The Legal 500 > Europe, Middle East & Africa > France > Media and entertainment: Television/radio

Carbonnier Lamaze Rasle advises several major French public TV channels such as Arte and France Télévisions, with particular strength in advising clients the context of court proceedings launched following the broadcasting of TV programmes and documentaries. The practice recently defended France Médias Monde in defamation proceedings initiated by former Gabonese President Ali Bongo. Michel Rasle is in charge. Hedwige Caldairou is the other key member.

De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés has a strong involvement in the media sector. The firm assists several major French and US television broadcasters and producers as well as leading video-on-demand ('VOD')  platforms acting as producers. The team notably advises on production contracts and rights clearance of TV and VOD series and also advises a major sport event organiser on the sale of TV rights. Other work includes strategic litigation, notably in relation to TV channel broadcasting and IP issues. Charles-Edouard Renault and Louis de Gaulle are in charge. IP expert Julien Horn is also a key contributor.

Deprez Guignot Associés is longstanding adviser to M6, one of France's main media groups and TV broadcasters. The firm recently handled strategic matters for M6, including advising on the creation of the new joint venture video-on-demand platform called Salto. The practice also advised two major radio stations. IP, IT, contract and commercial issues are also dealt with. Pierre Deprez, Frédéric Dumont and Philippe Bonnet are the key contacts. Guillaume Deglaire left for Harper Avocats in 2019.

Herald Avocats' Jean Castelain, who is supported by counsel Juliette Félix, is key adviser to public TV broadcaster and media group France Télévisions, a key name on the firm's client roster. The practice regularly defends the media company in defamation lawsuits in connection with the broadcasting of various TV programmes. Additionally, the team provides strategic advice on broadcasting issues, including the negotiation of broadcasting rights with major TV presenters.

NomoS advises several leading internet platforms on structuring their internet TV and radio offers in France. The firm also acts for several major French and European media groups, such as radio stations Europe 1 and Virgin Radio, as well as pay TV company Euronews, whom the group helped launch Euronews Africa. The practice also advises several production companies on French series and audiovisual program production issues. Eric Lauvaux is highly experienced.

Wilhelm & Associés is strategic adviser to French media group and TV broadcaster Canal+ on high-stake competition and litigation issues pertaining to the audiovisual, TV and online television sector. The firm notably represented Canal+ in several domestic antitrust and merger control cases involving other key industry players, including satellite and broadband TV providers. The practice also assisted France Channels with the creation of the company and the development of its business model in the field of internet TV. Practice head Pascal Wilhelm and counsels Emilie Dumur and Stéphanie Coen are the key contacts.

CBR & Associés' Pierre-Olivier Chartier has strong experience handling challenging commercial disputes between major operators in the media and broadcasting sector. He assists leading TV, radio and media groups as well as a major internet TV provider. Notable cases involve advising on contentious cases involving the broadcasting of TV channel content on various networks, including through the internet.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. is adviser to several major public radio and TV broadcasters, including Radio France, France Télévisions and Arte. The firm is notably defending Radio France in libel lawsuits. The French Ministry of Culture also turns to the firm for media sector-related advice. TMT partner Olivier Cousi and counsel Julien Guinot-Deléry are the key contacts.

Taylor Wessing regularly advises audiovisual production companies on the production of French TV and video-on-demand series. Christian Valsamidis and Claire Saint-Laurent-Mantoux are the key contacts in the field. Also involved are Marc Schuler, who advises on IP rights regarding television series, and litigator Benoît Goulesque-Monaux.