Hall Of Fame

Firms in the Spotlight Media and entertainment

Anne O'Connell Solicitors

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Anne O’Connell Solicitors (AOC Solicitors) is a leading and award-winning Irish specialist Employment Law firm which was established in 2017 by our Principal, Anne O’Connell.

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Media and entertainment in Ireland

Arthur Cox

Arthur Cox acts for an extensive roster of international clients in both high-profile litigious proceedings and complex, non-contentious matters. The practice frequently handles multi-jurisdictional media and entertainment mandates, including advising on advertising and sponsorship agreements, defamation claims and other content issues. Colin Kavanagh, who is well versed in corporate transactions and regulatory matters in the media, entertainment and sports sectors, co-heads the practice with litigation expert Keith Smith.

Practice head(s):

Colin Kavanagh; Keith Smith


Testimonials

‘Overall, my experience working with Arthur Cox this past year has been one of top professionalism, experience and a keen sense of Irish law. The team is diverse and provides experts in nearly every field of business and entertainment law we’ve needed.’

‘From the partners down to the support staff, Arthur Cox has some of the most brilliant and effective team members of any law film I’ve worked with in the past. Best of all, they keep an eye on the clock and help to ensure we are only paying for what we need. I’ve not experienced this type of efficiency and care in the past.’

Key clients

Center Parcs


MCD


Coolmore Stud


Meta


Spotify


IAC Search & Media


Rugbypass


The Chester Beatty Library


Trinity College Dublin


Wireless Group plc


2RN


6 Nations Rugby


UEFA


Konami


Fitbit


The Abbey Theatre


Nike


Converse


Radical Media


Xavatar


Work highlights


  • Advised Xavatar, the metaverse entertainment start-up, on all corporate, commercial and media work, including on its arrangement with Fexco.
  • Advised the Press Photographers Association of Ireland on copyright and data protection issues and new terms of business between its members and the print and online media.
  • Advised Amazon on the Irish broadcasting regulations.

Flynn O'Driscoll

The team at Flynn O'Driscoll covers the entire spectrum of issues in the media and entertainment space, covering advertising, music, film and television. The team is well versed in advising on pre- and post-publishing matters while representing clients in defamation and privacy cases. Practice head Kieran Kelly has significant knowledge of print and online media platforms, combined with contract and litigation expertise. Other key names to note include Zoë Mollaghan, who frequently plays a central role in high-profile defamation instructions.

Practice head(s):

Kieran Kelly


Other key lawyers:

Zoë Mollaghan


Testimonials

‘Flynn O’Driscoll are extremely professional. They are experts in their field, and their advice and guidance were always useful and reassuring.’

‘Kieran Kelly and Zoë Mollaghan were available when needed and offered prompt advice and guidance. They are experts in their field, and having them on board was invaluable to our team.’

‘The media team at Flynn O’Driscoll brings together the strongest legal talent on the island of Ireland regarding defamation, privacy and litigation. Their strength in depth and knowledge across the media, entertainment and publishing space is second to none. The team has built up a formidable reputation for its knowledge of the law in these sectors, pragmatic advice and tenacity.’

‘Kieran Kelly is one of the foremost lawyers in this sector. He is known for his sound judgement, outstanding experience as an advisor and advocate, and sheer knowledge across legal disciplines. Zoë Mollaghan is also a partner with a brilliant reputation.’

‘Adaptable, friendly, and punctual.’

‘Experienced team who have seen and done it all in the area of media and entertainment law.’

‘Kieran Kelly is an exceptional lawyer with first-rate technical skills, vast experience and a sound practical approach.’

‘Zoe Mollaghan is first rate and able to provide prompt legal advice that is clear and pragmatic.’

Key clients

The Irish Independent


The Sunday Independent


The Irish Daily Star


The Sunday World


The Herald


Iconic Newspapers


Mediahuis


Reach plc


Virgin Media Ireland


Penguin Books


Hachette Books


Gill Books


Atlantic Books


Harper Collins


Irish Academic Pres


Empire Elite Limited


Hot Press


The Stand with Eamon Dunphy


Newspread Limited


Irish Licensed Merchants Association


Celtic Woman Limited


Paul Williams


Ralph Reigel


Nicola Tallant


UTV


Belfast Telegraph


Sunday Life


Disney


Bonnier Books UK Limited


Peninsula Television


Clean Slate Television Limited


Work highlights


  • Assisted Penguin Books with a legal review of many non-fiction book publications for this publisher.
  • Assisted Hachette Books with a legal review of many non-fiction book publications for this publisher.
  • Assisted Peninsula Television with a legal review of the television documentaries “The Heiress and The Heist” and “Confession of a Crime Boss”.

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP

The media and entertainment practice at Mason Hayes & Curran LLP regularly advises on advertising, broadcasting licence applications, content regulation, media rights and production agreements. The practice acts for several notable clients from the television and media industries, including Meta, Discovery and Yahoo. Michael Madden heads up the practice and has expertise in handling matters relating to online safety, media regulation and Irish audiovisual media services law. Luke Murray has a particular focus on Irish and EU media and communications regulation and the related competition law aspects.

Practice head(s):

Michael Madden


Other key lawyers:

Luke Murray


Testimonials

‘Strong understanding of clients in the relevant space, client products, commercial drivers and complex legal requirements.’

‘Michael Madden has excellent, in-depth knowledge, commercial practicality and an understanding of complex overlapping new legal regimes.’

‘Michael Madden combines exceptional industry knowledge with practical, business-focused advice.’

Key clients

Meta


DAZN


Discovery


Yahoo


Work highlights


  • Advised Meta-owned Facebook on a range of regulatory obligations including the Irish implementation of the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive and Ireland’s Online Safety and Media Regulation Act.
  • Advised Etsy on the relevant aspects of the Digital Services Act and Online Safety and Media Regulation Act.
  • Advised Yahoo on its media products in the context of the Digital Services Act and Online Safety and Media Regulation Act.

Matheson LLP

The team at Matheson LLP advises media and broadcasting companies and regulatory and statutory bodies on the full array of matters in the film, television and digital media sectors. The group combines its entertainment law expertise with the strength of its commercial litigation and dispute resolution team to provide clients with comprehensive defamation and privacy law advice. Ruth Hunter, who advises on a range of deals, negotiations and the drafting of actors', directors', production and distribution agreements, co-heads the practice with litigation expert Michael Byrne, who regularly represents clients in copyright infringement and defamation matters.

Practice head(s):

Ruth Hunter; Michael Byrne


Testimonials

‘The media and entertainment team is very responsive. They collaborate with the client to successfully resolve any issues and get the project closed.’

‘Ruth Hunter has a wealth of experience tailored to the project at hand. She is a pleasure to work with.’

‘Their expertise in media law in Ireland is perfect.’

‘Roisin Walsh and Michael Byrne have been responsive, supportive and excellent at explaining the innermost workings of the Irish legal system to us.’

‘The team we work with has specialist knowledge in the area of online platforms. They  have the necessary knowledge and expertise in the relevant legal areas related to our work.’

‘Michael Byrne takes a practical approach. I like his type of communication, which is to the point and concise – not too much unnecessary legal jargon.’

Key clients

Subotica Limited


Treasure Entertainment Limited


Keeper Pictures Limited


Discord


McCann FitzGerald LLP

The full-service media and entertainment practice at McCann FitzGerald LLP offers advice on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious issues to its broad client list, which includes publishers, production companies, and internet and digital enterprises. The media defence team is also known for its involvement in invasion of privacy and defamation cases in the Irish High Court. Practice head Audrey Byrne specialises in handling online platform and digital media disputes, while betting and gaming group lead Alan Heuston regularly assists online gaming, betting and lottery companies with regulatory and taxation issues. Other key individuals include advertising law specialist Adam Finlay and recently promoted partner Bébhinn Bollard.

Practice head(s):

Audrey Byrne


Other key lawyers:

Alan Heuston; Adam Finlay; Bébhinn Bollard


Testimonials

‘Industry knowledge is exceptional.’

‘An excellent team – extremely knowledgeable.’

‘Audrey Byrne is involved in the most high-profile defamation cases in Ireland and is incredible at thinking outside the box on complex issues. She defends companies all around the world which are sued in Ireland. She is an expert on her subject matter and has a fantastic team. I cannot recommend Audrey highly enough.’

‘I enjoy collaborating with the McCann FitzGerald team. I enjoy the personal touch that McCann brings to providing services and advice. The team understands the company and responds to our working style. I find the team very personable, and the level of expertise is very diverse while also being able to pivot into very niche issues and challenges.’

‘I enjoy working with Bébhinn Bollard and her team at McCann. I always find the interactions balanced, measured and thorough. I feel informed as to the progress of our work and requests, and I find the team responsive and engaging.’

‘The McCann team has deep sector expertise, particularly in the gambling and entertainment space. The team provided critical on-the-ground support for us, and a great deal of strategic and commercial value as a part of our engagement.’

‘Alan Heuston has deep experience in the gambling and entertainment industry and navigates the regulatory environment with confidence and authority.’

‘Audrey Byrne is excellent. She is always available to give advice directly herself. She is open to hearing the client’s point of view and takes into account the client’s business concerns when providing advice. Accordingly, her advice is always tailored to the business and is truly client-focused.’

Key clients

BBC


LinkedIn


CNN


BuzzFeed


Guardian


Twitter


Malin


Amazon


CNN


Channel 4


Coimisiún na Meán


Mediahuis


RTE


The Clooney Foundation


CHC


Kingspan


Work highlights


  • Represented LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company in the defence of High Court proceedings related to its automated artificial intelligence.
  • Represented Guardian News and Media in the defence of defamation proceedings brought by two company directors and their fishing company arising from the client’s reportage on the alleged exploitation of fishing workers by Irish trawlers.
  • Represented Channel 4 in defamation proceedings brought by Ryanair in respect of a documentary by Channel 4 relating to air safety.

William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP provides day-to-day assistance to a diverse client base of daily newspapers, domestic TV channels and media companies with both contentious and non-contentious matters. The team primarily represents clients in disputes before the High Court, in addition to advising on acquisition and copyright issues. Fiona Barry and Paul Convery co-head the team; Barry has vast expertise in defamation matters at both the pre and post-publication stage for the print and TV sectors, and Convery focuses on disputes concerning telecoms and media.

Practice head(s):

Fiona Barry; Paul Convery


Key clients

BBC


EHM Productions (TMZ)


Irish Rugby Football Union


Smurfit Kappa Group plc


The Irish Times


RTE


Sky


Diageo


Tipperary GAA


Genesis Links Holding Limited (Carr Golf)


CISAC/BIEM


Work highlights


  • Advising Coimisiún na Meán, the body responsible for regulating broadcasters and online media.
  • Drafted a position paper for the members of CISAC and BIEM on the impact of text and data mining of copyright works and the unauthorised use of copyright works in training AI on the music industry.
  • Represented the Qatari royal family, the Maybourne Hotel Group and various related entities in two sets of defamation proceedings initiated as a result of the alleged publication of purportedly defamatory comments linked to multiple Maybourne developments.

A&L Goodbody LLP

The commercial and technology team at A&L Goodbody LLP advises domestic and foreign technology companies on contentious and non-contentious matters in the media and entertainment space, including regulatory, defamation, copyright, content and other media-related disputes. John Whelan leads the practice and has extensive experience in privacy and telecoms regulation, while John Cahir assists with all IP issues.

Practice head(s):

John Whelan


Other key lawyers:

John Cahir


Key clients

Digital Europe


Premier Sports


Work highlights


  • Advised Premier Sports on the proposed disposal of its UK operations to Viaplay Group, including the drafting of IP licences required as part of the overall transaction.

Hayes Solicitors LLP

Hayes Solicitors LLP caters to a stellar client base, which includes publishers, authors, production companies, and advertising and marketing industry bodies. The team conducts a range of work in the media and entertainment sector, covering copyright, data protection, defamation, privacy and contempt law. Practice head David Phelan is noted for his experience in pre-publication media issues related to copyright, contracts and advertisement. Managing partner Joe O’Malley is more active on the contentious side, while Matthew Austin focuses on both pre and post-publication queries.

Practice head(s):

David Phelan


Other key lawyers:

Joe O’Malley; Matthew Austin


Testimonials

‘David Phelan stands out for is expertise and experience, diligence and excellent communication, coupled with a professional and friendly manner.’

‘Attention to detail along with constant sense of availability.’

‘The ability to distil legal realities into digestible points.’

‘Our partnership with the firm is unique because of three key aspects that align in how they represent clients: the depth of knowledge and experience of individual partners in their practice areas, their practical and commercial approach to projects that require multiple partners and skills input from various lawyers, and their collegiate approach as partners with the client. With these aspects aligning, we always felt supported through the twists and turns of our transaction.’

‘At all times, we found the partners we dealt with to be supportive and understanding in changing circumstances. In particular, David Phelan was commercial, knowledgable, collegiate and flexible in changing and sometimes challenging circumstances.’

Key clients

NK Management


The Irish Times


Yellow Path Productions


Salmon Software Limited


Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc


Tara Studios


Ogilvy


Publicis


Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland


Vision Consulting


Daring Boys and Girls Limited


Newspaper Licensing Ireland Limited


TBWA Dublin


The Association of Promotional Marketing Consultants in Ireland


TK Maxx


Unilever


United Biscuits


Way2Pay


Nestlé


Institute of Promotional Marketing in the UK


Pepsi


Integrated Marketing Communications Council of Europe


IAPI


CMS


Work highlights


  • Advised the Irish Times newspaper on pre-publication and reporting restrictions issues.
  • Assisted Tara Studios Limited with the drafting and negotiating of the key transaction documents for the development of film and television production facilities in Co Wexford, including the investment and subscription agreement.
  • Represented Noel Kelly Management in intellectual property rights matters.

RDJ LLP

RDJ LLP‘s team assists a diverse client roster of broadcasting and digital media companies with defamation, IP infringement, privacy law and data protection matters. Experienced litigator Darryl Broderick, who regularly appears before the Irish courts in reputation management and other media cases, leads the media disputes team. On the non-contentious side, the media team is led by Diarmaid Gavin, who specialises in handling content acquisition and licensing agreements for both traditional and digital media clients.

Practice head(s):

Darryl Broderick; Diarmaid Gavin


Testimonials

‘Good team to work with. Keep media clients very up to date on legal developments and often provide lengthy articles on the same for clarification.’

‘I mostly deal with Darryl Broderick – he is fast, very sensible in his decisions, and primarily gives us confidence when he advises on the consequences of publication. A joy to deal with, and always comes back ASAP as he is very cognisant of our fast-moving environment.’

‘Darryl Broderick is available to us at all times. He understands our deadline pressures and remains focused, no matter the urgency. His knowledge and experience is wide-ranging and he is an excellent communicator.’

‘Darryl Broderick is a top litigator, always with an eye on the best commercial outcome.’

Key clients

Wissam Al Mana


Irish Examiner


Sirwan Saber Mustafa


The Journal


Hiscox


Southern Star


Waterford News & Star


Work highlights


  • Acted for Mr Al Mana, a high-profile Qatari businessman, in High Court proceedings against Meta Platforms Ireland Limited in respect of a series of fake advertisements on the Facebook social media platform for cryptocurrency featuring his image and purported endorsement.
  • Represented the Irish Examiner newspaper in High Court defamation proceedings relating to the way that headlines and images from court reports are published by the Google search engine.
  • Represented Sirwan Saber Mustafa in High Court proceedings, seeking an order of the court to compel Twitter to provide information to the client to assist in establishing the identity of person(s) behind a Twitter account that appears to have been set up with the sole purpose of targeting the client.

ByrneWallace LLP

Under the headship of Mark O’Shaughnessy, the media practice at ByrneWallace LLP provides regular assistance to both public and private organisations with reputation management issues, including cyber-attacks, data breaches, reputational damage caused by product recalls and adverse media intrusion. The other key individuals are litigation expert Mona Costelloe and Daniel Holohan, who advises on commercial agreements involving media and broadcast rights.

Practice head(s):

Mark O’Shaughnessy


Other key lawyers:

Mona Costelloe; Daniel Holohan


Testimonials

‘Mark O’Shaughnessy is generous with sharing his legal expertise with colleagues and is a skilled communicator.’

‘Byrne Wallace masterfully navigates the complex legal landscape, offering precise guidance across key sectors. Renowned for their expertise, they are recognised problem-solvers with significant success in resolving disputes, both inside and outside the courtroom.’

‘Mark O’Shaughnessy is an outstanding leader in the field, always operating at the cutting edge of new developments. He is a genuine expert in a complex and evolving field and has an impressive ability to synthesise and communicate the law effectively. He has invaluable experience in managing external engagements with regulatory bodies and parliamentary committees.’

Key clients

Irish Studio Media Publishing Limited


Horse Racing Ireland


Work highlights


  • Represented Irish Studio Media Publishing Limited in proceedings arising from the content of an article published in an online publication.
  • Represented a leading financial institution in the defence of High Court and Circuit Court defamation proceedings.

DLA Piper Ireland LLP

DLA Piper Ireland LLP has a sizeable and experienced media and entertainment team which regularly advises a diverse client base spanning the media, sport and entertainment sectors. Practice head Gavin Woods has longstanding experience in handling both litigation and non-contentious matters in this arena, including defamation, infringement of privacy and regulatory issues. Other key individuals are litigation experts Darach Connolly and Marcus Walsh.

Practice head(s):

Gavin Woods


Other key lawyers:

Darach Connolly; Marcus Walsh


Key clients

Indeed


Warner Brothers Discovery


Mopar Studios


Lexis Nexis


Keyword Studios


Work highlights


  • Advised Indeed.com, on compliance with its obligations under the EU Digital Services Act and the Irish Online Safety and Media Regulation Act.
  • Advised Warner Bros. Discovery on its complex £600m sports TV joint venture with BT Sports/Eurosports.
  • Advised Keywords Studios plc on its acquisition of Australian gaming company Mighty Games Group Pty Limited for AUS$10m.