Baker McKenzie’s global network allows the team in Vietnam to provide TMT advice to global internet and technology companies on high profile multi-jurisdictional matters. On the media side, the group advises on IP, and advertising laws. Personal data protection and privacy, and cybersecurity law are also areas of strength, as well as M&A and corporate structuring mandates. Corporate partner Yee Chung Seck co-leads the team from Ho Chi Minh City alongside Hanoi-based Manh Hung Tran; Seck is highly experienced in providing regulatory advice to clients in the fintech, e-commerce and social media sectors, and Tran has both TMT and IP expertise, and has advised the Vietnamese government on reviewing and revising draft laws.
TMT in Vietnam
Baker McKenzie
Practice head(s):
Yee Chung Seck; Manh Hung Tran
Testimonials
‘Their direct access to and involvement with regulators is helpful for submitting position papers and comments on legislation and understanding compliance requirements.’
‘Excellent local knowledge and expertise.’
‘Manh Hung Tran is an exceptional external advisor.’
Key clients
Ward Ferry
Lexcomm Vietnam LLC
Lexcomm Vietnam LLC has a strong TMT offering on both the contentious and non-contentious side. In the telecoms arena, areas of focus for the group include mobile, satellite, VPN, NGN, terrestrial broadcasting, cable TV and the internet, advising both users and service providers in transactions and disputes. The team also has expertise in the television and film space. Nguyen Viet Ha is practice head with substantial experience in the telecoms sector. Tran Thanh Son and Hoang Le Quan are also key contacts in the team.
Practice head(s):
Nguyen Viet Ha
Other key lawyers:
Tran Thanh Son; Hoang Le Quan
Key clients
Uber
Microsoft
British Broadcasting Corporation
Robert Bosch
Xiaomi
GoBear
Pitu
Go-Jek
Go-Viet
Temasek
Work highlights
- Advising in the economic concentration case before The Vietnam Competition Council.
- Advising Microsoft on Vietnam regulatory approvals for online programmes.
- Advising a variety of large multinational corporations on complex Vietnam data protection and privacy regulations.
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers
Vu Thi Que sits at the helm of Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers’ TMT practice, which draws on the firm’s regional strengths and strong Asian network to provide cross-border and domestic advice. Its impressive client roster includes major global technology companies. Que has a thriving practice, supporting clients in the fintech and software sectors, amongst other disruptive technologies. Being fluent in Mandarin, Que is also a solid lawyer of choice for clients across Asia. Logan Leung handles advisory, compliance and transactional work for clients in the TMT space, and he is supported by senior associate Le Quynh Nhi.
Practice head(s):
Vu Thi Que
Other key lawyers:
Logan Leung; Le Quynh Nhi; Trinh Minh Duc
Work highlights
- Advised a number of global internet companies on policy-related matters concerning upcoming legislation, including on data protection, internet-based services, e-commerce, cybersecurity and consumer protection.
Tilleke & Gibbins
Tilleke & Gibbins’ TMT team provides day to day advice, representation in disputes, and support on M&A transactions to its client base, which includes multinational, high-tech companies, and those in the multimedia and telecoms industries. It also works closely with the firm’s IP department regarding the licensing of films, TV, radio and internet content. Ho Chi Minh City-based managing partner Thomas Treutler jointly leads the team alongside senior associate Waewpen Piemwichai in Hanoi, who is active in the fintech space and acts for several banks and financial service companies. Consultant Giang Thi Huong Tran is a former official with the Ministry of Information and Communications and is also a core member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Thomas Treutler; Waewpen Piemwichai
Other key lawyers:
Giang Thi Huong Tran; Tu Ngo Trinh
Testimonials
‘The practice is unique in the sense that it is able to connect between overseas clients’ needs and local legal requirements, offering clients a practical solution and navigating the client in the constant changing regulatory environment.’
‘The team is responsive and up to speed on developments in TMT and applicable laws.’
‘A collaborative team that global clients can always count.’
‘Waewpen Piemwichai is efficient, innovative and practical. She is always able to provide a helpful solution within short time periods.’
Key clients
Ferrero
Work highlights
- Assisted a large cryptocurrency exchange to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the laws and regulations, licensing requirements, and restrictions applicable to its proposed launch of a copy trading product.
- Advised a popular media and entertainment company on its plans to offer its video streaming subscription services to customers in Vietnam.
- Advised a large state-owned telecommunication companiy in China on the provision of its integrated communication services to customers in Vietnam.
Frasers Law Company
Frasers Law Company acts for clients in the TMT arena on M&A transactions, as well as providing regulatory and contractual advice. Particular sectors of focus for the group include fintech, e-commerce and gaming, and the team often undertakes mandates with a cross-border element. Mark Fraser
and Justin Gisz
jointly lead the practice from Ho Chi Minh City and are active in the group’s largest mandates. Gisz is praised for his ‘deep knowledge of the financial services regulatory framework’.
Practice head(s):
Mark Fraser; Justin Gisz
Testimonials
‘Frasers has excellent people and aligns the right people for the right job.’
‘The individuals go the extra mile to check, check again and make sure there are no surprises.’
‘Very practical structuring advice and excellent communication from the team. They meet deadlines and avoid surprises.’
‘Justin Gisz has a deep knowledge of the financial services regulatory framework, and of the key players and market trends in Vietnam. He is prepared, practical, and responsive.’
Key clients
Asia Innovations Group Ltd
Auctus Capital Partners AG
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
Riot Games Ltd
Aspire
Telio Singapore
TIMO
Mercedes Benz Vietnam
Airwallex
Work highlights
- Acted for Auctus Capital Partners on its acquisition of Vietnam IPS.
- Acting for Mercedes Benz Vietnam in relation to the regulatory framework on e-commerce services platforms and procedures to obtain an e-commerce licence.
- Acted for Timo Digital Bank on its successful first round equity fundraising.
KPMG Law in Vietnam
KPMG Law in Vietnam advises cloud service providers, healthcare and education technology companies, gaming and media platforms, and private equity companies investing in technology companies on a broad range of TMT matters. Tay Zi Li leads the practice after ZICO Law merged with the firm and assists Chinese clients in the TMT space. Gam Le is another experienced member of the team, who advises clients on M&A and foreign investments in the tech sector.
Practice head(s):
Tay Zi Li
Other key lawyers:
Gam Le
Key clients
Chai Pay SG Pte. Ltd.
Credify Pte. Ltd.
AEON Entertainment
Redefine Capital Management Company Limited
JD.com
Beenext Asia Innovation Pte Ltd
Paysend Group Limited
Razer Merchant Services Sdn Bhd
YKVN
YKVN’s TMT practice sits within the firm’s corporate and M&A group and dispute resolution team. It has a wide client base, advising state owned enterprises, owners, investors, and funds regarding their presence in Vietnam. In particular, it handles TMT transactions in the areas of media, e-commerce, IT, and advertisement. Managing partner and corporate lawyer Truong Nhat Quang leads the team and is supported by Nguyen Van Hai and senior associate Ho Anh Tuyet.
Practice head(s):
Truong Nhat Quang
Other key lawyers:
Nguyen Van Hai; Ho Anh Tuyet; Pham Minh Thang
Key clients
Citibank
Grab Holdings Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Grab Holdings Inc regarding its IPO in the U.S. via SPAC.
- Advised Citibank on a short-term fully cash collateralised loan with the principal amount of up to $103m to a Vietnam-incorporated borrower to fund the borrower’s acquisition of certain treasury shares in VNG.
APFL & Partners Legal Vietnam LLC
The team at APFL & Partners Legal Vietnam LLC has a reputation for working on new technologies, broadcasting and telecoms matters. It also handles corporate-related deals in the TMT space. Antoine Logeay and Nicolas Picard are the key contacts in the practice.
Other key lawyers:
Antoine Logeay; Nicolas Picard