Firms To Watch: TMT

Jurit LLP, co-headed by Anthony Garrod and Robert Marcus, specialises in media and information technology matters with a client list including investors and entrepreneurs.
Paul Hastings LLP, led by Jason Raeburn and Anu Balasubramanian, has expertise in advising players in the technology market on emerging crypto currency and fintech issues.

TMT in London

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie offers considerable bench strength across tech, internet, social media, digital transformation and communications. Ben Allgrove  co-heads the team and is well-versed in online content distribution and regulation. Other co-head Will Holder is experienced in the media and entertainment industry, acting on transactions including acquisitions and disposals. Steve Holmes chairs the tech team and advises on regulatory issues. Sue McLean works on outsourcing and blockchain matters, while John Groom focuses on copyright, digital media and new tech.

Practice head(s):

Ben Allgrove; Will Holder


Other key lawyers:

Steve Holmes; Sue McLean; John Groom; Rebecca Bland; Josh Boyden; Joanna de Fonseka


Testimonials

‘Strong leader, strong bench of well-trained associates, and efficient working means they are cost effective and deliver great outcomes under budget.’

‘Steve Holmes is an exceptional lawyer – as well as being outstanding technically, he has a unique ability in negotiations to gain the trust, confidence and respect of counterparties and their legal teams, which means he is looked to to resolve conflicts between the parties, even by opposing counsel!’

‘Our main contact with the TMT team has been in relation to data protection and cybersecurity and they have displayed an impressive depth of knowledge in these areas. The team also makes great effort to be available.’

Key clients

3 (Hutchison 3G)


ATP Media


BBC


Blockchain Group Holdings


Blockchain (GB) Limited


Blockchain Access UK


Colt


Digitalk


Egmont Publishing


Equinix Inc


Google


Hitachi


Hutch Games


Index Features


MagicLab


Media and Games Invest plc


Novator Partners


Pinterest


Sinch


Take Two Interactive


Tik Tok


Trainline


Uniphore Inc.


YouTube


Work highlights


  • Acted for Colt on the entry into an exclusive arrangement for the proposed acquisition of Lumen Technologies’ Europe, Middle East and Africa business for USD 1.8 billion.
  • Advised Pinterest in providing evidence to the Coroner’s inquest in the UK into the death of Molly Russell.
  • Advised Uniphore Inc. on its acquisition of Red Box, the leading open enterprise platform.

Bird & Bird LLP

Bird & Bird LLP covers a range of matters from telecoms and IT to media and entertainment. Ronald Hendrikx specialises in communication projects across the public and private sector and co-heads the team with Mark Leach who is well-versed in outsourcing. Other co-head Andy Danson advises on commercial contracts in the gambling sector. Phil Sherrell has expertise on the application of copyright to all aspects of the media sector while Kimberly Wells acts for start-ups and multi-national. Roger Bickerstaff handles all issues relating to the software industry including licensing, cloud and distribution.

Practice head(s):

Ronald Hendrikx; Mark Leach; Andy Danson


Other key lawyers:

Phil Sherrell; Kimberly Wells; Roger Bickerstaff; Matthew Buckwell; Raoul Grifoni Waterman; Frank Simons; Graeme Maguire


Testimonials

‘The Bird & Bird TMT team is critical to our telecoms related efforts throughout Europe and in many other jurisdictions outside of Europe. We are a relatively recent entrant into the core regulated telecoms space, and we’ve expanded our footprint rapidly. The B&B team has been incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and also practical in the guidance they continue to provide.’

‘Frank Simons leads the B&B team’s work for us (under the overall supervision of Graeme Maguire). Frank is simply incredible. Calm, thoughtful, level-headed . . . and a deep expert in a variety of areas. He has spoiled us with amazing responsiveness and an ability to find answer to obscure questions about regulatory dynamics around the globe. Matthew Buckwell and Raoul Grifoni Waterman have been (and continue to be) fantastic associates, working closely with Frank on the various matters we bring to the firm.

‘Very good, market leading industry knowledge. By instructing Bird & Bird you know that you are getting the benefit of first hand, market leading experience.’

‘The team’s strengths lie in their original thought and the underlying wealth of knowledge. They have been very collaborative and always pro-actively helped us seek the best results for our organisation.’

‘Extremely resourceful and in-tune with the latest developments in the market. They have, therefore, been our first port of call for cutting-edge projects that we have required advice on.’

Key clients

Activision Blizzard


Allwyn


ARM


Docusign


Epic Games


Equinix, Inc


Guinness Six Nations Rugby


ICE Services


ICM Partners


Macquarie Bank


Nandos


Nokia


TuneIn, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Acted for TuneIn in the litigation brought against them by Sony Music and Warner Music.

Bristows LLP

Bristows LLP assists clients on tech-related legal issues, advisory, contentious and transactional matters. The team is well-versed in IT law and outsourcing projects, acting for clients undertaking ITO and BPO transactions. Mark Watts heads the practice and advises companies on a range of data protection issues while Toby Crick has expertise in outsourcing transactions. Myles Jelf is involved in telecoms and tech litigation, and Adrian Sim has niche expertise in the area of major financial services implementation projects.

Practice head(s):

Mark Watts


Other key lawyers:

Toby Crick; Myles Jelf; Adrian Sim; Anna Cook


Testimonials

‘The team is very knowledgeable about various aspects of the law. They are able to provide different prospective as well as guidance. They work within the client’s constraints.’

‘Marc Dautlich and Jamie Drucker have been incredible in helping with addressing GDPR issues. They are very knowledgeable about UK and EU GDPR. Not only are they diligence in their work, they are also responsive and available considering that different time zones and short deadlines. They understand their clients’ concerns and limitation and work within the law to satisfy the clients needs. Its pure pleasure to work with them knowing that they will be supportive and understandable of the clients’ positions.’

‘I appreciate the team’s willingness to make themselves available on short notice to advise on complex matters over the phone. They have a breadth of experience in our sector, including at least on former in-house lawyer. They are always willing to estimate a budget, and they stick to their estimate. I particularly appreciate their willing to provide risk-based advice.’

‘The team has a very strong industry knowledge in the technology and media sectors. They have a unique ability to bring together a best in class understanding of technology issues with a cutting edge intellectual property practice such that when these issues combine they are the go to practice.

‘Anna Cook: a market leader in technology and communication whose client focused approach and understanding of the marketplace sets her apart from the competition.

‘I had the pleasure of working with Bristows on a complex privacy and data protection legal matters and was thoroughly impressed with their expertise and professionalism. I have worked with law firms from all around the world and Bristows for sure is among the best ones. What makes Bristows practice unique is their ability to combine deep legal knowledge with a practical, business-focused approach. Their team has a wealth of experience in a range of industries, which enables them to provide tailored solutions to their clients’ legal needs.

‘The Partner Mark Watts is by far one of the best professionals I have had the opportunity to work with at a world level. His proactive and pragmatic approaches are unique in the market and allow companies to thrive in challenging times.’

Key clients

Capgemini


Thomson Reuter Foundation


Google


Cisco Systems


Facebook/ Meta


United Technologies


Spotify


Scientia Limited


Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe


WPP plc


Amazon / Amazon Web Services


Canon


Schibsted Media


Oxis Energy


IP Group plc


The Guardian News and Media


Paramount Pictures


IBM


Dropbox


Cray Supercomputers


Samsung


ZTE


Eutelsat


OnePhone


Ofcom


CityFibre


Vorboss


Philips N.V


Endless Mobile


Twitter


Work highlights


  • Defended Philips in the first “FRAND case” brought by an implementer in the UK against a patent pool and a patent owner.
  • Assisted WPP on several transactions, including acquisition of Satalia, Cloud Commerce Group and mobile commerce brand NN4M.
  • Assisted a large tech company on multiple media disputes and a competition case in Europe.

Clifford Chance LLP

Clifford Chance LLP caters to a broad range of clients across the TMT sector including Spotify, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and Fujitsu. The practice incorporates expertise in M&A, tax, intellectual property and antitrust. André Duminy advises on compliance-related issues with experience in acting for start-ups. He co-heads the team with Jennifer Chimanga who specialises in M&A matters particularly in emerging markets. Simon Persoff works on issues such as outsourcing arrangements while Kate Scott and Samantha Ward handle litigation and contentious regulatory work. Zayed Al Jamil focuses on complex outsourcings, procurement agreements and data licensing.

Practice head(s):

André Duminy; Jennifer Chimanga


Other key lawyers:

Simon Persoff; Kate Scott; Samantha Ward; Zayed Al Jamil


Testimonials

‘While we have a more regular day to day point of contact, we do also engage with representatives across a number of different departments, be it commercial agreements, employment law, intellectual property etc. Whoever we need to engage with, the reassurance, peace of mind and level of client service we receive is exceptional.’

Key clients

Africell


Allegro


Anchorage Capital Partners


Booking.com


Cellnex Telecom


Delivery Hero


Codere Group


Delivery Hero


EE


Entain plc


Fujitsu


FIS


Gamesys Group


Huawei Technologies Co Ltd


HQLAx


Informa


Inmarsat


Invictus Games Foundation


LZ Labs


MTN


NTT Communications


NBC Universal / Comcast


Nielsen Holdings plc


Octopus Energy / Kraken Technologies


Oracle Corporation


News Group


Sitecore


Spotify


Telefonica


Tencent


Work highlights


  • Advised Cellnex Telecom on the disposal of a package of approximately 1,100 sites in the UK to Wireless Infrastructure Group.
  • Acted for a global e-gaming business on strategic, policy and compliance rules on platform rules under the EU/UK platform to business regulation.
  • Advised Oracle on the worldwide filing analysis and all of the competition law and foreign direct investment (FDI) filings outside of the US in connection with its acquisition of Cerner Corp.

CMS

CMS handles both transactional and disputes work, representing a range of clients from large corporates to start-ups. The team has a particular focus in several areas including tech antitrust litigation, streaming services issues, and telecoms financing. Clive Gringras heads the practice with experience in representing VLOPs and other large tech companies in regulatory investigations. Emma Burnett works on data protection and outsourcing matters while Sam De Silva handles cyber security issues. Victoria Gaskell acts for sports clients on rights-related issues with support from broadcasting expert Selina Potter. Paul Silver works on intellectual property matters while Ian Stevens and Chris Watson are recommended lawyers.

Practice head(s):

Clive Gringras


Other key lawyers:

Emma Burnett; Sam De Silva; Victoria Gaskell; Selina Potter; Paul Silver; Ian Stevens; Chris Watson; Stuart Helmer


Testimonials

‘The team has a great knowledge of my industry including the technical details behind our business and our products.’

‘Stuart Helmer- has great experience of working with advertisers and addressing our commercial needs.’

Key clients

BT Sport


Premier League


Jeremy Clarkson


Paramount


Microsoft


M&S


NewBalance


MS Amlin


IBM


CityFibre


Instadeep


Ooredoo


UEFA


Copper


Work highlights


  • Advised and negotiated a +$2.8bn 10-year strategic cloud and data deal between Microsoft and the London Stock Exchange Group.
  • Negotiated the 2022/23-2024/25 audio-visual media rights cycles for the Football Association Premier League Limited with a matter value in excess of £10 billion.
  • Advised BT Plc on its BT Sport 50:50 JV with Warner Bros Discovery.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is known for acting on high-profile TMT matters across M&A, joint ventures, IPOs, venture capital and foreign investment work. The practice is also well-versed in outsourcing transactions, IP litigation and data security. Veronica Roberts co-heads the team with extensive experience of working with the CMA, EU Commission and BEIS on competition law matters. Other co-head Nick Pantlin specialises in advising private and public sector clients on outsourcing and IT matters. Hayley Brady advises media and entertainment companies on content licensing, joint ventures and advertising issues. Jeremy Purton works on long-term technology-enabled transformation programmes.

Practice head(s):

Veronica Roberts; Nick Pantlin; Hayley Brady


Other key lawyers:

Jeremy Purton; David Coulling


Testimonials

‘A cross-practice team of appropriate partners and associates is formed according to the need for each brief and they work extremely well together, all contributing to open dialogue with us the client as together we define the problem and explore potential solutions.’

‘Genuine interest in our unique issues and commitment to finding practical solutions, via a collaborative approach. Usually well led and facilitated by David Coulling and Jeremy Purton.’

Key clients

Comcast Corporation


Pearson


Uber


Meta


Apple


Amazon UK Services


Oneweb


R2 Semiconductor Inc


Virgin Media O2 UK Limited


Inmarsat


Sky UK Limited


Tata Communications


Telefonica UK (O2), Telefonica S.A.


Orange


Vodafone


WiseTech Global


Bharti Group


Dentsu


Madison Square Garden Company


TimeWarner


Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins delivers expertise across complex transactions involving contractual issues, regulatory matters, data protection, privacy and litigation support. Global chair Gail Crawford advises on compliance and regulatory matters. He co-heads the team with Andrew Moyle who is experienced in handling high-value contracts and transactions. Christian McDermott has particular expertise in matters relating to NFTs and digital assets while Fiona Maclean advises on the regulatory implications of specific data-centric tech.

Practice head(s):

Gail Crawford; Andrew Moyle


Other key lawyers:

Christian McDermott; Fiona Maclean


Key clients

Meta


Farfetch


DigitalBridge Group


Viasat, Inc.


Virtual1


Global Infrastructure Partners


KKR


NVIDIA Corporation


OEP Capital Investors


FACEIT


Savvy Gaming Group


MBC Group


Moonbug Entertainment Limited


DAZN


VEON


Vodafone


Work highlights


  • Advised Viasat Inc. on its definitive agreement to acquire Inmarsat for US$7.3 billion.
  • Advised Global Infrastructure Partners and KKR in their acquisition of a majority stake in Vantage Towers valued at US$16 billion.
  • Advised Farfetch on its strategic acquisition of a 47.5% stake in YOOX Net-a-Porter.

Deloitte Legal

Deloitte Legal offers strong knowledge of tech law and handles TMT projects across the space. On the tech side, the team focuses on transformational areas such as big data, adtech, digital health, crypto, robotics and biometrics. Andrew Joint is well-versed in tech contracting and advisory matters and co-heads the team with Cavan Fabris who focuses on cybersecurity matters. Calum Murray covers the regulatory aspects of digital services. Paul Hinton regularly acts for financial services companies with support from Paul O’Hare. Andy Moseby left the firm in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Joint; Cavan Fabris


Other key lawyers:

Calum Murray; Paul Hinton; Paul O’Hare


Key clients

iSiteTV Limited


Propellant


SmartPulse


Arrow Business Communications Limited


Credit Kudos


GoHenry


Elisa Polystar


LCT Software


DLA Piper

DLA Piper represents major international media companies, publishers and sports associations  in contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm’s expertise covers both developed and emerging markets across the full range of tech including mobile towers, spectrum, fibre broadband and satellite. Mark O’Conor is well-versed in public procurement and outsourcing matters and co-heads the practice with Nicholas Fitzpatrick who negotiates complex contractual arrangements. Mike Conradi is experienced in providing regulatory advice to businesses while Kit Burden handles all aspects of the procurement process.

Practice head(s):

Mark O’Conor; Nicholas Fitzpatrick; Mike Conradi


Other key lawyers:

Kit Burden


Key clients

Ministry of Defence


NHS/Connecting for Health


DEFRA


HMRC


Standard Chartered Bank


UBS


Aviva


British Airways/IAG


Heineken


HCL Technologies


Amadeus


Santander


Ericsson


CDW


Willis Tower Watson


Philip Morris


Merlin Entertainment


National Basketball Association


Premier League


Unilever


Rakuten


LEGO


ESPN


Wickes


The British Council


National Grid


Mishcon de Reya LLP

Mishcon de Reya LLP has a strong TMT offering and works on a range of complex matters such as advising blockchain platforms on both transactional and contentious issues. The practice is headed by Jeremy Hertzog , who specialises in protecting and enforcing IP rights in addition to being involved in numerous ad hoc arbitrations. Adam Rose acts for both suppliers and licensees of IT systems while Sally Britton focuses on strategic portfolio management. Ashley Winton advises extensively on digital transformation and use of cloud services.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Hertzog


Other key lawyers:

Adam Rose; Sally Britton; Ashley Winton


Testimonials

Always very knowledgable, flexible, and able to bring in different members with specific knowledge to fill any info gaps.’

‘Simon Leaf is incredibly responsive, hands on and willing to put in the time to meet our demands.’

‘Simon Leaf and Tom Murray were are main points of contact, ably assisted by Reema Sharma. Individually and as a team they all showed a great passion for our work, were very amiable and professional and to a person, were incredibly hard working and diligent. They were prepared to listen very carefully to our instructions yet added value throughout with their knowledge and experience on the subject matter. When they went into bat for us in the negotiation phases it was a sight to behold as time and time again they represented our interests and delivered what we wanted.’

Key clients

Sky


Nintendo


Hewlett Packard Enterprise


Comcast


Global


Schneider Electric


Splash Technology


Better Cloud


HC Entertainment t/a Socios


Work highlights


  • Acted for Sky on its wide-ranging trade mark dispute with SkyKick, including proceedings before the Supreme Court and CJEU.
  • Acted for Global Media & Entertainment on a broad range of IP, advertising, commercial and data issues.
  • Acted for a number of luxury brands in relation to metaverse and web3.0 strategies, including commercial, regulatory and IP advice.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright advises on legal, regulatory and commercial issues across the tech, telecoms, media and entertainment sectors. The tech team, led by Sean Murphy, advises on IT projects, joint ventures and supply chain matters. Madeline Bailey focuses on digital transformation and strategic change with extensive knowledge of disruptive technologies. Oliver Stacey specialises in privatisation and restructurings while James Russell  handles outsourcing matters. Caroline Thomas  is well-versed in competition law issues including merger control and state aid.

Practice head(s):

Sean Murphy


Other key lawyers:

Madeline Bailey; Oliver Stacey; James Russell; Caroline Thomas; Clementine Hogarth; Thomas Widdows; Michael Stevens


Testimonials

‘Stand-out partners: Clementine Hogarth and Sean Murphy. Stand-out associates: Thomas Widdows and Michael Stevens.’

Key clients

Airband Community Internet Limited


AT&T


Cognizant


Community Fibre Limited


Coveo


Etisalat


Etrading Software


777 Partners LLC


Modern Times Group


National Digital Infrastructure Fund


Orange S.A


PayPal Inc.


Safaricom


TowerShare


Vodafone


Qualcomm


Work highlights


  • Instructed by Qualcomm in defending an opt-out collective claim which has been brought against it in the Competition Appeal Tribunal on behalf of a class of consumers by the Consumer Association.
  • Advised a consortium, led by Kenya’s Safaricom and including Vodafone, Vodacom, BII and Sumitomo, on its winning bid for Ethiopia’s first telecoms license for $850 million.
  • Advised Cognizant on its agreement to acquire Mobica.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP is experienced across a range of areas including data, AI, infratech, connectivity and digital infrastructure. The team is headed by Andrew McMillan ,who advises trade players, financial investors and investment banks on transformative M&A. Simon Colvin is a transactional lawyer who acts for clients such as Fujitsu, FCA and the Post Office. Birmingham-based Andrew Hornigold regularly acts for private equity-backed businesses while Diane Mullenex works on telecommunication matters.

Practice head(s):

Andrew McMillan


Other key lawyers:

Simon Colvin; Andrew Hornigold; Diane Mullenex; Angus MacFayden; David Barker; Cerys Wyn Davies


Testimonials

‘The key strength of the firm is the collaboration and sharing of market intelligence. I always feel as if we receive the collective knowledge of the firm rather than just individuals in silos.’

‘Angus McFadyen has a wonderful intellectual capacity, which allows him to use his technical knowledge to deliver commercially astute advice. He can work with anyone in any area of our organisation and understand their needs. His personable approach means that he feels like one of the team. He in interested in good outcomes, not point scoring contests.’

‘The team stands for an excellent quality, with a profound knowledge of the law. Very responsive.’

Key clients

Google


DeepMind Technologies Limited


YouTube


UBS


Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS)


Condeco


Eptura


Telent


Halma


TfL


Smart Data Foundry


Meta


The Body Shop


Work highlights


  • Acted for DeepMind and Google in relation to a class action concerning around 1.6 million patient records at the Royal Free hospital.
  • Acted for Condeco Group on its merger with iOffice + SpaceIQ, to create the worktech software solution, Eptura.

RPC

RPC acts for leading digital platforms, insurance providers and retail businesses on matters relating to media, tech and outsourcing. On the contentious side the team handles disputes while non-contentious work involves providing regulatory advice, commercial agreements and acquisitions. Jeremy Drew is experienced in representing large tech platforms and leads the team while Oliver Bray has market-leading expertise in digital, consumer and advertising. Disputes lawyer David Cran  is experienced in arbitration with support from Keith Mathieson who is involved in media defence. Mark Crichard advises on complex tech and outsourcing contracts. SSSpecialist tech litigator Helen Armstrong has added strength on the contentious side since her arrival from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Drew


Other key lawyers:

Oliver Bray; David Cran; Keith Mathieson; Mark Crichard


Key clients

Meta


Google


Youtube


Wave Optics


Bloomberg


LINK Scheme


eClerx


Zensar Technologies UK Ltd


Travel Ledger


Royal & Sun Alliance


Ebury


Ceres Power


Work highlights


  • Advised Google in respect of its defence of the highly publicised claim brought by Epic Games.
  • Advised WaveOptics on a number of contracts relating to the development and licence for highly technical nano-technology.

Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons advises a range of sector players including global telcos, media companies, satellite providers, AI developers and payment providers. In addition to high-profile M&A, the practice is experienced in IP disputes, regulatory and competition issues, data protection and litigation. Alex Brown  leads the team with particular specialism in data protection and privacy. James Cotter  focuses on network infrastructure projects while Patrick Boylan handles commercial disputes.

Practice head(s):

Alex Brown


Other key lawyers:

James Cotter; Patrick Boylan


Key clients

Apple


Alipay


Binance


Booking.com


BT


Coinbase


DXC Technology


Future PLC


Honeywell


Huawei


Lebara


Lendinvest


LG


Meta


MTN


Nvidia


PCCW


Revolut


Roland


Samsung


Swisscom


VIRTUS Data Centres


Virgin Media Telefonica UK (VMO2)


Warner Bros


WeWork


Xiaomi


Work highlights


  • Advised Huawei on various developing laws and regulations related to restrictions on the ability for Huawei to supply 5G equipment to mobile operators.
  • Acted on the sale of Chelsea Football Club to a group led by American businessman Todd Boehly and investment firm Clearlake Capital.
  • Defended Xiaomi in global SEP/FRAND litigation brought by Philips.

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard advises corporates on emerging tech, telecoms transactions, IT outsourcings and intellectual property matters. The practice is also well-versed in issues pertaining to media and sports advising on sports sponsorship deals and licensing arrangements. Team head Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta regularly acts for clients on IT and outsourcing transactions. David Berry is recognised for his work in the telecoms space while Lauren Hamilton utilises ADR and litigation skills in tech disputes.

Practice head(s):

Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta


Other key lawyers:

David Berry; Lauren Hamilton


Testimonials

‘They have a strong payments team, meaning we spend the time collaborating on the legal support rather than explaining the solutions we have.’

‘Very commercial with strong in-house experience.’

‘I work well with Dave Berry who is personable and seems to know everyone across AG ready to connect me in very quickly.’

Key clients

HSBC UK Bank plc


Microsoft


Virgin Money


Deazy Limited


UCB Biopharma SRL


Wind River Systems Inc.


FNZ (UK) Limited


GHA (Global Hotel Alliance)


CIS General Insurance Limited


NatWest


Work highlights


  • Supported Wind River Systems on its provision of software and related services to its broad range of clients.

Covington & Burling LLP

The tech team at Covington & Burling LLP covers a full spectrum of issues from corporate and commercial to regulatory, competition and policy work. The firm is particularly well-versed in data and advisory projects especially in emerging areas including digitalisation, AI, e-commerce and IoT. Daniel Pavin is experienced in the life sciences and healthcare sectors and co-heads the team with Lisa Peets who handles challenging regulatory issues. Transactional lawyer Joshua Gray focuses on acquisitions for large multi-jurisdictional tech companies.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Pavin; Lisa Peets


Other key lawyers:

Joshua Gray


Key clients

Microsoft


Meta


Etihad Airways


Reliance Jio Infocomm


MTN


Illumina


BenevolentAI Limited


Zoom


Salesforce Ventures


Tencent Holdings


Work highlights


  • Advised MTN on a strategic project to assist MTN in contracting for mission-critical technology platform deal.
  • Advised Reliance Jio Infocomm on a number of high-profile technology contracting projects over the last year.

Dentons

Dentons provides the full range of legal services with specialist expertise in IT & telecoms, commercial contracts, IP, data privacy and cybersecurity issues. The practice represents a variety of clients from tech vendors and data businesses to to telecoms and media providers. The team is headed by Henrietta Baker who is well-versed in advising tech start-ups while Martin Fanning is a transactional lawyer. Andy Lucas acts for private sector companies on tech projects with support from Dan Burge who represents media businesses and tech providers.

Practice head(s):

Henrietta Baker


Other key lawyers:

Martin Fanning; Andy Lucas; Dan Burge


Testimonials

‘Good understanding of the TMT sector as a whole – the interplay between firms and suppliers, the importance of data, etc. They apply this bigger picture understanding to the work that they do to produce a result which is appropriate for our business.’

‘Martin Fanning is particularly valued as an adviser to the business for his experience and commercial acumen.’

Key clients

Bytedance


Tiktok


Capita


FIFA


Octopus Ventures


Informa


Risilience


Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques (SITA)


TD SYNNEX


Viaplay


Vodafone Italia


Work highlights


  • Advised Capita plc on the sale of its IT services and solutions business Trustmarque to One Equity Partners.
  • Advised SITA in relation to a significant dispute with one of its major customers for the supply of airline IT services following a settlement reached in respect of issues arising under that agreement.
  • Advised FIFA on the launch of FIFA’s global e-commerce solution.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP

A 'brilliant team' comprised of 'total experts', Harbottle & Lewis LLP is well regarded by clients for the breadth of its TMT capabilities, spanning digital, data, and AI matters, to name a few areas of focus. Key names to note include practice head Emma Wright, and Agatha Claridge - 'expert, thoughtful and totally calm no matter what comes up.'

Practice head(s):

Emma Wright


Other key lawyers:

Agatha Claridge


Testimonials

‘Brilliant team – total experts, consistently thoughtful about the commerical/risk issues our business faces. It’s not just legal niceties and abstract risks. Always willing to think about different ways to engage us, how to keep costs down and provide deep support.’

‘Agatha stands out; she gives clients great confidence, she’s expert, thoughtful and totally calm no matter what comes up, including endless changes and moves from EE and our customers. She’s responsive and helpful at all time and works hard!’

‘The team are collaborative, approachable and extremely supportive of our needs. We have a number of different telecoms deals running at any one time. Harbottle consistently give us fast, informative responses when we need them.’

‘We work with Emma Wright and Agatha Claridge. Both are really easy to engage with and focussed on what’s right for our business. We find both Emma and Agi work extremely well as a team and as individuals. They both understand our business and are direct, clear and good value to help shake out what we need to do from a contracting point of view. Quite often this clarity helps the business make decisions quicker, clearly demonstrating how they are adding value to our deals and why we like working with them.’

Work highlights


Osborne Clarke LLP

The team led by Ashley Hurst at Osborne Clarke LLP is well-versed in matters relating to digital transformation, transactional and regulatory issues. The practice acts for a range of clients including international broadcasters, streaming services, production and gaming companies. Other co-heads John Davidson and Jon Fell are experienced in digital media regulation and telecoms work respectively. Sara Valentine advises on M&A, management buy-outs and investment matters.

Practice head(s):

Ashley Hurst; Sara Valentine; John Davidson-Kelly; Jon Fell


Key clients

Veritas Technologies


Yahoo


Cornerstone OnDemand


Metricstream


Warner Bros. Discovery


Turner Broadcasting System Europe Ltd


Global leading data driven insights


LDC and Plimsoll production management team


Netflix


University of Bristol


British Telecommunications Plc and EE limited


Fibrus Networks Ltd


Vodafone UK


Work highlights


  • Advised Cornerstone OnDemand on various phases of a large multi-jurisdictional legal rationalisation that involved sales and transfers of various business and companies.
  • Advised Warner Bros. Discovery on various aspects of the BT Sport / Eurosport joint venture between BT and Warner Bros Discovery in the UK and Ireland.
  • Advised BT plc and EE Limited on a 20-year agreement with BAI Communications to deliver mobile connectivity on the London Underground.

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP is specialised in several areas including data analytics, blockchain, distributed ledger tech and cyber security. The team focuses on three main areas including large IT transactions, fintech and metaverse issues with Joe Stephenson leading the team. Craig Armstrong focuses on SMEs and start-ups with support from Prakash Kerai while Sam Tyfield handles work relating to financial services.

Practice head(s):

Joe Stephenson


Other key lawyers:

Craig Armstrong; Prakash Kerai; Sam Tyfield; Andy Brennan; Eloise di Pasqua; Sam Truckle


Testimonials

‘Its genuine sector expertise truly makes this practice unique. Team members have vast sector knowledge and insight, and are themselves passionate advocates for technology.’

‘The team combines a wealth of sector expertise with business sense and a practical approach, with many of the lawyers having previously occupied positions within the tech industry and as in-house lawyers.’

‘I had the pleasure of working with one of the Shoosmiths lawyers on a business critical transformation project that required contractual support for a 3 vendor agreement. Joe, who was leading the contract definition was excellent during many months of our collaboration.

‘Andy Brennan and Eloise di Pasqua stands out to me as someone to watch. She is incredibly on the top of everything, and a delight to work with. She is astute to the legal issues, but does not lose sight of the ultimate commercial goals of clients. She has proven that she is good at managing difficult clients.’

‘Highly supportive team with diverse skillets. Challenges are addressed quickly and to a high standard with a transparent fee structure.’

‘Key individuals in the Shoosmiths team take time to understand the challenge at hand – testing assumptions and then create a programme of support that is appropriate.’

‘The firm has a personable and constructive approach to commercial instructions and the assistance provided always seems to provide valuable support to in-house legal teams.’

‘Sam Truckle is very pragmatic and delivers sound and efficient support on every instruction.’

Key clients

Estée Lauder Companies


Volkswagen Group


Molson Coors Beverage Company


Deliveroo


Three


Motorway.com


Morgan Advanced Materials plc


Dignity plc


CDW


Central Co-op


Next Retail Plc


Topps Tiles Plc


Checkatrade


LifeArc


Calor Gas Plc


University of Nottingham


Cranfield University


Helix Ltd


Lundbeck


Pharmacosmos


Ann Summers


White Company


Ideal Shopping


LK Bennett


Condé Nast International


Peloton


The Football Association


City Football Group (Manchester City FC)


Hampshire County Cricket Club


Association of Sporting Directors


Zip


Pixxles


Two B 2 B Ltd


ABN Amro


CDW


Dignity plc


Everbridge


Santander Consumer


Business Growth Fund


Downing LLP


Mercia Fund Management


YFM Private Equity Limited


Foresight


Karma Kitchen


Masabi Group Limited


XYZ Reality Limited


Hoxton Ventures


Clean Growth Fund


Pi Labs


City Football Group (Manchester City FC)


Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal player)


Federation of Sports and Play


Simon Corney


The Football Pools


ORG Secondary Opportunity Fund


Ashleigh Plumptre


E 1 Series


TRZ Training


Brooks Sports


D-Fly Group Limited


easyGroup Limited


Marston’s PLC


Henkel Limited


H&M


Capita Plc


French Connection


B&M Bargains Plc


N Brown Group Plc


ABN Amro Bank NV


Zip Payments


Mercedes Benz


Nissan


Peugeot Citroen Vauxhall


The White Company


Close Brothers Plc


Honda


Travelodge


Moorfield Group


Nissan


Twenty7Tec Group


Portakabin Limited


Connexin Limited


Specialist Network Operations Limited


The Law Society


Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society


Work highlights


  • Advised Estee Lauder on the UK aspects of its acquisition of TOM FORD.
  • Advised M·A·C Cosmetics on its 1st major global NFT campaign – M·A·C Viva Glam NFT.
  • Acted for Topps Tiles plc against Tiles Direct in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court for trade mark and registered design infringement.

Bates Wells

Bates Wells has a full-service TMT offering and advises on commercial contracts, data privacy, M&A, immigration issues and employment matters. The practice is particularly adept at matters relating to gig economy, outsourcing and media. Team head Richard Marke acts for IT clients in technology product acquisitions while Rupert Earle leads the media litigation work. Paul Jennings handles employment and partnership issues within the sector.

Practice head(s):

Richard Marke


Other key lawyers:

Rupert Earle; Paul Jennings


Testimonials

‘We regularly work with the TMT team in Bates Wells and I consider that the team is extremely helpful, always available to assist us and my clients. They are all engaged and very clear. It’s very pleasant to work together.’

‘I appreciate a lot working with Richard Marke who knows exactly what I am looking for: availabilty, straight to the point, focused on the question raised by my clients. I have the utmost confidence in his judgement because he always says when he has a doubt and always looks for a solid operational solution.’

Key clients

Advertising Standards Authority


Royal Albert Hall


118 Data Resource


Alight Solutions


Virtuoso IT


HiveMQ


Rockar Limited


Mark Robert Motion Control


Nikon


TBN UK


Work highlights


  • Acted against Uber in a test case supported by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Brabners LLP

Brabners LLP‘s technology sector group works across a number of key areas, handling both contentious and non-contentious matters for a diverse roster of national clients. The IP and tech sector practice is headed up by Liverpol-based Colin Bell, an experienced partner whose capabilities span commercial contracts, data protection, and brand management issues. Also based in Liverpool, Paul Lunt heads up the firm's commercial litigation team in the region, where he specialises in media and sports sector disputes. Other key figures include Manchester-based Lydia Edgar, who leads the firm's national sports group; managing partner Nik White, noted for his commercial contracts practice; and Manchester-based Sam Mabon, who works with clients across the tech and media spheres.

Practice head(s):

Colin Bell


Other key lawyers:

Paul Lunt; Lydia Edgar; Nik White; Sam Mabon; Matt Brown


Testimonials

‘Colin Bell is smart and knows the IP side of technology inside out.’

‘Matt Brown loves data protection and knows how to make it compelling.’

‘The team cover all the bases in terms of areas of expertise with no drop in quality or support provided.’

Key clients

Aesthetic Technology


Airfinity


Ben Stokes


Booking.com


British Basketball Federation


British Swimming


Chris Eubank Jr. Limited


Colleen Rooney


Commonwealth Games Federation


Dark Horse Comics Inc


Gaimin.io


Leicester City Football Club


Liverpool Football Club


Lucid Games Limited


PB Manchester Limited


Regatta Limited / Craghoppers Limited / Hawkshead Outdoor Limited


Shareholders of Sentric Music Group Limited


Vascular Perspectives Limited


Yodel


Brown Rudnick LLP

Brown Rudnick LLP has particular expertise in tech and creative industries with experience acting for content media, blue chip investors and digital commerce businesses. Neil Foster heads the practice and has particular experience in the areas of technology and telecoms. Tim Davison handles cross-border commercial matters including manufacturing and licensing agreements.

Practice head(s):

Neil Foster


Other key lawyers:

Tim Davison


Testimonials

Tim Davison is an outstanding lawyer. His clear insight and no-nonsense approach gets agreements closed and matters resolved quickly, fairly and cost effectively.

Key clients

Japan Energy Fund


Libertine Holdings PLC


WANdisco Plc


Capricorn Sustainable Chemistry Fund


Coinfirm


IONATE Limited


Real VNC


Somero Enterprises Inc


Work highlights


  • Advised Libertine on its GBP 9 million initial public offering (IPO).
  • Advised WANdisco Plc in respect of their fundraise of GBP 16.4 million.
  • Closed a GBP 3.23 million seed round funding on behalf of IONATE Limited.

Mayer Brown International LLP

Mayer Brown International LLP is best known for acting for key players in the TMT landscape across technology, media, broadcasting and telecommunications. Mark Prinsley advises regularly on business critical technologies including the IoT and autonomous vehicles. He co-heads the team with Miles Robinson, who handles contractual claims and corporate expert Richard Page. Harriet Hainsworth is also a recommended lawyer.

Practice head(s):

Mark Prinsley; Miles Robinson; Richard Page


Other key lawyers:

Harriet Hainsworth


Key clients

eOne (Entertainment One) Limited


Francisco Partners


Marlin Equity Partners


Mediawan


Mitie


Overmore Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Mediawan on its acquisition of a majority stake in multi-award-winning UK production company, Wildseed Productions.
  • Advised Marlin Equity Partners and its portfolio companies on a series of strategic acquisitions and investments in software and technology companies.
  • Advised Mitie Technical Facilities Management Limited on two acquisitions enhancing Mitie’s telecoms acquisition, design and construction (ADC) capabilities.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is known for its tech transactions and outsourcing work with practice head Rafi Azim-Khan covering the full spectrum of TMT work including IP, digital media and e-commerce. Steven Farmer is well-versed in issues relating to IT and payment systems while Lee Rubin focuses on financial services and business process outsourcing.

Practice head(s):

Rafi Azim-Khan


Other key lawyers:

Steven Farmer; Lee Rubin


Testimonials

‘We have been using Pillsbury for many years. I have never felt let down by their service. No matter what I need, they have an expert. Rafi Azim-Khan is my key contact, and he always takes care of what we need. Even in suddenly urgent situations, he works night and day, across time zones, to deliver. I couldn’t be happier.’

‘Rafi Azim-Khan is my key contact, and he always takes care of what we need. Even in suddenly urgent situations, he works night and day, across time zones, to deliver.’

‘The team are knowledgeable, attentive, precise and incredibly skilled.’

‘Steven is always on hand to provide support, advice, and recommendations. He regularly responds outside of prescribed hours, and consistently goes the extra mile to support our team.’

‘Pillsbury continue to provide a flexible and personalised service to us, unlike other large firms we’ve used in the past.’

‘Steven Farmer has provided a reliable, diligent, and personal service in our time with him. He takes the time to understand our needs and makes us feel valued regardless of whether we are one of their larger billing clients.’

‘Pillsbury breadth, depth, expertise, and execution are amongst the finest Intellectual Property practices globally’

‘Rafi Azim-Khan – sterling technical expertise, business savvy, integrity, and sterling execution.’

Key clients

State Street Bank and Trust Company


Victaulic Company


HM Electronics Inc


SpyCloud Inc.


Upland Software Inc


Juniper Square


Infohealth Limited


World Travel and Tourism Council


Sinclair Broadcast


Everi


1stDibs


Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs acts for a range of clients including mobile telecommunications operators, tech platforms, media owners, broadcasters and publishers. The practice is co-led with intellectual property expert Andrew Wilkinson advising businesses while David Naylor works on digital media and privacy issues. Francesco Liberatore focuses on competition law issues with support from corporate expert Paul Mann.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Wilkinson; David Naylor; Francesco Liberatore; Paul Mann


Key clients

Akamai


Avaya


Datasite


Ericsson


GSMA


Hellen Systems


Live Nation


Maximus Inc


Supponor


Tessian


Telecom Infra Project


Viant Technology Inc


Viber


VMware


Vodafone


We Are Social


Work highlights


  • Advised Maximus, Inc. on the development of a global internal AI governance and development framework.