Telecoms and media in Israel
Erdinast, Ben Nathan, Toledano & Co.
Erdinast, Ben Nathan, Toledano & Co. represents a wide range of companies in the telecoms and media sectors in contentious and commercial matters, including class actions relating to abuse of dominance and unfair pricing, defamation claims, privacy disputes, employment law matters, M&A and major investments. Hadas Bekel specialises in contentious work and Shay Dayan leads on the majority of the firm's commercial mandates in this field. Bekel is advising DBS Satellite Services (YES) on various matters, including all aspects of the launch of a new over-the-top broadcasting service, StingTV, which involves agreements with suppliers, acquiring broadcasting rights and consumer protection issues. Lior Oren, Jonathan Achiron and Giora Erdinast are also noted.
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Other key lawyers:
Hadas Bekel; Shay Dayan; Lior Oren; Jonathan Achiron; Lior Etgar
Key clients
DBS Satellite Services (1998) Ltd. (“YES”)
Bezeq the Israel Telecommunication Corp Ltd.
TMF, Yehshoua (TBWA) and Gitam (BBDO)
Keshet Broadcasting Ltd.
ZIRA Ltd.
Beeper Communications Israel Ltd.
Partner Communications Company Ltd.
Synamedia Technologies Israel
Middle East Broadcasting Networks
Getty Images Israel Ltd.
Israel Electrical Company
Work highlights
- Advised Getty Images Israel on its successful acquisition of the assets of Marot Image.
- Representing YES in all class actions suits filed against it.
- Assisting the Israeli branch of Middle East Broadcasting Networks with its day-to-day activities.
Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co
Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co acts for clients, including major broadcasters and technology companies, on high-value commercial agreements and M&A and in regulatory disputes. On the disputes side, it handles libel suits, defamation claims, broadcasting rights issues and copyright law. Of particular note, the team is engaging with the Israeli Ministry of Communications' wholesale market reform, where it acts for Bezeq. The 'outstanding' Yoram Bonen is sought out to handle novel matters, including advising New Channel 10 and its shareholders on its merger with Reshet Media, which is the first ever merger to take place in the country's TV industry. Barak Glickman is another name to note.
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Testimonials
‘This practice offers a unique breath of expertise across different issues. On the regulatory side, partners in the firm have worked in government, so have the right perspective in terms of approaching regulatory challenges. They are also highly regarded by Ministries.’
‘Yoram Bonen is very knowledgeable about the regulatory space, has worked at the Ministry of Justice, has vast litigation experience, is super committed and cares deeply about his clients’ interests.’
Key clients
Google Israel Ltd. and Google Inc.
Bezeq the Israeli Telecommunication Corporation Ltd.
New Channel 10 Ltd.
Israel 10 News Ltd.
Makor Rishon Newspaper LP
10.tv Ltd.
Marathon 018 Xphone Ltd.
Israel Hayom Newspaper Ltd.
Space Communications Ltd.
Messer B.A.B Ltd.
Reshet Media Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acting for Bezeq on a matter led by the Israeli Ministry of Communications regarding the wholesale market reform relating to opening the fixed-services market to competition for the first time ever, which requires action vis-à-vis the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Finance, the legislator, the State Comptroller’s and the courts.
- Acting for Reshet Media (including as successor to New Channel 10) and News 10 on a broad range of issues including submitting a successful petition to the Supreme Court of Israel regarding the transmission of News 10’s news broadcast on the army national radio channel.
- Advising Google on telecom regulatory matters regarding specific projects within Israel, including analysing pending legislative amendments and their applicability to Google’s activities, as well as on matters relating to internet content, social media activity, web applications and legislative initiatives.
Herzog Fox & Neeman
Herzog Fox & Neeman predominantly advises well-known international telecoms and media companies, as well as social media giants, satellite companies and airlines. Its workload spans corporate transactions and commercial agreements and the regulatory authorisations that they entail. The group also assists companies investing in over-the-top and internet of things services with respect to their global activities and the regulatory challenges arising. Practice head Esther Sternbach acted for Walt Disney and Fox on a merger between the two companies valued at $71bn, spanning numerous jurisdictions.
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Testimonials
‘Very professional team consisting of experts in the telecoms and media sectors. I have a long term relationship with this team and I think that they are the best in Israel in terms of dealing with the requirements of the Israeli telecoms operators.’
‘The unique strength of the team lies in the solid experience and reputation that it has in all aspects of telecoms, posts and media regulation, backed up by strong results.’
‘Esther Sternbach provides her clients with creative and successful solutions.’
Key clients
The Walt Disney Company
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.
Bezeq, the Israeli Corporation, Ltd.
National Geographic Channel Israel
Disney Israel Ltd.
Level 3 Communications
Israel Electric Corporation
AT&T
Apple
Amazon
Microsoft
The Israel Postal Company
Sprint
KDDI
Boeing
Panasonic
Gogo Air
Fedex
Bynet Business Ltd
Storm Communications Ltd.
Zixi LLC.
T.N.R. Investments LTD.
Work highlights
- Assisting T.N.R Investments with obtaining regulatory approvals for completion of a NIS585m share purchase agreement with Searchlight II BZQ, L.P., according to which both parties are purchasing the controlling shares in Bezeq.
- Advising Bezeq on a regular basis with respect to regulatory matters.
- Acting for Google on the importation of wire and wireless equipment, including cellular phone regulations.
Krispin Rubinstein Blecher Law Offices
Krispin Rubinstein Blecher Law Offices predominantly represents major Israeli broadcasters in petitions and other disputes regarding, for example, infringement of IP, broadcasting and over-the-top streaming rights, channel scheduling issues and M&A approvals. It also handles various regulatory matters relating to the telecoms space and further stands out for its knowledge of the issues deriving from the presence of online media platforms in Israel, particularly concerning competition law. Noga Rubinstein, who is able to draw on previous experience as the Chief Legal Counsel to the Ministry of Communications, acted for Channel 10's labour union during the company's merger with Reshet Media.
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Testimonials
‘Unique added value of the partners. Exceptional ability to lead and manage complex legal issues.’
‘Noga Rubinstein is an outstanding lawyer, with a sharp mind and an overwhelming ability to see the legal issues and find the right solution. She has exceptional knowledge of the relevant field and you can really tell that she loves her job.’
Key clients
Keshet Broadcasting Ltd.
Reshet Media Ltd.
Cellcom Israel Ltd.
Golan Telecom Ltd.
Electra Consumer Products 1970 Ltd.
Israel Broadband Company Ltd.
Beeri Print Ltd.
Naty Saidoff (SHAYMA INVESTMENTS S.A)
United Studios of Israel
Bar Holding and Distribution Group
IETV – Israeli Ethiopian Television
Channel 24
Work highlights
- Represented Israel’s major broadcasters, Keshet Broadcasting and Reshet Media in a hearing on the redistribution of millions of NIS collected as tender fees regarding the reorganisation of commercial channels.
- Acted for Keshet Broadcasting and Reshet Media in a petition to the High Court of Justice against online broadcasting of channels by a cable TV provider.
- Represented Beeri Print in regulatory proceedings and compliance issues relating to its licence to send quantity mail.
S. Horowitz & Co
S. Horowitz & Co is a popular choice for large media and digital media companies to defend them in class actions. The group's broader offering includes handling major M&A deals and corporate agreements, advising media and telecoms clients seeking to obtain permits and licensing rights from regulatory bodies and assisting companies with bids for major commercial tenders. Hagai Doron represents television and radio broadcasters, cable franchisees, internet content providers and newspapers, among others, with notable expertise advising on tenders issued by the Ministry of Communications for broadcasting licences. Associate Nir Ogolnik specialises in advising media and telecoms clients on regulatory matters, including alleged breach of privacy.
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Key clients
Yedioth Aharonot Group
Reshet-Media
Netex
Google LLC. and Google Israel
Hot Group
Waze Ltd.
Citynet Inc (operates a website and One Sport channel)
Procter & Gamble
B Communications Ltd. (TASE: BCOM, NASDAQ: BCOM)
KAN – Israeli Public Broadcasting Corp.
IBM
Walla Communications
Soul Radio LTD
ADD Content Agency
CMG
Work highlights
- Acting for Yediot Aharonot on regulatory and corporate matters.
- Represented Waze in a petition to certify an action as a class action submitted against it.
- Advising P&G on regulatory aspects relating to advertisements broadcast by P&G on commercial channels in Israel.
Yigal Arnon & Co
Yigal Arnon & Co has strong expertise in IP and copyright disputes acting for a range of media companies. Other work includes defending telecoms and media companies in class actions; acting for technology companies in relation to claims spanning defamation, privacy and IP; and advising clients on securing the regulatory approvals necessary to set up OTT streaming services. Ido Chitman has vast knowledge of copyright law, with a specialism in the protection and use of benefits rights and performers' rights. Ruth Loven has expertise in litigation in the telecoms and media space, where she acts for clients including Google and Cellcom.
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Key clients
Deutsche Telecom
Anana Ltd.
TALI
C T S EVENTIM ISRAEL LTD
Cellcom Israel Ltd.
Channel 10
VIP Lior Productions Ltd.
Booking Plus Productions Ltd.
Pelephone Communications Ltd.
Israel Postal Company
Ronen Maili (and his production company)
Magisto
Work highlights
- Represented The Collecting Society of Film and Television Creators in Israel in a lawsuit against A Society of Composers, Authors and Music Producers in which the client sought a share of the compensation provided to ACUM by the government in accordance with the Israeli Copyright Ordinance.
- Acting for Cellcom and its subsidiaries in over 50 class actions, including successfully defending the client in a class action that had alleged it sent advertisements through SMS messages to Cellcom subscribers subscribers without their prior consent.
- Acting as Anana’s sole legal counsel in Israel in various IP disputes, including a copyright infringement lawsuit filed against Israeli mass media company Keshet Broadcasting.
AYR – Amar Reiter Jeanne Shochatovitch & Co
AYR – Amar Reiter Jeanne Shochatovitch & Co predominantly acts for media and telecoms companies in privacy and data security matters, including disputes and class actions regarding Israeli and EU privacy law. Alongside this, the team handles libel and copyright proceedings and also assists with M&A involving telecoms and media companies. Eyal Roy Sage, who is 'exceptionally brilliant, sharp and knowledgeable', is qualified to practice in Israel, New York and England and Wales. He specialises in contentious and non-contentious privacy, intellectual property and antitrust matters.
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Testimonials
‘Very experienced team with a wide coverage of disciplines and excellent availability.’
‘Eyal Roy Sage has shown great knowledge and experience in local and international data protection and privacy laws. In addition, he has shown extraordinarily deep knowledge in technology. Due to his ability to combine his legal and technical knowledge, in addition to his creative and practical thinking, Eyal provides the very best legal services.’
‘Sage is very experienced and knowledgable and fully understands clients’ needs. He adopts a collaborative approach to achieve the best possible outcome.’
‘Given his many qualities and extensive professional experience combining technology and law, Sage helps us deal with complex issues, in a professional, clear and practical way.’
Key clients
Microsoft Corporation
PHI
Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation
Partner Communications Company Ltd.
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd.
CELLCOM ISRAEL LTD.
Israel Credit Cards Ltd.
Harel Insurance Company Ltd.
Menora Mivtachim Insurance Ltd.
Mayer Cars And Trucks Co.Ltd
Kesher Rent A Car Ltd. (HERTZ)
MALAM – TEAM LTD.
One of the Israeli’s biggest IT companies
Pelephone Communications Ltd.
L’Oréal Israël Ltd.
Noble Energy Mediterranean Ltd.
Merck & Co Inc
KPMG ISRAEL
Kavim Public Transportation LTD.
ORDA PRINT INDUSTRIES LTD.
Work highlights
- Advising Microsoft on its cybersecurity research facilities in Israel.
- Acting for PHI on cellular-site licensing, next generation communications regulations, privacy and data security.
- Acting for Cellcom on cloud service, privacy and data security matters.
Gornitzky & Co.
Gornitzky & Co.'s team advises clients on a variety of regulatory and corporate matters, including obtaining approvals prior to M&A and executing commercial agreements between broadcasters and contracting parties, including distribution agreements, lease agreements and licensing agreements. Lior Porat represents major media companies and shareholders investing in the telecoms and media sectors in Israel. She is advising D.B.S. Satellite Services ('Yes') throughout its negotiations with the Ministry of Communications regarding a potential transfer of all of the company's assets to Bezeq group. Ziv Rotenberg is also noted.
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Key clients
D.B.S. Satellite Services (1998) Ltd.
Strauss Investments (1993) Ltd.
Bezeq, The Israel Telecommunications Corp. Ltd. (TASE: BEZQ)
The Tshuva Family
Bloomberg L.P.
Golan Telecom Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acting for Yes on a wide range of regulatory aspects.
- Advising shareholders in Israeli TV broadcasters on ongoing legal matters, including on the merger between Reshet Media and Channel 10.
- Assisting Bloomberg with corporate matters, including regulatory-related issues.
Meitar Law Offices
Meitar Law Offices acts for media and telecoms companies on M&A and other corporate transactions. On the contentious side, the group's expertise includes defamation, privacy and copyright disputes. The team also has experience of representing clients before parliamentary committees and government ministries in relation to regulatory issues. Yossi Abadi has expertise in M&A, litigation and legislative matters in the media and telecoms sectors.
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Key clients
Bell Canada
Walla Communications
Hot Communication Systems Ltd.
Altice Ltd.
Endemol Israel
Bloomberg
Koch Business solution LP
The Forum of the Large Internet Sites
Israel Heritage Channel
Imagine Media
Jasmine TV
Kol Hai sectorial radio
Work highlights
- Provided an expert report on the Israeli cellular market for Bell Canada for a hearing before the CRTC.
- Advising on Endemol’s TV series and shows, including The Harem, Big Brother, and The Project, including handling litigation and examination of the content prior to broadcasting.
- Represented Kol-Hai Radio, a sectorial commercial radio station, in a petition to the Supreme Court regarding unfair legislation.
Rotenberg & Co
Rotenberg & Co predominantly defends clients in class actions, including for alleged gender discrimination, alleged misinformation and the enforcement of accessibility laws. The firm's broader activity in the sector includes assisting clients with the implementation of the new data protection regulations, assisting broadcasters with M&A and advising on advertising law. Amir Vang's expertise resides in regulatory and licensing work, particularly with regard to representing clients before the Ministry of Communications. In a recent highlight, he advised Keshet Broadcasting on the regulatory and commercial aspects of acquiring the joint news company from Reshet. Moti Arad is the other key name.
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The firm has vast experience in the media field and has been providing our company skilled and professional legal services for many years now.’
‘Amir Vang and Moti Arad are excellent lawyers that can be counted on to find the right solution to any problem.’
Key clients
IBC Unlimited
Central Bottling Company Ltd. (the Israeli franchise of Coca-Cola)
T.M.I.R – Manufacturers Recycling Corporation in Israel Ltd (CC)
ELA Recycling Corporation
iCast Ltd.
Radio Kol-Barama Ltd.
Keshet Broadcasting Ltd.
Music 24 Ltd.
Beezz Communication Solutions Ltd.
Work highlights
- Representing IBC Unlimited in a hearing with the Ministry of Communications regarding the utilisation of Bezeq’s infrastructure.
- Acting for Keshet on the implementation of the new Data Protection (Information Security) Regulations.
- Advising iCast on agreements with writers, actors, publishers and many other corporations.
Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co. Advocates and Notary
Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co. Advocates and Notary advises PE and VC funds, media companies and advertising companies on a wide range of corporate transactions, including M&A, demergers, investments and financing rounds. The firm also assists start-ups, technology incubators and digital media platforms with GDPR compliance, privacy and various other regulatory matters. Ian Rostowsky advises clients on a wide range of transactions. Recently, he assisted Reshet Media on its merger with Channel 10. Yoav Etzyon advises private and public entities, including media companies, engaged in equity and debt transactions in Israel and the US. In 2019, Hilla Shribman & Adi El Rom joined from boutique outfit Shribman & El Rom.
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Key clients
The Nielsen Company
The Time Technologic Incubator, Limited Partnership and The Time Innovations Ltd.
Firstime Ventures Limited Partnership
Reshet Media Ltd. and its controlling shareholder
Apester Ltd.
Similarweb
Israeli Academy of Film and Television
TrafficPoint
Wochit
Algomizer
Cedato
Minute.ly
Vidazoo
BI Science (2009) Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised The Nielsen Company on multiple investments in early stage start-ups with an estimated aggregate value of $7.5m.
- Acted for The Time Technologic Incubator on $4m of investments in marketing and media start-ups.
- Assisted Similarweb with data protection, privacy and regulatory services, including its GDPR compliance programme.
Gideon Koren & Co. Law Offices & Notary
Gideon Koren & Co. Law Offices & Notary predominantly advises production companies and broadcasters in Israel on broadcasting rights, IP, breach of privacy and the various commercial deals underpinning the development and launch of new TV channels and online streaming services. Gideon Koren has particular expertise in IP law and frequently serves as counsel to large TV and media corporations. In a recent highlight, he successfully assisted Machon Meir with its transformation from an internet channel to an online TV channel with a global reach.
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Key clients
Playboy (Israel)
OBCOM Ltd.
Machon Meir
Rain Communications
Mr. Daniel Pharan/TVDPV
Haimon Productions Ltd.
God TV
Ruth Diskin Films Ltd
Work highlights
- Handling 12 different legal procedures regarding the violation of broadcasting rights by prominent broadcasting companies, including Keshet Broadcasting, Reshet Media and Channel Ten, as well as Channel 11 (Kan).
- Acting for Playboy Israel on an agreement relating to with Playboy’s satellite broadcasting channel.
- Acting for Obcom since early 2016 in a deal with Israeli company Cellcom, the largest cellular provider in Israel, which has recently launched its TV venture – Cellcom TV.
Goldfarb Seligman & Co.
Goldfarb Seligman & Co. acts for media and telecoms clients on corporate transactions and advises investors in such companies, in addition to handling the defence of class actions and disputes concerning competition law before the ICA. Zvi Bar-Nathan, head of the commercial and international litigation team, frequently represents clients in class actions and other major contentious matters, through arbitration proceedings and in court. Boaz Golan is the firm's go-to partner for competition law disputes in this sector. Ashok Chandrasekhar is another name to note.
Practice head(s):
Ashok Chandrasekhar; Sharon Gazit; Dubi Zoltak; Zvi Bar-Nathan; Boaz Golan
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Google.
Cisco Systems Inc.
Axel Springer SE.
The Hot Group
Hot Telecommunication Systems Ltd.
Dori Media Group Ltd.
Cellcom Israel Ltd.
General Catalyst Partners
Ananey Communications Group
Marker LLC
NMC United Entertainment Ltd.
Sequoia Venture Capital
Allot Communications Ltd.
TPG Private Equity Fund
Kodak Israel
New Lineo Cinema (2006) Ltd.
Y. ZC Holdings Company Ltd.
Representing The Free World Ltd.
Yotpo, Inc.
Kastina Communications Ltd.
Work highlights
- Representing Cellcom Israel in various matters.
- Serving as local counsel to a consortium of leading global banks and financial institutions in their capacity as lenders (and various agents) to Altice Group.
- Defending New Lineo Cinema against a high-value claim for damages and loss of sales, as well as in several high-value class actions.
Shibolet & Co.
Shibolet & Co. has expertise in copyright disputes, often involving claims for royalties by copyright holders. To a lesser extent, the group also acts for companies, including Cellcom, in litigation and on corporate transactions, including M&A. Tamir Afori, noted by one client for his 'unique expertise in all aspects of IP rights', advises domestic and foreign clients in copyright disputes throughout the court circuit in Israel and regularly appears before legislative committees of Knesset in matters concerning IP law in the telecoms sector.
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Testimonials
‘Tamir Afori has exceptional in-depth knowledge of IP law and is very experienced in all litigation proceedings in this field.’
Key clients
Cellcom
Triple C
Radio Haifa
Radio Tel Aviv
Radio Darom
Radio Galey Israel
Radio Lev-Hamedina
Radius
Charlton Ltd.
Motion Picture Association
Albertas publishing
Keshet Broadcasting
Fashion TV
AGICOA
Hiro Media
Vice Media
Working Title Film
NBC
Bizportal
Netvision
Sunday Times
Work highlights
- Represented the Motion Picture Association in various legislation hearings before the Knesset.
- We represent the majority of commercial radio stations (Radio Tel Aviv, Radio Haifa, Radio Darom, Radio Galey Israel, Radius and Radio Lev Hemedina) in a seminal case regarding the determination of royalties due to the copyright holders of music.
- Advising Triple C on all aspects of broadcasting rights, licences and copyright matters, including agreements with all copyright societies and regulatory matters, among others.
Shimony Gross & Co
Shimony Gross & Co's 'efficient, responsive and creative' practice primarily advises production companies on the commercial agreements underpinning the development of TV series, including licensing and distribution agreements. Eran Shimony, noted for his 'straightforward approach and uncompromising work ethic' by one client, has a wealth of experience in the sector which includes advising television operators, content distributors, TV channels and production companies on all types of transactions and licensing agreements. He also has expertise in contentious matters concerning copyright and libel law.
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Testimonials
‘Shimony Gross has a unique, always out-of-the-box team, willing to go above and beyond to service their clients. I’ve worked with several lawyers throughout the years and now I need to look no further. Always available, always at your side, always giving you the feeling that they have your back.’
‘We enjoy working with the team at Shimony Gross, and appreciate their high-quality legal services, human relations and availability.’
‘Very creative and always seek solutions in problematic situations, refusing to let any barrier stop us from getting what we wish to accomplish.’
Eran Shimoney is very creative, open-minded and thorough, which makes the experience of working with him unique.’
‘We have worked primarily with Eran Shimony and Maayan Bahr. They are experts in their field, who are attentive and pleasant to work with. They will always respond to us at any time of day.’
Key clients
Hot – Telecommunication Systems Ltd.
Keshet Broadcasting International Ltd.
Slutzky Commination Channels Ltd.
S.H. Channel 8 Ltd.
S.H. Israeli Entertainment Channel (2004) Ltd.
S.H. The Children Channel 2016 Ltd.
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Company
Movie Plus Productions Ltd.
Saban Brands Israel Ltd.
P.R Shalom Tel Aviv Ltd.
Drama Team Ltd.
Beitzat Ayin Productions Ltd.
INOSAN PRODUCTIONS LTD.
Deux Beaux Garcons Films Ltd.
Udi Segal
P.R Shalom Tel Aviv Ltd.
Dot Production Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acting for HOT on its collaboration with Netflix, as well as licensing agreements with Sonny, MGM, Lionsgate and various other production companies and channels.
- Assisting Israeli production company Slutzky with matters relating to its TV shows.
- Ongoing legal consultation to Movie Plus Productions regarding all projects produced by the company for a broad variety of Israeli broadcasters.