DLA Piper counts major publishing, telecoms, digital and social media, and advertising companies as clients, and has both contentious and non-contentious capabilities. The practice has led on preliminary injunctions and judicial review proceedings in higher courts, trademark and copyright infringement disputes, and advises on freedom of expression law for media clients. On the regulatory side, advisory work includes reputation management for companies and individuals alongside comprehensive press and media law counselling for cross-sector clients, with a focus on compliance with the Digital Services Act as well as on competition and advertising regulations. The practice is led by Stefan Engels, experienced in the application of IP law to media and press disputes for publishing and tech clients. Other key names are public law and regulatory specialist Michael Stulz-Herrnstadt, Beatrice Brunn, who advises on media contract law matters, and Anika Kruse who is experienced in IP and tech matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘In media law cases, we continue to work primarily with attorney Stefan Engels and his IP team, who provide both advisory and forensic services for virtually all matters in this area for our company. The main reason for this ongoing collaboration is the excellent broad coverage and thus also good integration in the field of intellectual property and media law.’
- ‘We hold Stefan Engels in high regard as an excellent lawyer and very good strategist and tactician, who is extremely well connected and has in-depth knowledge of the media industry and media business. His commitment and ability to look beyond the specific mandate and provide comprehensive support for the client are particularly noteworthy.’
- 'Compared to other law firms, it is particularly noteworthy that they see themselves as a firm for media companies, which means that they are less likely to come into conflict with their legal arguments regarding freedom of reporting in court.'
- 'Stefan Engels and his team have been acting as our company's in-house law firm for many years and have expertise that is unrivalled in the market. The fact that the firm sees itself primarily as a media company law firm contributes greatly to clients feeling that they are receiving the best possible legal advice.'
- 'High level of commitment, constant availability, respectful and pleasant manner.'
- 'Excellent legal expertise combined with a deep understanding of our business models.'
Key clients
- Axel Springer Deutschland GmbH
- Business Insider Deutschland GmbH
- Discovery Communications Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG ProSieben/SevenOneEntertainment RTL Televsion WeltN24
- dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
- Seven.One Entertainment Group GmbH
- Ströer Digital Publishing
- Wort & Bild Verlag GmbH & Co. KG
Work highlights
Led the defence of reporting on the Sylt scandal, including on the admissibility of identifying Bild in connection with this reporting.
Acted for fact checker dpa-Infocom when it was challenged by achgut.de.
Represented P7S1 Media SE in media and competition law proceeding against the BDGU regarding gambling commercials on TV.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Stefan Engels
Other key lawyers
Michael Stulz-Herrnstadt; Beatrice Brunn; Anika Kruse