Firms To Watch: TMT

Suniti Kaur heads ALAYA LEGAL ADVOCATES's technology-specialist team, assisting clients on regulation, data privacy, data protection and document preparation for AI, IT and fintech companies.
ANM Global Inc. spearheaded by Anushree Rauta, has a strong media presence, advising on global licensing deals in the music industry, film-related litigations and partnerships between OTT platforms and telecom companies.
Krida Legal, led by Vidushpat Singhania, has a niche specialism of providing legal support to gaming platforms, advising on investments, licensing matters, start-ups and agreements.
With Anupam Shukla as the key contact, Pioneer Legal handles social media application start-ups, working on entry strategies and data policies.
New Delhi-based Ritwika Nanda represents broadcasters on infringement of rights, contractual breaches and defamation claims for Trust Legal’s contentious media practice.

Firms in the Spotlight TMT

TMT Law Practice

TMT Law Practice logo

The Firm’s practice combines an interdisciplinary team of litigators and transactional attorneys advising some of India’s most prominent media, entertainment, and communications companies and individuals. We represent clients across the entire spectrum of the media and entertainment industry, including television, films, radio, music, print and publications, events, fashion, arts, OTT platforms, etc. Sports is a …

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AnantLaw

Our team always puts our clients first. We bring fresh ideas, innovative solutions and perspectives to all our engagements. Our relentless focus on forging bold ideas helps our clients achieve superior outcomes in competitive environments. Our focus on trust, ethics, nurturing diverse opinions and building a collaborative culture helps us drive excellence for our clients …

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TMT in India

AZB & Partners

AZB & Partners‘ pan-Indian footprint attracts some of the largest players from the technology and telecoms sectors. In Bangalore, Srinath Dasari, Bhuvana Veeraragavan and Nanditha Gopal, from the firm’s corporate practice, counsel investors such as tech-focused companies and asset management corporations on debt and equity investments in the tech space. Furthermore, Delhi-based quartet: Rachit Bahl, Rohan Bagai, Sumit Ghoshal and Aprajita Rana, advise clients on various stages of development, including launching of data protection frameworks and new technologies, restructuring fintech business models and notifying clients on regulatory changes. Gautam Saha left the firm in September 2022 to Talwar Thakore & Associates.

Practice head(s):

Srinath Dasari

Other key lawyers:

Rachit Bahl; Rohan Bagai; Sumit Ghoshal; Aprajita Rana; Bhuvana Veeraragavan; Nanditha Gopal

Testimonials

‘The team has strong industry knowledge and stay commercially alert on industry changes. This helps keep track of upcoming regulation and also on positions taken by the industry at large, which is especially helpful in addressing areas of the law which are not very clear.’

‘Aman Gera is always available on short notice and always met all the timelines agreed upon. Gera is very familiar with our business. Gera has always taken ownership of any issues that we have asked him to advice on even if they may not necessarily be his areas of expertise.

‘Gera reaches out to the relevant subject matter expert in his firm and understands their advice in and out and gets us the advice we require.’

Key clients

Reliance Industries

Jio Platforms Ltd

Tata Consultancy Services

JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Wipro Limited

Bharti Airtel Limited

Bharti Infratel Limited

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

Accenture

AT&T Inc.

Honeywell International Inc.

Panasonic India Private Limited

Coinbase

GCX

Tata Sky Limited

Morgan Lewis

Uber

Sportzsquare Ventures Private Limited

Bharti Telemedia Limited

Class 21A Technologies Private Limited

International Finance Corporation

IFC Emerging Asia Fund, LP (“EAF”)

Asian Development Bank

Sequoia Capital Group

Griffin Gaming Partners

American Tower Corporation

Makers Fund II Company Limited

Courtside Ventures II, L.P. and CSV Winzo LLC

JAFCO Asia Technology Fund VII Pte. Ltd.

CISCO Systems

Intel Corporation & Intel Capital

Lightstorm Telecom Ventures

NTT Communications India Network Services Private Limited

Omnicom Group

Sorting Hat Technologies Private Limited

Nokia Group

Treeline Advisors

Summit Digitel Infrastructure Private Limited

Indus Towers

Livspace

Work highlights

  • Advised the Bharti Group in the USD 176 million sale by Airtel Africa plc (“Airtel”) of its telecommunication assets in Tanzania to Minara Tanzania Limited.
  • Advised Tata Sky on the legal and regulatory implications for undertaking various consumer-facing projects, in view of the applicable DTH regulations, data protection and foreign exchange laws in India.
  • Advised GCX, a global communications provider, in respect of its cable landing business, providing strategic and operational advice in respect of the telecommunication regime applicable in India.

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas‘ TMT practice is a go-to for the gamut of TMT expertise. It assists clients with transactional expertise on complex, high-value acquisitions and investments into tech and data centric enterprises; electric vehicle charging infrastructure and related IP protection matters. Bangalore-based Arun Prabhu is highly rated for his breadth of expertise in advising both domestic and international clients on tech-related transactions, data protection and cross-border transfers ranging from banking, insurance and healthcare to telecoms. Mumbai-based Bharat Vasani leads the media and entertainment practice, advising on digital rights, sponsorship agreements and joint ventures while Anu Tiwari‘s areas of expertise include transactional, regulatory and enforcement mandates for domestic and foreign emerging tech and fintech companies. Sameer Chugh departed the practice in mid 2022 for an in-house role.

Practice head(s):

Arun Prabhu; Bharat Vasani; Anu Tiwari

Testimonials

‘The team is reliable in terms of expertise, time frames, and costs.’

‘Arun Prabu and his team are very knowledgeable in the TMT sector in India and abroad especially in data related cases. They deliver a great and efficient service. I have worked with them for the last 13 years and counting.’

‘Arun Prabu is one of the few top TMT lawyers in India. He has a detailed knowledge of the law and remains practical in his advice which is what companies need. Highly recommended!’

Key clients

Amazon.com Inc

Google Inc

Truecaller International LLP

Hinduja Global Solutions Limited

Atria Convergence Technologies Limited

Reliance Industries Limited

API Holdings Limited (Pharmeasy)

Playgames 24X7 Private Limited

Ajay Devgn Ffilms LLP

Adani Enterprises Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Hinduja Global Solutions Limited on sale of its healthcare services to Betaine BV.
  • Advised Truecaller, on its Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) on Nasdaq Stockholm.
  • Advised the SPI Music Private Limited on the sale of their South India based music label “Think Music” to Believe International, a digital music company.

IndusLaw

With strategically located offices across the major business hubs of India: Bangalore, New Delhi and Mumbai, IndusLaw successfully leads work with TMT regulatory bodies on behalf of client. Avimukt Dar, the founding partner, helps international and blue-chip as well as significant domestic players navigate India’s digital landscape. Likewise, Suneeth Katarki in Bangalore, handles a significant amount of advisory and regulatory work in the overlapping areas of media, technology and telecoms. Fintech specialist, Namita Viswanath offers a wealth of experience in cryptocurrency and digital lending. Completing the multi-state nature of the team, Mumbai-based Ranjana Adhikari’s strengths lie in licensing agreements, entry strategies and regulatory assistance in the media and entertainment space, with a forte in assisting gaming and e-sports companies on the complexities of multiple compliance matters.

Other key lawyers:

Ranjana Adhikari; Shreya Suri; Sarthak Doshi

Testimonials

‘They are the most proactive law firm involved in gambling regulations in India.’

‘Ranjana Adhikari is very knowledgeable about industry developments in India (and elsewhere insofar as they may have implications for India)’

‘We work with IndusLaw on gambling and gaming matters, and they are our go-to firm in India in those sectors. Ranjana Adhikari and her team are real experts, as well as being responsive and pragmatic, and I know our clients are in good hands when we refer them to her.’

‘As well as being an expert in the gambling and gaming sectors, Ranjana Adhikari is very easy and great fun to work with.’

‘Indus’ lawyers are unique because they were able to get back to us promptly on any issues we had, at any time. Members of the team assigned to us consistently made themselves available to us for our queries. This level of care is not something every law firm is able to provide.’

‘Shreya Suri and Sarthak Doshi have been extremely helpful and competent in our dealings, helping us navigate questions of permissibility in transactions in the regulatory space. They addressed the nitty gritty of legal issues while keeping in mind our company’s overall goals and strategies. Their knowledge of the fintech sector is unparalleled.’

‘Strong knowledge of the industry’

‘Ranjana Adhikari in particular has strong knowledge of the industry.’

Key clients

EpowerX and RKSV Securities

Moody’s Corporation

Seagate Technologies LLC

Airmeet

Google

Unacademy

reMarkable

Molekule Inc.

Hindustan Unilever

Proximus Group

SAR Group

Delhivery

Startselect B.V.

Sharechat

Mobikwik

Pine Labs Group

FynDNA

Graymatter

Machani Robotics

Chellasoft

Fedex

Seracle Group

Moglix

Work highlights

  • Advising BytePlus, world’s leading platform services, on launch of SMS products, voice products and privacy products to enterprise customers and CPaas Operators
  • Advising Google on the regulatory framework governing virtual currencies, payment aggregation services and various partnerships and arrangements for GPay
  • Advised a multi-jurisdictional OTT SVOD service provider on regulations in their media and technology India market entry strategy.

Khaitan & Co LLP

Khaitan & Co LLP‘s pan-Indian TMT practice is highly specialized in legal and regulatory issues and their interplay with allied fields such as financial services, health, e-commerce, education, and emerging technologies, for example, OTT platforms, artificial intelligence and digital finance. The team also assists on telecom licences, telemarketing regulations, submarine cable systems and cable landing stations. TMT and date protection expert, Harsh Walia in New Delhi, specializes in regulator and commercial contracting – advising the likes of BMW, Accenture, Microsoft and Google on communication services and regulatory frameworks. Notably, Walia also advises the government on the challenges faced by the TMT sector. Mumbai-based Tanu Banerjee is sought after by clients on structuring new age technology and media businesses in India, such as the launch of new media platforms such as live performance, audio and gaming platforms. Banerjee is often supported by star associate Ishan Johri. Sanjay Khan Nagra in the Bengaluru office is a partner in the corporate practice and intersects the TMT space with a special focus on emerging tech businesses, handling domestic and cross border payments, blockchain, cryptocurrencies and online lending matters.

Practice head(s):

Harsh Walia; Tanu Banerjee

Other key lawyers:

Sanjay Khan Nagra; Ishan Johri

Key clients

Microsoft Corporation India Private Limited

BMW India Private Limited

Accenture Solutions Private Limited

Olam Technologies

MX Player (MX Media and Entertainment Pte Ltd)

Warner Music

Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP

Reliance Jio

NTT India Private Limited

T-Mobile US Inc and its affiliates, including Sprint Telecom

India Private Limited

British Telecom

Plivo Inc

Infosys Limited

InContact Inc

RingCentral

Maddock Films

Hombale Films

Cosmos Animation

Work highlights

  • Advised BMW with respect to launch of new services based on internet of things technology and related regulatory requirement
  • Advising MX Media on their overall business operations including their OTT platform MX Player – on several content production, acquisition and syndication deals
  • Advised Microsoft on launch of cloud-based communication services involving several communications capabilities

Kochhar & Co.

Kochhar & Co. has substantial experience assisting multinationals in structuring their telecoms connectivity in India, counselling major corporations on regulatory, IP and data privacy laws. A key feature of the practice is their growing media and broadcasting practice -  acting for prominent broadcasters and news agencies on regulatory, commercial, licensing, and disputes. Additionally, the firm is often a first choice for referrals for American and other global law firms. Head of the firm’s Bangalore office, and co-chair of the firm’s technology law practice, Stephen Mathias is renowned for his breadth of expertise concerning digital products; outsourcing, licensing, telecoms configurations, e-commerce, privacy and intellectual property. He also has a unique expertise in the voice over IP area. Alongside Mathias, Lynn Lazaro works on software development agreements for tech companies, IP assignments and counselling clients on data privacy laws. Transactional agreements and media rights in the music space are Rajarshi Chakrabarti‘s forte while Indrani Lahiri, a partner in the New Delhi office, is the go-to for global news agencies on broadcasting guidelines and privacy law issues.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Mathias; Rajarshi Chakrabarti; Indrani Lahiri

Other key lawyers:

Lynn Lazaro

Work highlights

  • Defended Dow Jones, a financial publisher, against a criminal defamation complaint.
  • Assisted Entco Music on its acquisition by Believe International, which focuses on artist and music right management, including audio-video distribution, music publishing and marketing.

Nishith Desai Associates

Nishith Desai Associates attracts cutting-edge work in emerging and disruptive technologies. The practice serves clients in the cryptocurrency, fintech and gaming spaces. Mumbai-based Gowree Gokhale is routinely involved in IP and M&A transactions relating to gaming and media deals and also handles cross-border data protection, entry options for fintech companies and data privacy. Vaibhav Parikh, the US-based partner, is strategically located to assist on leading cryptocurrency exchanges and broader e-commerce transactions. Aarushi Jain leads on regulatory advice in the emerging tech space, whilst Bangalore-stationed Huzefa Tavawalla is integral to structuring models associated with the digital payments.

Practice head(s):

Gowree Gokhale; Vaibhav Parikh

Other key lawyers:

Aarushi Jain; Huzefa Tavawalla

Key clients

FTX,

WazirX

Coinswitch Kuber

CoinDCX

Zebpay

Unocoin

Chingari

Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)

NFT ventures of Hungama

Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised leading global and Indian crypto-asset businesses, including FTX, WazirX, Coinswitch Kuber, CoinDCX, Zebpay, Unocoin, Chingari, and Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on Indian law regulatory advice for risk minimization.
  • Advised multiple leading financial technology (Fintech) service providers and online merchants / platforms on FinTech regulations.
  • Advised multiple foreign and domestic gaming operators on legality of offering and advertising their games in India.

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co has a long-standing involvement in the technology, media and telecommunications industries, representing media and entertainment businesses, technology giants and major telecommunications players. A specialist in dispute resolution and information technology laws, Tejas Karia regularly advises a spectrum of clients in the media and tech sectors on data protection, privacy and confidentiality. Karia is routinely supported by a sizeable team of partners and associates. The firm’s technology expertise spans the gamut of regulatory and transactional matters, including commercial agreements (such as M&A deals), intellectual property, corporate finance and litigation.

Practice head(s):

Tejas Karia

Other key lawyers:

Shashank Mishra

Key clients

Sony Corporation

WhatsApp LLC

GoDaddy.com LLC

Play Games24x7 Private Limited

Head Digital Works Private Limited

Junglee Games (India) Private Limited

WhatsApp LLC

Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC

Meta Platforms, Inc. and WhatsApp LLC

Blackstone Advisors India Private Limited.

Think & Learn Private Limited

Freshworks Inc.

Paytm, One 97 Communications Limited

CAP V Engagements Mauritius

PB Fintech Limited (Policybazaar)

WhatsApp LLC and Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook Inc.)

Work highlights

  • Advised Sony Corporation in the acquisition of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited.
  • Advised Blackstone funds in relation to the acquisition of a majority stake in Mphasis Limited
  • Advised Byju’s in acquisition of AESL.

Trilegal

Trilegal‘s TMT practice, based predominantly in Bangalore, is heavily relied upon by some of the world’s largest technology, telecoms and media corporations. It advises on cross-border delivery of managed data services, data privacy mandates, electronic content deliveries, e-commerce, fintech and IoT . The team is also experienced in telecoms regulatory and dispute matters, representing clients before the full range of regulatory and dispute resolution forums. Rahul Matthan is a supremely experienced TMT partner involved in a number of policy initiatives and new legislation. Nikhil Narendran has substantial experience in counselling technology and telecom giants on a range of regulatory matters especially data protection, licensing and content liability in both traditional media and new media environments. Alongside Matthan, Jyotsna Jayaram has expertise in reviewing and restructuring tech-company models and policies in line with new regulations. With Gurgaon-based transaction specialist, Upasana Rao, the team provides a full service and has been boosted since counsel  Jaideep Reddy joined the team.

Practice head(s):

Rahul Matthan; Nikhil Narendran; Jyotsna Jayaram; Upasana Rao

Other key lawyers:

Jaydeep Reddy

Testimonials

‘Upasana Rao is absolutely first-rate – practical, commercial, easy to deal with, readily available.’

Key clients

Prosus Ventures

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited

National Payments Corporation of India

CDW Corporation

Bombinate Technologies Private Limited

Blackhawk Network India Limited

Telenor

BV Investment Partners L.P.

Serent Capital

Sunstone Partners and Cloudbakers Holdings, LLC

Syncron AB

Yondr Group/ EverYondr

STT Global Data Centers India Private Limited

Work highlights

  • Represented Prosus Ventures and facilitated its acquisition (through its payments and fintech arm PayU) of BillDesk.
  • Represented Zee Entertainment in relation to its merger with Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited (Sony Pictures).
  • Represented National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on aspects relating to licensing Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology to central banks in other jurisdictions.

ALMT Legal

ALMT Legal handles mandates across the music, film and television industries including expertise in sports, digital media and theatre. Located in Mumbai, Statira Ranina advises emerging technologies on regulatory frameworks and enables development of technologies through negotiating complex commercial agreements and investments. Specialist in the niche area of sports and media law, Bangalore-based Souvik Paul Mazumdar counsels celebrities, production houses, content owners and sports persons. Working predominantly on the commercial side of TMT, Siddhi Ghatlia advises on cross border corporate and M&A transactions and conducts risk assessments on investments.

Practice head(s):

Statira Ranina; Souvik Paul Mazumdar; Siddhi Ghatlia

Other key lawyers:

Junia Sebastian; Megha Sree Harsha

Testimonials

‘I found the team at ALMT professional, knowledgeable, prompt and friendly. They were able to advise us on our legal queries after correctly understanding our business model.’

They are flexible and worked closely with us to give us what we needed.’

‘I would highly recommend them.’

‘I dealt with two people – Junia Sebastian and Megha Sree Harsha. I found them skilled and very easy to work with. It is important to know where your customer is coming from and what they are looking for in the outcome. ALMT was able to correctly gauge that and deliver. They were available at short notices and took care of work quickly.’

Key clients

August Jewellery Private Limited (Melorra)

Cineah Technologies LLP

Mr. Danish Sait

Deccan 365 Web Assets

FQUO Solutions Private Limited

Ms. Kubbra Sait

Sanghvi Beauty and Technologies Pvt Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised Sanghvi Beauty and Technologies Pvt Ltd in engaging Ms. Sonam Kapoor Ahuja as a brand ambassador for endorsing the products of its subsidiary company Amishi Consumer Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

DSK Legal

DSK Legal provides pragmatic and constructive advice on a range of matters within the TMT practice area.  Located in Mumbai, Anand Desai and Chandrima Mitra  lead the media and entertainment team, advising broadcasters, celebrities and film companies on licensing, talent engagements, management contracts and litigation matters on censorship and IP. From the New Delhi office, Rishi Anand steers the technology practice with experience in acquisitions, foreign direct investments and complex, high-end corporate transactions, involving data governance, fintech and dispute resolutions. Bangalore based partner, Siddharth Suresh advises on regulatory matters in the fintech space.

Other key lawyers:

Nakul Batra

Testimonials

‘Chandrima Mitra is an exceptional partner. She is experienced, resourceful, relentless, hard working and committed. We are at DSK because of her.’

‘Anand Desai is one of the most respected names in the legal fraternity and we feel safe in his hands.’

‘Team is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, meets the timeline and always delivers with speed and accuracy’

‘They have a desire to succeed and never settle for less.’

‘The media team at DSK led by Ms. Mitra is the best in the country. This is evident by the client roster as well as the quality of work that they produce.’

‘Ms. Chandrima Mitra is extremely well qualified given her background in both the legal and business side of the media industry. Her contribution is essential and she not only helps structure and address deals well but also prevents many potential future problems.

‘Ms Chandrima Mitra has a great depth of knowledge and expertise about the industry which is unparalleled.’

Key clients

Aamir Khan (Indian film actor) and Aamir Khan Productions

Allu Arjun

Amazon Seller Services Private Limited and its entities

Amitabh Bachchan (Indian film actor)

Appcino Technologies Private Limited and the promoters thereof

Appcino Technologies Private Limited

Bhartipay Services Private Limited

Bitcipher Labs LLP (CoinSwitch)

Bolly Technology Pvt. Ltd.

Digital News Publisher Association

Emmay Entertainment and Motion Pictures LLP

Garagepreneurs Internet Private Limited

Glamyo Technologies Private Limited

HDFC Securities Limited

Healthquad Capital Advisors Private Limited

Herbalife International Inc., USA and Herbalife International India Private Limited

House of Masaba

India Today Group

Kri Entertainment

Masaba Gupta

Mumbai City FC

Navanc Data Sciences Private Limited

OnePlus Technology India Private Limited

Positive Conversations Private Limited

Prione Business Services Private Limited

Quadrillion Finance Private Limited

Rakeysh Mehra and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Productions

Reliance Retail Limited & Reliance Brands Limited

Relicense AG

Salman Khan (Indian film actor) and Salman Khan Ventures

Shanghai Bean Tech Company Limited

Siddharth Roy Kapur and Roy Kapur Productions

Sonu Sood and Sonu Infotech Private Limited

Sonu Sood and Sood Infomatics LLP

Technogen IT Services Pte. Ltd.

Tiger Baby Digital LLP

UltraTech Cement Limited

Versis Entertainment LLP

Zoya Akhtar

Work highlights

  • Advised ‘BollyCoins’, a digital marketplace that auctions Bollywood memorabilia as NFTs (non-fungible tokens).
  • Advised and represented (i) Bhansali Productions Pvt Ltd (ii) Sanjay Leela Bhansali and (iii) Ms. Alia Bhatt before the Hon’ble City Civil Court at Bombay in a suit filed by one Babuji Rawji Shah, claiming to be adopted son of Gangubai Harjivandas Kathiawadi (“Gangubai”).
  • Advised and assisted HDFC Securities Limited (“HSL”) in relation to acquisition of a software related to online trading platform from Tradelabz Fintech LLP.

HSA Advocates

New Delhi headquartered HSA Advocates regularly advises information technology and telecoms companies on complex technology, telecoms and finance aspects of transactions. Related to the TMT space, the firm also acts as a project specialist; it is involved in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) implementation. Soumya Kanti De Mallik brings over 15 years of experience and Jivesh Chandrayan is also a trusted counsel to large business groups in multiple areas, including information technology, telecoms, fintech and consumer electronics. Monali Dutta is relied upon for corporate restructurings of IT companies.

Practice head(s):

Soumya Kanti De Mallik; Jivesh Chandrayan; Monali Dutta

Key clients

Byte learn EdTech

Infobip India Pvt Ltd

Bang and Olufsen Expansion

Transaction Solutions India

Allot Communications

Verint Systems

Harris Corporation USA

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City

First Data

Quippo Telecom Infrastructure

Work highlights

  • Provided strategic guidance to Transaction Solution International on potential issues with merchants as well as service providers in the processing and retention of financial data.
  • Advised Infobip on government regulations and guidelines on remote work in India.

Ikigai Law

Ikigai Law‘s boutique TMT-focused practice can handle the corporate and regulatory mandates for technologically innovative clients in the fintech, social media and health-tech sectors and including online gaming and AI spaces. It has a focus on assisting clients through the design and development of new products. Anirudh Rastogi, Neha Chaudhari and Aparajita Srivastava collectively provide a full service including assisting clients navigate regulatory and policy regimes.

Practice head(s):

Anirudh Rastogi; Neha Chaudhari; Aparajita Srivastava

Key clients

British High Commission

Microsoft

Sequoia Capital

NASSCOM

MPL

Xiaomi India

CRED

Tide

Zebpay

Probo

Work highlights

  • Curated a policy-exchange program for an Indian delegation of senior government and private sector officials to London to facilitate an exchange with their counterparts in the UK on ‘regulatory approaches to artificial intelligence/machine learning enabled health-tech’.
  • Assisted Microsoft launch a covid resources tacker on its Bing search engine during the peak of the second wave in India. It required a careful analysis of platform liability laws, but executed at rapid speed because of the on-ground situation.
  • Advised Sequoia Capital on the legality of fantasy stocks in India.

JSA Law

JSA Law is skilled in handling mandates across the technology and media spheres. Bangaluru-based Probir Roy Chowdhury and Tony Verghese are routinely sought out by multinational technology and telecoms companies to work on transactions to acquire tech companies and telecom infrastructure, assisting on contractual arrangements. Sajai Singh is the go-to for media-related matters, managing a client base of social media, music and OTT companies on regulatory changes, data protection, licensing and intellectual property protection.

Practice head(s):

Sajai Singh; Probir Roy Chowdhury; Tony Verghese

Key clients

Google LLC

Airbnb

Netflix

Glance (InMobi)

A91 Partners

Good Capital Fund I

iBus Network and Infrastructure Private Limited

Mani Chengappa & Mathur

Mani Chengappa & Mathur is a boutique law firm with a strong focus on advising technology-related start-ups, strategically located in tech-centric Bangalore. With a trinity of founding partners – Samuel Mani, Utham Chengappa and Neil Mathur – the team’s capabilities attract inbound enterprise clients wanting to take advantage of the firm’s expertise in various aspects of their digital transformation projects. A full service is regularly provided across M&A, data protection, outsourcing, regulatory, licensing and business operation mandates in the information technology sector.

Practice head(s):

Samuel Mani; Utham Chengappa; Neil Mathur

Key clients

Exfinity Technology Fund

MadStreet Den Inc.

Nasadiya Technologies Private Limited

Sierra-Cedar India Private Limited

Lavelle Networks Private Limited

Draftspotting Technologies Private Limited

Goavega Software Private Limited

Millennial HealthTech Private Limited

Subconscious Compute Private Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Exfinity in their partial exit as part of Aiquire Inc’s (Pixis) $100 Million Series C funding led by Softbank.
  • Assisted MSD with reviewing their customer contracts and drawing up bespoke agreement templates for different business needs including SaaS license templates and services agreements.
  • Assisted Nasadiya in an acquisition transaction of local podcast content creator, ‘IVM Podcast’.

Naik Naik & Company

Naik Naik & Company is a specialist in the media and entertainment space, offering expertise where new media convergences with the Internet of Things. This includes content-related issues for digital and OTT broadcasting platforms to more traditional mandates representing producers of big ticket films in court cases. Dispute resolution specialist Madhu Gadodia acts for high-profile clients in the film and publishing spaces on IP protection while Abha Shah operates on the non-contentious side of the media and entertainment practice, covering various transactions. Vasundhara Kuthiala adds additional expertise in handling the contractual side of transactions.

Practice head(s):

Madhu Gadodia; Abha Shah; Vasundhara Kuthiala

Samvad Partners

Samvad Partners has a tech and media focused practice, advising clients who operate in new areas of emerging technologies, such a cryptocurrency exchanges, robotic warehousing systems and online gaming. In New Delhi, Ashwini Vittalachar is active in e-commerce matters and regularly counsels clients on information technology, data privacy and compliance. Bangalore-based trio, Natasha Mahajan, Neela Badami andNivedita Nivargi deal with a wide ambit of mandates relating to information technology laws, cyber-security and data protection. Badami is a fintech specialist, whilst Nivargi handles work across the technology and media spheres. Working from Chennai, Rohan George has a niche in data technology and related IP protection.

Practice head(s):

Rohan K George; Nivedita Nivargi; Neela Badami; Natasha Mahajan; Ashwini Vittalachar

Key clients

Algonomy Software Private Limited

Ampere Computing

APCOA Parking Holdings GmbH

Asteria Aerospace

Briezi Insuretech Private Limited

Dhiway Networks Private Limited

Enercent Technologies

GILDEMEISTER Beteiligungen GmbH

Healthium MedTech Pvt. Ltd.

Hevo Technologies India Private Limited

Hubilo Softech Private Limited (HSPL)

Jio Haptik Technologies Limited

K12 Techno Services Private Limited

Lentra AI Pvt Ltd

MatreComm Technologies Pvt. Ltd

MesIndus Ventures Private Limited (Reliance Jio Digital Portfolio Company)

MoveInSync Technologies Private Limited

NoBroker Technologies Solutions Pvt Ltd

NTT Data Corporation

One by Two Media Private Limited (Audiomatic)

Reliance Jio Digital Services Limited

Rich Relevance, Inc.

Rupeek Fintech Private Limited

Sankhyasuktra Labs Private Limited

Securens Systems

Synergistic Financial Networks Pvt. Ltd

Trojan Horse Media

Unbxd Software Private Limited

VenusGeo Solutions LLC

Voxel Grids Innovation Private Limited

Wandx Solutions Private Limited

Xiaomi Technology India Private Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Reliance Jio Digital Services Limited and it’s portfolio companies, on drafting, reviewing and negotiating various technology and corporate agreements with their vendors and customers within and outside India.
  • Represented the Competition Commission of India before the Karnataka High Court and Supreme Court in upholding its jurisdiction to investigate e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart.
  • Advised Matrecomm Technologies with drafting of platform services agreements.

Scriboard

The New Delhi-based boutique TMT practice at Scriboard is led by Rodney D Ryder and supported by associate Ravi Goyal. The pair handle contentious and non-contentious compliance mandates, such as advising e-commerce and retail-tech companies on regulatory requirements under the Information Act 2000 and E-commerce Act 2020. Ryder is sought out for his niche specialism in advising on cyber fraud and brand infringements (impersonations) and also formulates litigation strategies in these areas.

Practice head(s):

Rodney D Ryder

Other key lawyers:

Ravi Goyal

Testimonials

‘The immense knowledge and expertise that both Rodney and Ravi have is one of the unique points of Scriboard.’

‘They are very understanding and smart and are able to deliver quality work very quickly.’

‘Ravi has always made himself available to us even on short notice and his expertise has helped in several matters.’

Key clients

Amazon Seller Services Private Limited

Cepheid India Private Limited

Nike India Private Limited

Hindustan Unilever Limited

Amazon Internet Services Private Limited

Facebook India

ITC Limited

IndianOil Corporation Limited

Livonics Infotech Private Limited

Hach DHR India Private Limited

The Comedy App Limited

Transcorp International Limited

FanCraze Technologies Inc

Anarock Property Consultants Private Limited

Work highlights

  • Regularly advise Amazon India with queries and matters related to Information Technology law and other issues.
  • Regularly advised Nike India Private Limited on a whole gamut of issues related to TMT.
  • Assisted ITC Limited with several issues related to TMT.

Spice Route Legal

Spice Route Legal provides a sizeable, growing team that serves a diverse portfolio of clients across the technology and media sectors. Bangalore-stationed co-founder, Mathew Chacko, heads the practice, serving many of the most prominent hardware and software companies, telecom players and banks in the context of fintech, as well as leading tech sector unicorns. Chacko is routinely supported by Aadya Misra, a specialist in data management and protection, privacy policies, licensing and regulatory matters. Additional support comes from Ankita Hariramani, a fintech specialist.

Practice head(s):

Mathew Chacko

Other key lawyers:

Aadiya Misra; Ankita Hariramani

Testimonials

‘The team at Spice Route are very practical in their approach, their ability to explain complex regulations in clear language helps us understand the in-depth aspects and make better decisions.’

‘Ankita and Harshda are always hands-on and dependable, they understand the operational concerns and provide a better solution which has always given us a major advantage.’

Key clients

Microsoft

Meta Inc.

Adobe Inc.

Airtel

Disney and Disney+ Hotstar

Hewlett Packard

3M

BharatPe

Byjus

Calypso Technologies

Equinix

Orange

Fiserv

Fireblocks Inc.

Gameopedia

Gamestream

HDFC Bank

IBBIC

ICICI Bank

Liftoff Games

Milaap

Sahamati

Savex Technologies

Srijan Technologies

Stryker Inc.

Tricog Health

Tanla Platforms Limited

Urban Company

WeWork

Xandr (part of AT&T)

Work highlights

  • Advising Microsoft, the world’s largest cloud service provider, on structuring its cloud service products.
  • Advising Savex Technologies Pvt. Ltd on acquiring a majority stake in Inflow Technologies.
  • Assisting Disney+ Hotstar with structuring arrangements with technology service providers to measure the success of advertisements made available through ad-measurement tools.

Bharucha & Partners

Bharucha & Partners‘ TMT practice comprises an interdisciplinary team of litigators and transactional lawyers assisting a client base that includes technology companies engaged in IT, banking and software development, and on the media front, major studios, producers, artists and OTT platforms. Across the entertainment landscape, Kaushik Moitra is highly skilled in working on regulatory, broadcasting, IP protection and distribution agreements while Shreya Sircar and associate, Karnika Vallabh, provide strong support in these areas.

Practice head(s):

Kaushik Moitra

Other key lawyers:

Shreya Sircar; Kaushik Vallabh

Testimonials

‘Responsive, knowledgeable and research oriented.’

‘Partners are very much involved in the deliverables even in relatively small projects.’

Key clients

Balaji Motion Pictures

Abhinandan Gupta

ALT Digital Media Entertainment

Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA)

BarRaiser Private Limited

DCB Bank

Digivive Services Private Limited, NexG App

Depansum Solutions Private Limited

Eleeanora Images Private Limited

Nila Madhab Panda

Grain Media Limited

Kahaaniwaaley Media and Entertainment Ventures Private Limited and Swara Bhaskar

Media Wheels on Productions

Netprohets Cyberworks Private Limited

Raima Meditech Private Limited Masmedi details

Social Lens Consulting Private Limited

Sony Pictures Network India Private Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited

Ashish Kaul (Folklore Entertainment)

M&E Law Chambers (Divvya Verma)

M/s Uprising Science Private Limited

Dentons Link Legal

As disputes specialists in the telecoms and information technology spaces, Link Legal are sought after by clients such as Sify Technologies and Indus Towers for litigation and arbitration strategies. Co-managing partner Nusrat Hassan is the go-to for arbitration proceedings often defending or seeking damages for various breaches of contract in the information technology area. Prasad Dhande successfully handles litigation for large Indian corporates on land-related telecom infrastructure disputes. Completing the trinity of partners based in Mumbai, Sidhartha Srivastava is the focal point for clients for litigation proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Nusrat Hassan; Prasad Dhande; Sidhartha Srivastava

Key clients

Indus Towers Limited

Tata Communications Payment Solutions Ltd.

ProstarM Info Systems Ltd. (Prostar Micronova Power Systems Pvt. Ltd.)

Sify Technologies Limited

Bharti Airtel Limited

Reliance Communications Limited

ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited

Tower and Infrastructure Providers Association

Fox Mandal & Associates

Co-led by Chennai-based Jeevanandham Rajagopal and Bangalore-based Rajesh Vellakkat Fox Mandal & Associates offers expertise across TMT. The duo are regularly relied upon by e-commerce platforms, media houses, banks, and telecoms companies on contentious and non-contentious matters. Vellakat is highly skilled in IP, information technology laws and data protection, whilst Rajagopal works on corporate and M&A matters related to the intersection of tech and renewable energy.

Practice head(s):

Jeevanandham Rajagopal; Rajesh Vellakkat

Key clients

Mobisy Technologies

Mphasis Ltd.

Yanmar Agribusiness Co Ltd

GLOBALS ITES PRIVATE LIMITED

AVOCORE TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED

WINGSURE TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED

ZOON LLC

LIVING FOOD CO Private Limited

Bharath Matrimony

Brembo Brake India Pvt Ltd

Faurecia India Private Limited

Matrimony.com

Work highlights

  • Assisted Mobisy Technologies Private Limited in making available their Software product for Major Tech Corporations without assigning the IP or losing the code.
  • Assisted Mphasis Ltd. with the legal issues relating to using proctoring tools and usage of biometric data.
  • Assisted Yanmar, a Japanese aggrotech company, in analysing M2M communication regulations, IoT related regulations, data security and other relevant legal aspects of their business.

Krishnamurthy and Co

Krishnamurthy and Co works across agri-tech, fin-tech and AI, advising clients on regulatory changes, share purchase agreements, investments, IP and data protection. Nikhil Krishnamurthy and Shwetambari Rao are key contacts in Bengaluru, whilst Alok Sonker operates in Mumbai. Notably, the team acts on contracts and acquisitions in the radio and film segments of media.

Key clients

Reliance Industries Limited

Chalkboard Entertainment LLP

Reginald Goveas

VRMDB Services Pvt Ltd (Medibank)

Capfloat Financial Services Private Limited

Krishiacharya Technologies Private Limited / Bijak

Ascent Capital Advisors India Private Limited

One Media 3.0, LLC

TCF Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

Baldor Technologies Private Limited / IDfy

Active Intelligence Pte. Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised famous designer, Manish Malhotra on the acquisition by Reliance Brand Limited.
  • Represented Peel-Works in a matter claiming infringement of the proprietor’s trademark and copyright.
  • Represented the production house Chalkboard Entertainment LLP on a turnkey basis for the short film Teen Tigada which is part of the Amazon Web-Series Unpaused: Naya Safar.

Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India

New Delhi-based trio: Asim Abbas, Avisha Gupta and Geeta Dhania lead Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India‘s TMT practice, handling a wide variety of work. Compliance in media, ISP licensing requirements, data privacy for IT corporations and gaming licensing reflect the range of work the team undertakes.

Practice head(s):

Asim Abbas; Avisha Gupta; Geeta Dhania

Key clients

Just Dial Limited

Tata Motors Limited

Bajaj Finance Limited

Baker Mckenzie

Hurricane Electric LLC

Burr Computer Environments, Inc

Wells Fargo

Yum Restaurants (India) Private Limited

DOL Technologies PTE

Hinduja Group:  NXTDigital

Majmudar & Partners

Majmudar & Partners are relied upon for transactional, contractual and internal data policies in the technology sector. Mumbai-based Akil Hirani is a specialist in tech mandates such as outsourcing/service agreements, data protection and Banalore partner N. Raja Sujith advises on business operations for AI platform companies. Likewise Neerav Merchant is a skilled technology lawyer with expertise in IP and compliance.

Practice head(s):

Akil Hirani; N. Raja Sujith; Neerav Merchant

Testimonials

‘The Majmudar team brings in-depth knowledge to bear on specific problems that are put to them and give advice that is balanced and well considered.’

‘The partner Amrit Mehta is very knowledgeable and helpful.’

Key clients

Ichuanke Inc.

Baidu India Internet Private Limited

CIGNA Corporation

PointGuard Technologies

21CC Vishwa Sarvagana Private Limited

Gallagher Operations Support Services Pvt. Ltd.

PracticeTek Purchaser, LLC

Meero Technologies Private Limited

Information Technology Park Limited

Alethea Communications Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Empaxis Data Management India Private Limited

Frontdoor, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Advised Baidu India Internet Private Limited on its advertising agreements, including, obligations under India’s information technology and data protection laws.
  • Advised PointGuard Technologies, a cloud-based software platform, on finalizing a services agreement for providing software development services.
  • Advised Gallagher Operations Support Services Pvt. Ltd., on data privacy issues in relation to collection and retention of its employees’ COVID-19 vaccination data.

Obhan & Associates

Ashima Obhan leads Obhan & Associates‘ niche practice that combines TMT and IP expertise. On the media front, the team handles a range of book publishing transactions and litigation whilst in the fintech space it advises on various transactions such as acquisitions, assignments and the negotiation of agreements. Clients range from those in robots and AI through to media and consumer tech sectors.

Practice head(s):

Ashima Obhan

Testimonials

‘The firm has great expertise in free speech issues and dipsutes.’

Ashima Obhan has a good understanding of the industry from a business standpoint and not just a legal one. Therefore her advice is always pragmatic.’

‘Ashima Obhan has the ability to think of strategies for her clients with a view to their long term impacts.’

‘Ashima Obhan is conscious of actions in respect of individual instances acquiring precedential value and therefore keeps the macro picture in mind. Ashima is extremely amiable and inspires trust.’

‘Ashima Obhan and Akanksha Dua are both prompt and efficient.’

Key clients

Penguin Random House India Private Limited

HarperCollins Publishers India Private Limited

Mr. Neeraj Sharma, Co-Founder of Addverb Technologies

Synergistic Financial Networks Private Limited (Mosambee)

Pine Labs Limited

Indian Energy Exchange Limited

Oktober6 Limited, Oktober6 Insight Private Limited

Euler Motors Private Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted as the legal counsel to Pine Labs Limited on acquisition of Qfix Infocomm Private Limited.
  • Acted as legal counsel to Mr. Neeraj Sharma, advising him on his separation from Addverb Technologies as well as the sale of his stake in Addverb Technologies to Reliance Retail Ventures Limited.
  • Representing HarperCollins in an injunction suit filed by Sanchita Gupta in the Patiala House Court, New Delhi.

Phoenix Legal

Phoenix Legal provides legal services across the technology, media and telecommunications spaces, handling both contentious and non-contentious matters. Manjula Chawla  remains a key contact for strategic investments, working on internal restructurings for acquisition purposes. Delhi-based Pranav Srivastava advises technology clients on transactional work as well as representing them on high-value commercial disputes. Mumbai-based Sriram Ramachandran  is a specialist in corporate transactional, M&A and PE work, handling fintech mandates. Co-founding partner in Delhi, Saket Shukla , is the go-to crisis management specialist representing clients across media and telecoms.

Practice head(s):

Manjula Chawla; Pranav Srivastava, Sriram Ramachandran; Saket Shukla

Key clients

Dell Technologies Inc.

News Laundry Media Pvt. Ltd.

Pine Labs

Sanctum Wealth Management

Cashfree Inc.

Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company P.J.S.C

Deutsche Bank AG (DB)

3i Infotech Limited (3i)

Peel-Works Private Limited

PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt. Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised FirstPay Technologies (Junio) on its pre-series A round of funding.
  • Advised Dell Technologies Inc on 100% sale of subsidiary Boomi Inc. to Bayshore.
  • Acted for Definitive Healthcare on the India leg of the acquisition and assisted in due diligence, drafting, negotiation and finalization of the transaction documents and closing assistance.