DLA Piper brings the firm’s strength in depth in litigation, regulatory advice, and transactions to bear for industry leaders in media and broadcasting, publishing, advertising, and in select areas such as online gambling and payment service provision. The group has a notable presence in digital content and gaming acquisitions and also provides IP and adverting law advice for clients in those sectors. The multidisciplinary team is led by Stefan Engels, who integrates a background in IP and competition law to act in both a regulatory advisory capacity for media, entertainment, and tech companies. Other prominent names in the practice include Michael Stulz-Herrnstadt, a litigator and a media regulation law specialist who acts for clients in the areas of telecoms and online platforms, Nico Brunotte, who leads on digitalisation and AI implementation mandates, and media regulatory specialist Christoph Engelmann.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Michael Stulz-Herrnstadt is a proven legal expert in media regulation issues. Working with him is extremely straightforward and always very reliable.'
- 'They are extremely organised, timely and provide practical advice when needed. They do not over-service. A team I would highly recommend.'
- 'Christoph Engelmann is our main contact, and is always detailed on requirements we need to complete. Where he stands out is the timely manner in which items are dealt with. The process has been smooth and efficient. All other team members have been equally as supportive and efficient.'
- ‘The collaboration has grown over many years, and there is a great deal of trust in the achievements and capabilities of this team. Compared to other law firms, it is particularly noteworthy that they see themselves as a firm for media companies, and thus cannot easily come into conflict with their legal arguments regarding freedom of reporting in court. I really appreciate that.’
Key clients
- Axel Springer SE
- AddAptr GmbH/Gravite
- AONIC AB
- Bandai Namco
- EQT Ventures
- exmox GmbH
- Kindred (London) Limited
- LEGO System A/S
- Netlotto GmbH
- ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE
- WeltN24 GmbH/BILD GmbH
Work highlights
Represented Axel Springer SE against the president of the Regional Court of Kiel and its ban on Bild from taking photos in the entire court building.
Represented Axel Springer SE in two cases against the Federal Republic of Germany concerning witness testimony authorisations for a former Chancellor, a former Minister of the Interior and a President.
Represented WeltN24 GmbH and BILD GmbH in copyright and competition law claims brought by broadcasters affiliated with ARD and ZDF.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Stefan Engels
Other key lawyers
Michael Stulz-Herrnstadt; Nico Brunotte; Christoph Engelmann