Media and entertainment in Denmark

Bech-Bruun

Bech-Bruun houses a diverse team which advises on the full spectrum of media and entertainment issues across the social media, film, TV, and music industries. The team frequently acts for artists, licensing agencies and record companies on matters relating to distribution via traditional media and online streaming platforms. Niels M. Andersen and Claus Aagaard Nielsen jointly head up the practice; Andersen has long-standing experience in advising on the licensing, recording, and publishing of music and often represents international media companies, while Nielsen has over 15 years’ experience in representing medium-sized and large industrial enterprises on business acquisitions and sales.

Practice head(s):

Niels M. Andersen; Claus Aagaard Nielsen


Other key lawyers:

Claus Barrett Christiansen; Johnny Petersen; Joachim Nydam Bjerregaard


Testimonials

‘Niels M. Andersen and Joachim Bjerregaard form a strong team by being in touch with their clients situation and having important market understanding.’

Key clients

Various performing artists (Sigurd Barett, L.O.C, Emil Stabil)


Samsung


HI3G


Microsoft


Blackwood Seven


Motion Picture Licensing Company (MPLC)


AlchemisT


UIP


Nordic Entertainment Group AB (NENT)


Viaplay Group


Work highlights


  • Advised on personality rights, including the use of names and images in television series and commercials.
  • Represented MPLC in a seven-day court hearing before the Danish Commercial Court in an extensive lawsuit against Danish copyright collecting society Copydan.
  • Advised Playmobil on compliance issues relating to its negotiations and agreements with international toy production company Playmobil (LINK) regarding film production for Playmobil and streaming and transmission via YouTube.

DLA Piper Denmark

The ‘super intelligent‘ team at DLA Piper Denmark assists domestic football and hockey clubs, festivals and film financiers with the full gamut of media and entertainment issues, in addition to providing advice to managers and publishing companies. Jens Krogh Petersen leads the practice alongside Joachim Kundert Jensen. Petersen has considerable expertise in advising music artists, songwriters and record companies on endorsement and sponsorship agreements, and acting in infringement disputes; while Jensen represents a varied client roster of theatre producers, record labels and documentary filmmakers in disputes concerning anti-piracy and copyright claims.

Practice head(s):

Jens Krogh Petersen; Joachim Kundert Jensen


Other key lawyers:

Marlene Winther Plas; Peter Rønnow


Testimonials

‘They are simply better in this field than anyone else, and are great people who always make you feel that they have tons of time for you! Cannot speak more highly of them, especially Jens Krogh Petersen who is my go to person!’

‘Super intelligent and at the same time so likeable!’

Key clients

Lukas Graham


Volbeat


Scarlet Pleasure


Brøndbyernes IF Fodbold A/S


Danish Documentary Production


Simon Jul Jørgensen


Copenhagen Music


The Bank


Universal Music A/S


Phlake


Laid Back


Suspekt


Sportsway AB (Sweden)


Grundfos


Boris Bertram


Live Nation


Years from now


Sylvester (SLY)


Tigerspring ApS


Moment Group


Soundford Limited (HongKong)


Morten Ristorp p/k/a Rissi


Saqib Hassan


Cutfather


Rasmus Hedegaard


Warner Music Denmark


ITV Studios International


ITV Studios Entertainment


D.A.S.


United Stage ApS


PDH Music


Work highlights


  • Advising Natixis Coficine on the financing of Nordic film productions. The firm advised on five Nordic productions including: Gulltransporten (a Norwegian feature), Sommerdahl Murders, season 3 and 4, and Monster Loving Maniacs.
  • Advising pop music group Lukas Graham on infringement cases, touring agreements, and producer agreements.
  • Advising the Danish football club Brøndbyernes IF Fodbold A/S, one of the major teams in the Danish Premier League listed on NASDAQ, on various legal assignments including advice regarding all aspects of football related sports law, e-sports issues, TV license matters, standard player contracts, partner contracts, and dispute settlements.

Kromann Reumert

The sports, media, and entertainment team at Kromann Reumert assists a diverse client base of domestic publishers, film companies and magazines. The team primarily represents clients in disputes before the High Court and the Supreme Court, in addition to advising on licensing rights and streaming service issues. Martin Dahl Pedersen leads the team and has notable expertise in advising on sponsorship agreements, digital challenges and opportunities within the publishing, film and TV industries. Pedersen also handles contentious matters before the International Court of Arbitration for Sport and international anti-doping panels.

Practice head(s):

Martin Dahl Pedersen


Testimonials

‘With diligence and care this team balances the needs of our company in a manner that both enhances our strategy and commercial interests.’

‘The team is able to think up creative solutions, however, they are always compliant with their values, rationale and traditions.’

Key clients

Danish Players Association


Aller Media


Danske Medier


Danish Handball Players Association


Counter-Strike Professional Players Association


Gyldendal


Rørforeningen


Stofa A/S


Egmont


JP/Politikens Hus


Ronald A/S


Producentforeningen


Nordjyske Medier


Sjællandske Medier


Copenhagen Bombay


TV2


DPCMO


Work highlights


  • Representing Danish newspaper publisher Berlingske in a case involving copyright litigation in the Danish Supreme Court concerning a caricature drawing of The Little Mermaid.
  • Representing the Danish national broadcaster TV2 in important negotiations with all the rightsholders’ organisations in relation to the use of copyright protected work in TV2’s streaming service, TV2 Play.
  • Represented the rightsholder to the so called “The Third Testament”, Martinus Institute, in copyright litigation.

Lassen Ricard

Copyright and media focused firm Lassen Ricard advises domestic and foreign broadcasters and television production companies on digital copyright challenges across radio and on-demand services on smartphones, apps and tablets. Terese Foged and Peter Lambert co-head the team; Foged advises domestic and international media companies and TV stations on the use of audio-visual material from a copyright perspective, and Lambert handles contentious matters before the Court of Appeal concerning the media’s freedom of expression. Kristina Blichfeldt Lautrup advises TV stations on the primary acquisition of rights concerning employees, sports events organisers, producers and other potential rightsholders. Henrik Schütze advises on music company and publishing agreements alongside Steen Lassen.

Practice head(s):

Terese Foged; Peter Lambert


Other key lawyers:

Steen Lassen; Kristina Blichfeldt Lautrup; Henrik Schütze


Key clients

DR


TV 2 Denmark


SVT


TV4


NRK


TV 2 Norway


ARD


NDR


WDR


ZDF


RTL


Corint Media rep. Sat1 and Pro7


Discovery


Nordisk Film


Mastiff


Warner Bros. International Television


Plesner

Plesner‘s IP, marketing and media law practice handles the full range of matters, including game development work, negotiations with publication authorities, and the implementation of and compliance with domestic and EU directives on publisher’s rights. The ‘very impressiveEmil Jurcenoks heads up the practice and advises large international media companies on commercial and contentious matter, while Kasper Frahm has broad contentious expertise and frequently represent domestic film and TV production companies and computer game developers in disputes.

Practice head(s):

Emil Jurcenoks


Other key lawyers:

Kasper Frahm


Testimonials

‘Their advice is very pragmatic and proactive.’

‘Emil Jurcenoks in particular is very impressive.’

Key clients

GF Forsikring A/S


J.H. Schultz Information A/S


IO Interactive A/S


Metronome Productions A/S


Omnicom Media Group


Endemol Shine Group


Veo Technologies


Work highlights


  • Advising IO Interactive on all IP related advice concerning IOI’s production of the highly anticipated James Bond video game.

Bird & Bird Advokatpartnerselskab

Bird & Bird Advokatpartnerselskab leverages its international reach to advise clients on a broad variety of IP-related media and entertainment issues. Peer B. Petersen is particularly adept at advising music and film industry clients on the enforcement of IP rights in infringement disputes concerning TV series and computer games, and senior counsel Mogens Dyhr Vestergaard dispenses advice on licensing and distribution agreements. Sports and entertainment expert Morten Rosenmejer advises athletes on sponsorship and management agreements, while counsel Mikkel Taanum advises international online gambling operators and platform providers on gambling regulatory issues.

Practice head(s):

Peer B. Petersen; Mogens Dyhr Vestergaard; Morten Rosenmejer; Mikkel Taanum


Key clients

Sony Music Entertainment A/S


SAM Productions ApS


Meta Film A/S


M2 Film A/S


Flex Music ApS


Bonnier Publications A/S


The Danish National Olympic Committee


Sony Music Publishing Scandinavia AB


Work highlights


  • Advising Sony Music Entertainment Denmark A/S on an ongoing basis in its attempts to transform and adapt its business to meet the demands of the ever-developing changes in technology and in the demands of the consumers.
  • Representing Sony Music Publishing Scandinavia AB in a landmark legal proceeding launched by the Danish soft rock band ‘Michael Learns to Rock’ “MLTR”.
  • Advising META Film A/S on an ongoing basis in matters where titles and content of film productions on the drawing board potentially could involve trade mark and other IP rights conflicts.

Gorrissen Federspiel

Led by IP specialist Lasse Skaarup Christensen and Jakob Plesner Mathiasen, Gorrissen Federspiel is praised by clients as the assists international media corporates, television and internet distributors, and sports associations with copyright matters, contract negotiations and compliance issues. Christensen is an experienced litigator who represents broadband and TV providers and players within the sports and gambling industries in disputes, while the ‘highly innovative‘ Mathiasen advises music management organisations on structural and governance matters, in addition to assisting clients with their compliance with EU legislation.


Practice head(s):

Lasse Skaarup Christensen; Jakob Plesner Mathiasen


Testimonials

‘This business is all about people, and Gorrissen Federspiel has the best and most experienced of them all in Denmark.’

‘Jakob Plesner Mathiasen’s track record in this area is second to none.’

‘Exceptional at explaining difficult legal issues, good knowledge and understanding of our business.’

‘Jakob Plesner Mathiasen is a real expert and has his finger on the pulse on all legal developments in the media and entertainment practice. He is highly innovative, and his work ethics and standards are second to none. He works tirelessly and has a pleasant personality – he is the go-to person whenever legal advice is needed.’

‘Absolutely great legal specialist knowledge combined with overall financial and political market knowledge.’

Key clients

Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)


Copydan KulturPlus


Gyldendal


IFPI Denmark (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry)


MPO (Musikproducenternes Forvaltningsorganisation)


Divisionsforeningen


Jysk Fynske Medier


Waoo


Det Nordjyske Mediehus


byNWR


Musikforlæggerne (Danish Professional Music Publishers Association)


Puerto 80 Projects SLU


Dansk Selskab for Ophavsret (The Danish Copyright Association)


Superligaen A/S


Aera A/S


Aller Media


Work highlights


  • Represented Musikforlæggerne in a third party intervention in a copyright action before the Danish Supreme Court between EMI Publishing and the members of the Danish rock/pop band Michael Learns to Rock.
  • Acted for Puerto 80 in a copyright infringement case brought by Spain’s National Professional Football League (La Liga). The client is the owner of the Spanish-located, but globally accessible, internet platform Rojadirecta.me, where users can upload links to streaming of sport events.

Mazanti-Andersen

Under the guidance of ‘amazing lawyerNina Henningsen, Mazanti-Andersen‘s team assists a diverse client roster of athletes, international media companies and broadcasters with copyright negotiations, gambling licenses, investments and financing matters. The practice acts for a number of notable clients, including Airbnb, Bet365 and Netflix. Henningsen dispenses ‘excellent and insightful‘ regulatory and transactional advice to major stakeholders in the gambling industry.

Practice head(s):

Nina Henningsen


Testimonials

‘Mazanti-Andersen are the leading gambling law firm in Denmark. We have worked with Nina Henningsen over many years and she has always been excellent and insightful with extensive industry knowledge and expertise.’

‘Nina Henningsen is always very professional and gives good support in even difficult situations.’

‘Great team with very good commercial insights, and they are hugely pragmatic. Fast and excellent advice given.’

‘Nina Henningsen is an amazing lawyer. She has a long standing practice in regulated sectors such as gaming and broadcast. She has a great way of judging the legal issues at stake and giving useful advice to clients. She is my go-to person in Denmark without a doubt.’

Key clients

Bet365


Airbnb


Betsson


Netflix


Mood Media International


Leovegas


Regional TV2 Stations


Scandinavian Film Fund


Copenhagen Bombay


William Hill (Mr. Green)


Lionsgate Television Ltd


Turner Broadcasting Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advising major national and international broadcasters and SVOD providers on complex principal negotiations with Danish collecting societies (KODA and Copydan) regarding equitable remuneration for clearance of copyright.
  • Advising on the Danish corporate and gambling licensing aspects of the £2.9bn recommended cash acquisition deal between major international online gambling companies.
  • Advising international online gambling operators as well as other stakeholders including international media clients on matters originating from major marketing campaigns carried out in connection with UEFA soccer tournament EURO 2020.

Bruun & Hjejle

The IT and media team at Bruun & Hjejle advises an assortment of clients, including domestic newspapers, media companies and TV stations, on M&A transactions, disputes before the High Court, and privacy and defamation lawsuits. The team also assists betting groups and outdoor media and advertising companies on competition matters. Morten Stadil principally advises domestic and overseas media and IT corporates on the full gamut of transactional and corporate issues.

Practice head(s):

Morten Stadil


Key clients

Berlingske Media


TV2 Danmark


Clear Channel Danmark


Euroinvestor


B.T.


Kulturradio Danmark A/S (Radio Loud)


Weekendavisen


Sweet Media Group


Better Collective A/S


Veo Technologies


Work highlights


  • Advised Berlingske Media in connection with the establishment of a nationwide distribution company through the merger of Bladkompagniet and DAO.
  • Advised Danish deal-of-the-day provider Sweet Media Group on the acquisition of Let’s Deal AB, a leading provider of deal sites in Sweden and Norway from the Nordic media conglomerate Schibsted ASA.
  • Representing TV 2 Danmark in two follow-on proceedings before the Danish High Court, filed by NENT (formerly Viasat) and Discovery (formerly SBS TV).

Co Play Law

Co Play Law houses a team known for its technical expertise, and for its involvement in invasion of privacy, rights of publicity and defamation cases in the Danish High Court and Supreme Court. The practice also assists numerous domestic newspapers and stakeholders in the gaming industry with international development, publishing and investment matters. Practice head Heidi Højmark Helveg has notable contentious experience, handles injunction cases against YouTubers and domestic tabloids; she was also appointed as a member of the Media Liability Commission. Robert Jønsson left the practice in December 2021.

Practice head(s):

Heidi Højmark Helveg


Other key lawyers:

Michael Brandt


Key clients

Modl.ai ApS


Godt Smil


Mia Sand


Game Course Scandinavia ApS


Biites ApS


Naser Khader


Langkjær Entertainment P/S


Lion Entertainment A/S


Sigrid Dyekjær (Siggi Production)


Blueprint Learning ApS


Tromborg ApS


Work highlights


  • Representing a Danish member of parliament in cases involving fundamental principles regarding freedom of speech/libel law, constitutional law, parliamentary immunity,etc.
  • Advising Langkjær Entertainment on setting up the musical The Bodyguard in Oslo, Norway including negotiations and agreements with rightsholders, venues, actors, musicians and technical vendors and handling the co-production agreement with Live Nation.

DAHL Law Firm

DAHL Law Firm houses a ‘down to earth, open-minded‘ team, which regularly advises a diverse client base on the exploitation of commercial rights, image rights issues, sponsorships and football law. Practice head Frederik Bruhn has ‘exceptional knowledge‘  and advises stakeholders in the gaming, music and film industries on the enforcement of copyright against counterfeiting. Bruhn also assists operators, football clubs and handball agents with commercial agreements and fan token agreements. Robert Jønsson primarily advises domestic and international companies on video game production issues, license agreements and user terms.

Practice head(s):

Frederik Bruhn


Other key lawyers:

Robert Jønsson


Testimonials

‘Very professional and swift law firm especially regarding sports law. There is no problem too big – or small.’

‘Frederik Bruhn has exceptional knowledge of entertainment law. Solution oriented.’

‘They are down to earth, open-minded and good at listening to the problems. Further, they are present all over Denmark and have a great knowledge of the individual differences in each region.’

‘Hands on and always close to our business and challenges. At the forefront of technological solutions.’

‘Extremely knowledgeable about the subjects that matter to us. Able to be both legally super straight and at the same time come up with creative ideas.’

Key clients

OG Esports A/S


People in Sport A/S


Lyngby Boldklub A/S


FC Midtjylland A/S


Ghost Ship Games ApS


Triband ApS


Bright Star Studios ApS


Viborg F.F. Prof. Fodbold A/S


FC Helsingør A/S


SønderjyskE Fodbold A/S


Melvin Kakooza


Epoman A/S


Logic Artists ApS


Triple Topping ApS


Umami Games


Game Swing (Reign Bros ApS, Stikbold ApS, LevelUp Garage ApS)


KM Studio Denmark ApS


Work highlights


  • Advised People in Sport Scandinavia ApS on the conclusion of an agency agreement with the German football club, VfL-Wolfsburg. The firm advised on the transfer of the Danish footballer and national team player Jonas Wind from FC Copenhagen to VfL Wolfsburg.
  • Advised OG Esport A/S on the creation of the legal framework and basis for its business. The firm drafted all standard contracts necessary for conducting its business within e-sport, such as player agreements, coach agreements, transfer agreements, loan agreements and sponsor agreements.
  • Advised Ghost Ship Games on contractual matters relating to developing the Deep Rock Galactic video game IP into a board game format.

Horten

Horten‘s IP and technology practice utilises its ‘deep knowledge‘ of copyright issues to advise on publishing agreements, record contracts and event and concert agreements. Copyright expert Asger Heine Jensen co-heads the practice from Copenhagen and has a ‘wealth of experience‘ in acting for computer game developers and streaming service providers in landmark class action proceedings. Fellow co-head Jesper Madsen is based in Aarhus and has extensive expertise in advising on gaming and gambling matters, frequently assisting global gambling, computer and console games providers with compliance with domestic legislation, handling contract negotiations, and acting in dispute resolution.

Practice head(s):

Asger Heine Jensen; Jesper Madsen


Testimonials

‘Great team with a wealth of deep industry knowledge!’

‘Asger Heine Jensen is easily accessible and just a pleasure to deal with if you have him on your side. He has a wealth of experience in national and international IP matters, particularly in the media industry.’

Key clients

The City of Copenhagen


Grand Départ Copenhagen Denmark I/S


Labster


Reto-Moto


Kiloo


Klarborg


Fitness World


North Media A/S


Unity


Tomas Saraceno Studio GmbH


LOCA Management ApS


The Municipality of Aaarhus


Work highlights


  • Advising the City of Copenhagen on the Covid-19 related 12-month postponement of the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament as well as assisting Grand Depart Copenhagen Denmark 2021 I/S (an entity consisting of The City of Copenhagen, four other municipalities and the Danish Ministry of Business) with the hosting of the Tour de France’s extremely prestigious Grand Depart in Denmark in 2022.
  • Representing Ejendomsfonden Artcenter Spritten and Studio Tomás Saraceno GmbH, the world-famous artist Tómas Saraceno, in complex and comprehensive proceedings, where the firm obtained injunctive relief against a commercial real estate developer that had branded the entire area as Cloud City for a number of years.
  • Representing Kiloo in the landmark class actions filed against Kiloo, Disney and Viacom.

Moalem Weitemeyer

Moalem Weitemeyer assists domestic sports companies and professional athletes with player transfers and sponsorship agreements, in addition to its well-known focus on the gambling industry. The team notably advises Group 888, Smarkets and Tipwin on the establishment of betting shops and advertising matters. Practice head Pernille Nørkær has vast expertise in advising international corporates within the gambling industry on applications for gambling licenses, handling the drafting and negotiation of agreements, and acting in disputes.

Practice head(s):

Pernille Nørkær