing; Giovanni Donati's track record includes projects involving digital security implementation; and Nicolás Yuraszeck is an expert in new technologies, telecoms law and IP. The second line of key advisers includes of counsel Pedro Huichalaf, who is experienced in telecoms, new technologies and cybersecurity market regulation; and at director level, Carlos Araya who is an experienced intellectual and industrial property practitioner, while Karla Cid‘s practice includes fintech, new technologies, IT and telecoms law.

Practice head(s):

Claudio Magliona; Nicolas Yuraszeck; Carlos Araya; Rodrigo Valenzuela; Pedro Huichalaf


Testimonials

The firm is fully assertive in its evaluation, preparation and execution of legal strategies.

Key clients

Google


Microsoft Telecom


Mundo Telecomunicaciones


Huawei


Ascenty


Airbnb


VTEX


Google Data Luna Data Centers


DirecTV


Hexagon


Netflix


Infobip


Compatel


Sharfstein


Voz Digital


CorreosChile


Orange


Mercadolibre


Dlocal.com


Amazon Studios


Autodesk


ComparaOnline


Dafiti


Falabella


Incode


Kavak


Indrive


ENTEL


Work highlights


  • Advises Google (on an ongoing basis) on public policy and government relations.
  • Advises Huawei on telecoms and technology regulations.
  • Advising Microsoft Telecom on obtaining telecoms licences, including a satellite licence application with the Telecoms agency.

Baker McKenzie Chile

Baker McKenzie Chile’s Santiago office fields a niche three-member TMT practice, yet is able to leverage the firm’s renowned international network, particularly in the technology sector where clients’ operations frequently necessitate globally-coordinated assistance. The practice acts for a wide-ranging portfolio of TMT clients, including major internet-based services and e-commerce businesses; and its representative experience includes projects involving digital tools, network infrastructure companies and media platforms. The team’s capabilities additionally comprise data security, international data flow and data centres, along with telecoms, big data, cloud-based services, and the IoT. The department is led by corporate law expert Diego Ferrada, who is admitted in both New York and Chile, and has longstanding experience in working with heavyweight telecoms and technology companies on regulatory issues and transactions. Corporate group associate Macarena Salazar also assists with the firm’s TMT work.

Practice head(s):

Diego Ferrada


Key clients

Ingram Micro


Stanley Black and Decker


Work highlights


  • Assisted Ingram Micro with the divestment of its commerce and lifestyle services business.
  • Advised Stanley Black and Decker on consumer matters, in relation to sellers’ new obligations on platforms.

CMS Carey & Allende

Acting on a wide range of IT and telecoms work, CMS Carey & Allende‘s seven-strong TMT practice covers the Chilean regulatory aspects of global telecoms trends, such as passive and active infrastructure deployment, small cells, 5G, and distributed antenna systems. The ‘knowledgeable, available and versatile‘ team also assists with the procurement of licences and concessions for public telecoms services and infrastructure services; compliance with telecoms regulation; and the structuring of complex IT solutions and integration services for the payments sector. TMT-related M&A deals and fintech are other notable areas. Managing partner and former general manager for telecoms company Telex Chile, Ramón Valdivieso, is a highly-rated telecoms and IT specialist; Ignacio Errazquin advises on both traditional telecom services and telecoms infrastructure; and Diego Rodríguez is experienced in complex outsourcing contracts and Software as a service (SaaS) agreements.

Practice head(s):

Ignacio Errazquin; Diego Rodríguez


Testimonials

An innovative firm that is knowledgeable, available and versatile enough to support client companies on all possible fronts.

The commitment, knowledge and permanent support are outstanding at this firm.

Ignacio Errazquin’s level of knowledge and access to all the relevant telecoms organisations enables clients to carry out projects without any issues.

Key clients

KKR


Sonda


Pago Fácil


Locales Conectados


QMC Telecom


American Tower


Asociación de empresas Fintech de Chile


Cardda


Digital Virgo


Work highlights


  • Advised On*Net Fibra on the telecoms aspects of the acquisition of Entel Chile’s fibre optic network.
  • Advised QMC Telecom on its arrival and expansion plans in Chile.
  • Advised Digital Virgo on telecoms regulations.

Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos

The 13-strong TMT practice at full-service firm Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos routinely assists international and domestic IT, telecoms, media and internet companies with their investments in local companies. It also advises on joint ventures, transactional IP and litigation. On the regulatory side, the group houses experts in IT and media projects; while in the data processing segment, the team freqeuntly acts on large infrastructure projects involving technology aspects. The team is additionally certified in cloud services, with several of its practitioners able to code. The technology, privacy and media group’s principal figures are: Rodrigo Lavados, whose broad practice includes software and database-related IP issues, data privacy, fintech regulation, advertising, and entertainment law; senior partner and financial, banking and capital markets department leader, Francisco Illanes; and finance transactions expert Juan Antonio Parodi. Within the senior associate ranks, both Gabriel Pensa and Eduardo Vilches assist with IT, telecoms and data protection work.

Practice head(s):

Rodrigo Lavados; Francisco Illanes; Juan Antonio Parodi


Key clients

Warner Bros Discovery


Google


Acceso TV


IBM


Zimpler


Datamart


Bitpanda


MercadoLibre


Hennes & Mauritz


Chilevisión


Work highlights


  • Advises Banmédica on the treatment of personal data and information security.
  • Represented Google in multiple constitutional actions, which were based on alleged right to privacy violations.
  • Advises Medtronic on the implementation of solutions and contracts with third parties, including privacy and data protection matters.

FerradaNehme

FerradaNehme’s six-member department was recently particularly active in the regulatory aspects of Covid-19-related TMT matters. The practice’s wide-ranging expertise covers telephony markets, e-commerce, Pay TV, and internet and free-to-air television, as well as information security, privacy and personal data protection, and cross-border transactions involving technological services. Additional key areas range from technological transformation processes, compliance, antitrust procedures and mergers, to IT law, IP, and tariff-setting processes. The team also assists with TMT-related administrative procedures and litigation. The group is co-led by competition and regulatory law specialist Nicole Nehme; and Stella Muñoz, an expert in consumer protection law, privacy and personal data protection. Providing integral support are of counsel Sebastián Dufeu, who is experienced in telecoms and media law, and regulatory work; and director Sebastián Morales, a telecoms and media regulation specialist. In May 2022, associate Mario Garfias, whose experience includes acting before Chile’s Telecommunications’ Agency (SUBTEL), rejoined from Gana y Galvez Abogados, while former director Nicolás Morales and senior associate Catalina Frigerio both recently departed the firm.

Practice head(s):

Nicole Nehme; Stella Muñoz


Key clients

Chilean Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation


VTR Comunicaciones


Liberty Latin America


Asociación Chilena de Telecomunicaciones


Red de Televisión Chilevisión


Transbank


Metrogas


Transelec


ESSAL


Work highlights


  • Assisted Liberty Latin America with the regulatory and antitrust aspects of the merger of its Chilean subsidiary (VTR Comunicaciones) with América Móvil Chilean operations (Claro Chile).
  • Representing ChileTelco (trade association comprising telecoms companies Entel PCS Telecomunicaciones, Telefónica Móviles Chile, Claro Chile, GTD Manquehue, Pacífico Cable and VTR Comunicaciones) in challenging certain content of Decree No 92, which approves the management and maintenance plan for overhead and subway telecoms lines.
  • Commissioned during 2022 by the Chilean Ministry of Science to review and strengthen the governance and legal framework of Observa, a recently-launched digital platform that provides evidence for public policy decision-making about the Chilean Science, Technology and Innovation landscape.

Guerrero Olivos

Guerrero Olivos’s nine-strong TMT team is able to leverage the firm’s strong administrative law, IP and corporate law credentials when advising either major corporations or start-ups on their business operations in Chile. The group’s specialisms cover both contentious and non-contentious work before the TMT industry regulators, including compliance assistance; its experience includes concessions for mobile and satellite services, M&A deals and carve-outs involving key infrastructure, and software licensing agreements and data privacy policies. Co-heading the department are: Juan Enrique Allard, who has longstanding experience in advising TMT companies on telecoms, data privacy, IT, cybersecurity, and technology platforms; and José Gabriel Undurraga and Eduardo Cordero, who both bring public law expertise to their telecoms sector mandates. Within the associate ranks, senior Diego Morandé (who also heads-up the IP practice) advises TMT clients on data privacy and protection matters, while Alejandra Leiton’s has strong experience in TMT regulatory issues.

Practice head(s):

Juan Enrique Allard; Eduardo Cordero; José Gabriel Undurraga


Key clients

Telefónica Group


Featurespace


SoftServe


Microsoft


Western Union International


Wells Fargo


Primavera Sound


Novator Partners


WOM


Globalstar


DXC Technology


Newegg


Starz


Dogkas


Vinko


Webtoon


Work highlights


  • Advises Telefónica Group on TMT matters, including complex regulatory issues impacting its business.
  • Advised American satellite communications company Globalstar on its incorporation in Chile, as well as on the regulatory side to satellite and phone services in Chile.
  • Advised Starz, an American premium cable and satellite television network, on how to implement video-on-demand services in Chile (in compliance with the regulatory and commercial framework).

Contreras Velozo

The experience of Contreras Velozo's full-service TMT practice ranges from representation during criminal, antitrust and administrative proceedings, to ongoing advisory issues, and TMT-related transactions, projects, IP and data privacy matters. In addition to regularly advising telecoms provider Movistar, the firm’s client base comprises several fintech, e-commerce and media firms. Leading the firm’s telecoms, media and criminal litigation practices, Francisco Velozo is a criminal law specialist; and Javier Velozo is a telecoms-focused competition law expert. Within the associate pool, Pablo Pardo is particularly active in media sector work, while Natalia Diuana's practice includes telecoms-related disputes.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Velozo; Pablo Pardo; Javier Velozo


Testimonials

Profound management of Chilean law. This Firm brings together a group of highly competent professionals who work as a true team.’

Knowledge, experience, legal criteria. Simplicity and clarity in their proposals. Partners: Javier Velozo and Pablo Pardo.

Key clients

Telefónica Group – Movistar


Directv


Mercado Libre


Exacta


Integra Metrics


Chileactores


Alianza contra la Piratería


Zumpago


FIVANA


DYGA


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented the Alliance against TV Piracy in criminal actions against the operators of IKS and IPTV services.
  • Successfully represented Chileactores in court against GTD, in relation to the collection of copyright tariffs for audio visual performers.
  • Assisting Integra Metrics (a provider of advertising expenditure measurement services) and Exacta (a people meter operator), in relation to the removal of barriers of entry that both companies face in different Latin America countries.

Dentons Chile

Covering regulatory, licensing, cybersecurity and data privacy matters, Dentons Chile’s nine-strong practice acts for major TMT companies such as: SBA Communications (global telecoms infrastructure provider); TMT-specialised consultant company Cullen International; and insurtech player Jooycar. At partner level, Maria Carolina Del Rio advises on software and entertainment sector-related compliance, regulatory and licensing issues; Maria Mercedes Londoño is an expert in prosecuting and litigating TMT and data protection matters; Karlfranz Koehler focuses on developing technology sector-related commercial and contractual frameworks; and Ignacio Pera is the firm’s fintech group coordinator in Chile. Senior associate Alberto Jara coordinates the Santiago office’s telecoms department.

Practice head(s):

María Carolina Del Rio; María Mercedes Londoño; Karlfranz Koehler; Ignacio Pera; Alberto Jara


Key clients

Cullen International


Tata Consultancy Services Chile


TikTok


SBA Sitios Chile


Pure IP Group


CIEM Ingerniería


Solera


Odd Industries


Jooycar


SumUp


Asociación de Empresas de Innovación Financiera de Chile


Tenpo Technologies


Cumplo Chile


Corporación Alianza Fintech Iberoamericana


iFinex


Arriba


Institución Financiera Cooperativa Coopeuch


Cactus Computing


Destácame


Lemon Cash


Pomelo


Work highlights


  • Ongoing advice to Cullen International on regulatory developments.
  • Ongoing advice to TikTok on regulatory issues.
  • Assisting SBA Sitios Chile with its request for permits to install infrastructure to support antennas and radiating systems.

ECIJA Otero

ECIJA Otero was established in 2019 when domestic practice Estudio Jurídico Otero merged with Madrid-headquartered firm ECIJA. The TMT practice is experienced in IT-related bidding processes and contract drafting, along with the data protection management of IP rights. Its media practice also covers the negotiation of co-production agreements. Name partner Gerardo Otero leads the firm’s labour law, new technologies, TMT and IT practices; Dolores Echeverría advises on both corporate and IT matters; and Spain-qualified Alfredo Moreno regularly assists European clients with their business issues in both Chile and Europe. Associate Javier Sabido’s experience includes advising TV and film production companies.

Practice head(s):

Gerardo Otero; Dolores Echeverría; Alfredo Moreno


Key clients

Microsoft


Ricoh Chile


IQVIA/IMS Health


The Boston Consulting Group


Iberacústica


Fifpro Football Players Worldwide


Church & Dwight


RD Sistemas


Miguel Soffia (We Are South)


Computer Associates


Computrabajo


The Valley Digital


Visa International


Binfluencer


Desigenia


Techedge


SG Red


Intellect Design


Work highlights


  • Advised Church & Dwight on its extensive trade mark portfolio.
  • Assisting Miguel Soffia with a Canada-Chile audiovisual co-production.
  • Assisted FIFPRO football players worldwide with the registration of a trade mark in Chile.

Gutiérrez & Arrieta

Gutiérrez & Arrieta's track record includes advising on the legal framework of a clearing house for high-value interbank payments. The boutique legal practice also specialises in electronic payments, electronic signatures, technology contracts, e-commerce, and data protection. Its experience further includes advising major banks on core software contracts. All of the firm’s lawyers are members of the Instituto Chileno de Derecho y Tecnología (Chilean Institute of Law and Technology), where the firm’s electronic payment systems expert Rodrigo Gutierréz Morán is currently President. Fellow name partner Raúl Arrieta Cortés advises on technology, data protection and telecoms matters, while Diego Cordoba Yukic is the associate to note.

Practice head(s):

Rodrigo Gutiérrez Morán; Raúl Arrieta Cortés


Testimonials

Very good service and excellent availability.

Lembeye

Lembeye routinely advises public and private entities on rate-setting procedures, TMT-related antitrust issues, and regulatory issues. The firm boosted its TMT, public law, regulated markets and free competition practices when it recruited former Bofill Mir Álvarez Jana partner Guillermo de la Jara in the summer of 2021. TMT group head de la Jara is also a former Telecommunications Undersecretariat’s legal department head, who acts for telephony, mobile telephony, and internet and telecoms technology services providers, as well as television channels.

Practice head(s):

Guillermo De la Jara


Key clients

Canal 13


Globalsat


Imagemaker


HüGGA


Televisión Nacional de Chile


Iberoamericana Radio Chile


WOM


Work highlights


  • Ongoing advice to Canal 13 on regulatory matters.
  • Advising Globalsat on both regulatory issues and the contracting of satellite services by the State.
  • Ongoing advice to IT development company Imagemaker on regulatory matters and industry-related contracts.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría

The multi-disciplinary practice at full-service international firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría comprises experts in TMT, corporate law, banking, data privacy and regulated markets. The team regularly advises Chilean food retailer SMU on e-commerce matters, while other notable matters include advising Metropago on the implementation of a prepaid payment method using an an app that enables compatibility between Chile’s transport system and smartphone users. Regional TMT partner Eduardo Escalona is a specialist in the economic regulation of public services, particularly those concerning TMT, energy, data protection and consumers; he is also in charge of the firm’s recently-established Digital Desk initiative.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Escalona


Testimonials

Eduardo Escalona has great knowledge of electiricty regulatory matters, among other issues.

Key clients

Experian


SMU


Metropago


Metro


Ministry of Energy


Work highlights


  • Advised Experian on implementing the acquisition of control of Sinacofi.
  • Advises SMU on e-commerce matters.
  • Advising Metropago on the implementation of a prepaid payment method.

Prieto Abogados

Prieto Abogados’ ‘very solid and sharp team’ has a strong reputation for its telephony sector credentials. The 10-strong TMT practice encompasses experience in SUBTEL actions (Chile’s telecoms agency), negotiations with telephony concessionaires, and telephony-related regulatory issues. Recent TMT mandate’s also include major M&A deals. Group head Mario Gorziglia is particularly noted for his telephony industry expertise; and media, entertainment and technology specialist José Andrés Pascual, who ‘stands out for his negotiating skills‘, advises on cinema and television production agreements, sport rights management and the implementation of audiovisual services. Associates Diego Madariaga and Catalina Bruner both maintain active compliance practices.

Practice head(s):

José Andrés Pascual; Mario Gorziglia


Testimonials

Great attention to detail and very good during negotiations.

Because of their attention to detail, clients can tell that these lawyers are very experienced.

A very solid and sharp team that is very aware of changes within the media and technology industry. Great during high-risk negotiations and when under pressure.

José Andrés Pascual particularly stands out for his negotiating skills and knowledge of the TMT environment.

Associate Diego Madariaga stands out for his IP knowledge.

Key clients

Mediapro Chile


Mediapro Móviles Chile


The Mediapro Studio Chile


Delivery Hero


Delivery Hero E-Commerce Chile


iConectiv


SBA Communications


Work highlights


  • Ongoing advice to Mediapro Group on its activities in Chile.
  • Advice to Delivery Hero SE on day-to-day legal matters.
  • Ongoing advice to SBA Communications Chile on its permits and other administrative matters.